Making a Great Game Takes Time

by John Hardin

Wonacott client Creative Kingdom Inc., started with a big idea in 2009. They built Planet Cyrene, a game within Mindark's virtual world, Entropia Universe, that hinges on a real cash economy. What's a "real cash economy," you ask? It's just like it sounds. Players spend real-world money to buy in-game items. By extension, and this is where Entropia Universe stands out, it means that players can also make real-world money by selling in-game items. Planet Cyrene's twist on this was adding in player-versus-player (PvP) elements to the massively multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS). 

SG Interactive Takes Nisemonogatari to the Links in Pangya United

by John Hardin

We love a good crossover and so does (Wonacott client) SG Interactive, which just launched a set of items for its golf MMO, Pangya United, from the popular anime (that's Japanese animation for the laypersons out there...) series, "Nisemonogatari." Leading anime news site Anime News Network has all the details of the partnership, and if you're looking to take the clubs out for a spin, Pangya is free to play!

Online Entertainment Insider - March 23, 2012

by John Hardin

There's a plague going around the office, and I'm not talking about the one that's causing me to take Dayquil on regular intervals. OMGPOP's mobile Pictionary game, Draw Something, is infecting the whole office, with noticeable symptoms of quizzical looks and fits of laughter. The game also attracted some pretty notable attention - Zynga snapped up the developer for a cool $200 million this week.

Superheroes get Super Score in Superplay Games’ Sky Defenders

by John Hardin

Wonacott client Superplay Games tilted its way to success with its newly released iOS title, Sky Defenders. The game received 4 out of 5 stars from app review site 148Apps and earned praise for its brilliant graphics and solid tilt controls. So if you’ve ever had dreams of being a superhero, check it out on iTunes!

Stunts: There’s a Fine Line Between Brilliant and Boneheaded

by John Hardin

One of the most creative (and challenging) aspects of public relations is coming up with attention-getting stunts that turn the heads of press and consumers. Stunts can be a great opportunity to showcase a company, brand or product, and under perfect conditions they represent a masterful blend of marketing strategies and are fun to boot. However, there’s always a risk of going too far, not connecting the stunt to the product, alienating your target audience and more, and a lot of companies fail to stay on the right side of that line.

How Games Publishers Can Capitalize on iPhone Versions

by John Hardin

Or 
“How Capcom Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Mobile Games”

The title of this entry is taken from Capcom’s DS and iOS game, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. It is a creative puzzle game that leads players on an “interactive mystery” to catch their murderer, allowing them to manipulate inanimate objects to find clues and change the fate of other people involved in the killing. GTPD, with its unique gameplay and storytelling techniques, was released for the DS in January 2011 to critical accolades and uninspired sales.

Wait, uninspired sales? 

CES the j5create Way (and the value of Unveiled)

by John Hardin

Last week I had the chance to dust off the fancy clothes in my closet and head out to the glorious Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Oh, and while I was there, they let me attend this little show called the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). 

Let me back up a little bit. Wonacott client j5create, which makes a line of PC and Mac cross-platform transfer and KM switches (technospeak for “awesome”), was debuting new products for their sophomore year at CES, and needed some help managing press appointments. Luckily I was the chosen one to help j5create navigate the crowds at the show, and after months of preparation, I found myself in Las Vegas last Saturday...

Video is Great, but Showing Restraint is Better!

by John Hardin

I watched the Spike TV Video Game Awards (VGAs) a few weekends ago. They’ve become an annual TV event for gamers, much like the Emmys or Oscars are to TV and movie fans, respectively. But as is the case with the Superbowl, the vast majority of viewers are tuned in not for the awards, the eclectic nerd-themed interstitials or the less-than-A-list celebrities, but for the highly coveted commercial space available in the form of “Exclusive Trailers” for upcoming 2012 titles.

Online Entertainment Insider - Dec. 2, 2011

by John Hardin

Did you know that in addition to a brand new kick-ass blog, that we also have a weekly newsletter? Delivered to your inbox every Friday, the Online Entertainment Insider is dedicated solely to bringing you the latest news, features and other nuggets from the world of online interactive and social entertainment. What's that you say? "How much would such an amazing service cost me," you ask? It's absolutley free! You can sign up for the email newsletter here or you can read it every week on the Wonablog. Hit the break to read the rest of what's important from this week's Online Entertainment Insider...