Windows 8 Opporunity for Freemium Games – Is there really any?
So you better fill yourself in by understanding the latest for what opportunities are available to you for porting your iOS or Android game and services to boost your success.
So what opportunity is there, really?
Let’s talk installs. Last week at CES (Jan 8th to be exact) Microsoft revealed that they have sold 60 Million copies of windows 8 since their release in October.
In their first 2 months alone, they’ve also surpassed 100 million app downloads. When it comes to monetization, Microsoft is leveraging its huge bank of credit card accounts built through Xbox live memberships, Zune (yes remember that device?), etc.. Additionally, Microsoft has their own ad product and are allowing third party payment and ad services. Limited support is currently available.
Getting your App(s) on the windows store.
Microsoft is currently embracing third party development tools such as: Unity, Game Salad, Unreal, Marmelade, and DirectX (using the Sharp DX wrapper).
While Unity 4 hasn’t ‘officially lanuched yet’ it is available to purchase by all developers. But unfortunately, Unity 4 is not backwards compatible. Microsoft is also providing full integration into Windows 8 as part of its collaboration with Unity.
While most games will mainly run in full screen mode, there is an advantage for Windows 8 games in the form of consistent interaction with the user. Such interaction includes using a live tile, pinning secondary activities for your game to the OS, search and share contacts that you can publish (makes it easier to interchange data with them, games might share tournaments using this functionality), and search is built right into the OS so apps can listen to search on computer and respond with recommendations from the apps.
So what’s next?
Many companies such as W3i, Localytics,and more are offering their own SDK’s and platforms to assist in the porting and development process.
- Windows 8 Operating System Design
Kevin is an Online and Mobile Marketing Strategist who has worked with companies of all sizes over the last 6 years. You can follow Kevin on any of the social platforms below.
