Location, Location, Location (Location-Based Games)
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Mobile games have become an innovative platform with the advancement of Smartphone technology. With Smartphones being widely adopted in the world, it’s no wonder that mobile companies are maximizing on existing mobile features in order to stand out in a crowd of releases apps. With the growing infrastructure of social integration on Smartphones (Facebook, Twitter, SMS, Foursquare, etc), and the popularity of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games), it makes perfect sense for mobile game developers to combine the two.
Toronto based Massive Damage Inc has created Please Stay Calm, one of the world’s first true location based MMORPGS with a zombie flavour. Using the information gathered on your Smartphone, the app is able to determine who is playing the game near your location, identify your neighbourhood or surroundings and allow you to socialize with others all with the goal of having fun and surviving a zombie apocalypse. Check out their trailer!
XConnect has an exclusive interview with Ken Seto, co-founder of Massive Damage who explains the process of creating the game and how this game stands out in the complex mobile app space.
“We wanted to revolutionize the massive multiplayer space on mobile” Mr. Seto explained on what him and his team wanted to accomplish. Click here for the interview with Co-Founder of XConnect, Karim Kanji.
But perhaps you’re more of the pacifist type and prefer to run away from Zombies instead of battling them. Look no further than Zombies, Run! by Six to Start. This location based game incorporates the GPS system in a fun and innovative way as well. Under the shell of game, at its core, it is a fitness app. While running, you’ll encounter zombies which you need to get away from. The phone’s GPS will track your speed and you’ll hear beeps quicken as zombies move closer or beeps slow down as you’ve outrun them. Between the engaging story and game play, you’ll be running yourself away from zombies and into a healthy lifestyle.
Mobile Games are not the only ones using location-based technology. Companies such as Nintendo has long been using a system called “Street Pass”. This technology detects players who are in their range of play, so that you can connect with those who are physically around you. Games such as Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition on the 3DS incorporate a game mechanic where two players preset their teams and will compete against other people who have their 3DS on them, even if they are not actively playing at the moment. When the user opens their system, they will see whether they have won or lost. This encourages users to bring their portable device whereever they go and is a unique way of interacting with other gamers.
The major draw of location-based mobile games is that it is progressive and reflects current surroundings in real time, making it hit closer to home. Literally. As Mr. Seto notes in his interview with XConnect, “There is nothing more persistent than the real world”.
Join us on August 29th at our live event as we discuss with Ken Seto – along with others who are makings waves in the Gaming community in Toronto new movements in the space, past and current successes, challenges and horror stories and opportunities. Register now to secure your spot!
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