Quote:
Originally Posted by Trezker  This is something I need answers to. Just replace music with computer games, programming libraries etc.
Currently I feel that games generally doesn't do much good for people, they're mostly time killers.
But at the same time I know gaming has been a part of humanity for thousands of years, it's deeply connected with our evolution. But I don't know how to explain why gaming is important and valuable, if I did it would give it purpose. |
When I started asking those questions as a game developer, it gave me lots of ideas for ways I could better serve people.
I switched from arcade-style games to more cerebral puzzle games, so they gave people a mental challenge and were not a waste of time. I read research that demonstrated seniors could stave off mental degeneration by playing logic puzzle games regularly to keep their minds sharp. I promoted games based on their mental challenge.
I focused more on nonviolent games -- more thinking and creative problem-solving, less shooting.
I added a level editor to my games, so players could express their own creativity. I was utterly amazed by people's ingenuity. I later released a "gold" version of one of my games where most of the levels were created by fans. I provided free game tips and level design tips in my newsletter.
I added a forum to my website where players could post and exchange levels. Later I opened the forum to other game developers, so even my so-called competitors could come together to help each other grow their businesses.
I started writing articles and speaking at conferences to share what I learned with other developers.
I started publishing other developers' games to help them get more business and income and to introduce interesting new games to my customers.
Even though I wasn't focused on the money, my income went from barely scraping by to earning 5 figures a month as I did this. A focus on increasing your service really pays off.