Why engagement is the key to mobile gaming success - with Fuel founder Alan Price

I'm old enough to remember Marathon - one of the first (and best) multiplayer shoot 'em up games for the Mac back in the 90's. The company I was a partner at would stay late after work and even show up on weekends to play against each other. This left a lasting impression on me as I set out from that company and it is a premise that our guest, Alan Price, used as the basis for his new company, Fuel. Fuel helps bring the multiplayer to games because, as I found out all those years ago and countless new generation of gamers find out every single day, playing games together is more fun than playing them alone. This goes for console games, computer games and mobile games. In fact, as we discuss in this episode, it may be the one thing that brings longevity to games that otherwise would fade away much faster. Mobile gaming is a tough business because it is so competitive which makes engagement one of the - if not THE - single most important aspects of the game. It brings people back more often, keeps them in the game longer and makes the viral opportunity more realistic. Don't take my word for it, take it from the guy that helped EA build some of their greatest franchises based on this very concept. Full show notes can be found here.