Ultrahorse Entertainment: Revolutionizing Cross-Platform Gaming
In a groundbreaking move, Ultrahorse Entertainment has recently emerged from stealth mode to unveil its highly anticipated multiplayer side-scroller shooter game, SquadBlast. The team at Ultrahorse has dedicated their efforts to crafting an exceptional multiplayer experience with cross-platform capabilities as its core focus. In this informative post, Ultrahorse shares their extensive knowledge and expertise in game development amidst the ever-changing landscape of the industry.
The Changing Landscape of the Gaming Industry
The gaming industry has undergone significant shifts in recent months, leaving many in a constant state of anticipation. The scale of these changes is so vast that it defies concise summary. Fortunately, as a seasoned team with decades of experience, we have not only adapted to new business models but have also identified emerging patterns that shape the industry. And now, we feel compelled to share our insights on how gaming business models are evolving.
A Shift Towards Cross-Platform and Direct-to-Consumer Models
In part one of our series, we delve into the advantages of cross-platform gaming, the challenges of porting between platforms, and strategies to alleviate player frustration. Stay tuned for part two, where we will explore the next generation of games in even greater detail.
Embracing Cross-Platform Gaming
Traditionally, game distribution has relied on standard business models such as in-app purchases, advertisements, subscriptions, and paid content. However, these models have proven to be less sustainable in the long run. At Ultrahorse, we remember a time when web-based gaming was wild and monetization solutions were crafted without constraints. Today, the so-called “modern” models and associated platform fees feel dated and limiting, hindering the growth and profitability of game developers.
Looking at successful gaming platforms like Steam, Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, it becomes clear that breaking free from traditional platforms is essential to unlocking innovative game commerce models. This is why Ultrahorse made the strategic decision to prioritize cross-platform development from day one.
The Power of Direct-to-Consumer Approach
For us, cross-platform gaming goes beyond scaling user experiences across different devices. It is about carefully crafting game commerce models. We believe that a direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach is the key to accessing new opportunities and maximizing revenue potential. By owning our player base and exploring new business models, we can offer creator payouts, collaborate with brands, and capitalize on untapped revenue streams.
Advantages of Cross-Platform Development
Cross-platform development brings various benefits to game developers. Firstly, it enhances marketability by allowing creators to promote their games on all platforms and enabling friends to connect across different gaming platforms. This significantly improves discoverability and extends the reach of a game, facilitating virality and player acquisition.
Additionally, cross-platform development streamlines marketing strategies, as developers can execute a single campaign to target a broader audience. This approach proves resilient even in the face of ecosystem shifts, such as changes to IDFA or instability in marketing platforms.
Challenges of Porting Between Platforms
Porting games between platforms presents unique challenges, including adapting to different control schemes, adjusting UI/HUD resolutions, and overcoming technological constraints. However, with unwavering patience and meticulous attention to detail, these obstacles can be overcome.
A Glimpse into the Future
As industry veterans, we foresaw the imminent shift in the gaming landscape, prompting us to develop SquadBlast as a cross-platform game. But our vision extended beyond game development – we aimed to revolutionize game commerce models. By adopting a direct-to-consumer approach, we empower ourselves to redefine the gaming experience and explore new avenues of profitability.
Stay tuned for the second part of our deep dive into the next generation of games, where we will delve into cutting-edge strategies and industry insights. The future of gaming is at the convergence of cross-platform and direct-to-consumer models, and Ultrahorse Entertainment is proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.