Objective: Level setting about the current state of video game platforms and marketplaces.
Use material from Chapter 12: Gaming Technology Platforms
Visit 2 different game marketplaces: Steam (store.steampowered.com) and one of its major competitors like the Epic Games Store, itch.io, or GOG. Take note of what is shown on the main page. How is content featured, and how would you as a player navigate the store?
For each marketplace you visit, complete the following tasks:
Note what attracts your attention first.
Did it catch your eye because of art, animation, or text? Did you receive a popup or other targeted advertisement? Is there a special event going on right now?
Look for popular content.
Where on the page would you find bestsellers and other trending charts?
Look for limited time offers, like a sale.
Are they prominently featured, or do you have to dig for them?
Look for the newest content on the page.
Is it easy to tell when the game(s) have come out? Does it matter?
Differentiate algorithmic versus curated placement.
Which parts of the store do you think a human put together? Which parts do you think are driven by algorithmic recommendations or stats-driven eporting?
Explore the store categories.
How does this marketplace divide its content? Do the categories resonate with you? If you were looking for a game, where would you go next?
Once you’ve visited at least 2 marketplaces, reflect on the following prompts:
Suitability
How relevant do the games shown seem to your interests, and how much work would it take to get to games you’d be interested in? Where would you want your game featured, if you were shipping a new game? Which platform? Which part of that platform?
Market Saturation
How do you think players are making a decision with so many choices available to them right now? What information stands out to you, and what does that tell you about what’s important when positioning your game?
