“The only way to put out a social-media fire is with social-media water.”
WHAT IS A SOCIAL NETWORK GAME?
A social network game is a type of online game that is played through social networks and typically features multiplier and asynchronous gameplay mechanics. Social network games are most often implemented as browser games, but can also be implemented on other platforms such as mobile devices. Social network games are amongst the most popular games played in the world, with several products with tens of millions of players.
TECHNOLOGY & PLATFORMS
A social network video game can be created with any number of traditional video game technologies, however the majority are implemented in Adobe Flash,PHP or Javascript. Some games may use a combination of these technologies. In some instances a Gamification aspect has been conjoined to a Social Networking Game to make technology more engaging by encouraging users to engage in desired behaviors and to solve problems by taking advantage of human’s psychological predisposition to engage in gaming.
A social network game is often played via a Web Browser, though they are distinct from browser based games in the way they leverage the player’s social graph and individual user data that is hosted on the social network.
Distinct Features
● Asynchronous gameplay
● Community
● No victory conditions
● Virtual currency
What is the Social Network Game Development Industry?
Companies in this industry develop video games played on a social network platform. This includes websites such as Facebook and smartphone applications. The games developed within this industry are free to play and do not require the user to own any software or console to participate. Companies earn revenue through the sale of virtual goods within a game and also via advertisements. The Social Network Game Development industry is a fairly new research area that was established in 2007.
INDUSTRY PRODUCTS
1) Role Playing Games:
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting or through a process of structured decision-making or character development. Actions taken within many games succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines.
2) PUZZLE GAMES:
Puzzle video games are a genre of video games that emphasize puzzle solving. The types of puzzles to be solved can test many problem solving skills including logic, strategy, pattern recognition, sequence solving, and word completion.
INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES
● Researching target demographics
● Developing social network games
● Maintaining social network games
● Expanding existing social network games
● Contracting third-party advertisers to reach target demographics
NAMES OF INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL NETWORKING GAMES AND DEVELOPMENT:
1) University of Ontario Institute of Technology