I wrote a special editorial for Gamezebo on the topic of how Facebook is the Napster of the games industry. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy - but just hear me out. Social Networks are super-extra-mega-major transformative technology platform that really do threaten traditional (online and offline) games. I’m sure you’ll find it interesting, so hop over to Gamezebo and check it out.
Mary Jane Irwin, reigning doyenne of the game business press takes a deep dive into the Funware space with this breathtaking article about the future of games. It’s a very interesting article and I think you’ll especially appreciate the slideshow. W00T, MJ!
I frequently reference a research study that endeavored to quantify the preference of women vs men for 3D and 2D entertainment. People keep asking me about the link to the research, and I realized that I had not yet posted it. So, here it is: Siggraph ACM Research
Although I’ll let you read the research yourself, the summary is that women really prefer 2D vs 3D games. Men prefer the reverse. Surprised? 
The success of Funware (deliberate and unintentional) applications also clearly illustrates the point when compared against MMOGs of the traditional, 3D kind. I know, it’s weird to compare the usage of a social network to an MMOG, but I think the point is obvious: more people like to play Facebook than all the MMOGs in the Western World put together. Why do you suppose that is?
Although 2D is but a part of the equation, I think it’s an interesting element.
Dean Takahashi, well-respected and insightful reporter at Venture Beat just wrote a fascinating article on Funware, its threat to traditional videogames, and the opportunities for the industry. It also talks a little bit about rmbr and a number of other game industry luminaries who have strong opinons on the subject.
Please to enjoy!
Researchers at the University of Washington (et al) have developed a new game that makes it fun to fold proteins! It’s not just spare silicon processors they’re after - it’s spare grey matter cycles! And what better way to get you to give science a few downtime minutes of your brain power then to create a game!
Yeah, it sounds like a really good time, doesn’t it? I have to admit that although this app technically qualifies as Funware, I’m not sure if I’m smart enough to play it appropriately. I’d love to hear from folks that actually like to fold proteins on what they think of the game.
Calling all bionerds!
Well, response to our launch of rmbrME has been fantastic! Lots of awesome bloggers have covered it, and most people think the concept is cool. Check out a quick smattering of our media coverage:
http://mashable.com/2008/05/06/rmbrme/
http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9938491-2.html
http://www.smstextnews.com/2008/05/frankie_do_you_rmbrme.html
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2008/05/07/rmbrme-share-social-network-info-via-sms/
http://www.killerstartups.com/Social-Networking/rmbrMEcom—Social-Networking-from-Your-Cell-Phone/
I’ll update this post periodically to keep it updated.
Haven’t you always wanted a better way to “friend” people you meet in real time? Consider: the business card is wasteful and requires data entry post-meeting. Writing down a number leaves you prone to losing the scrap of paper. And entering phone numbers (or, GASP! whole address book entries) in real time after a meet-up will leave you scratching your head (”Who’s that?”) or punching the air (”God, that took forever”).
Besides, it’s an unavoidable conclusion that meeting people in real-life, and making new friends (activity partners, etc) is one of the world’s oldest games, and its most enjoyable. Most of the people who say they don’t play games (or get accused of doing so), actually relish this little bit of entertainment.
So, it’s with great excitement that we announce the launch of rmbrME. rmbrME gives you the power to send a socially-networked friend request to anyone you meet in real life using just SMS. When you meet someone in real life, simply send their phone number or email address to 762763 (RMBRME) and they will receive an instant invitation to connect to you on any/every social network (FB, Myspace, Linkedin, etc) you choose. The services works with all mobile phones, carriers and social networks and requires no downloads or subscriptions.
You can now check out the site at rmbrME.com and sign up for your account. Let us know what you think! I’ll update the blog periodically with news coverage of our launch and more info about the site. There’s also a ton of additional Funware news to come, so stay tuned!