The Seven Needs of Real-Time Curators and the Difference in Value Perception in Consumer Games and Social Games

The Seven Needs of Real-Time Curators and the Difference in Value Perception in Consumer Games and Social Games

In the world of blogging, curation was the norm for Web 1.0. Curators were like information chemists, mixing atoms together to create valuable info-molecules. However, with the rise of real-time tools and platforms like Google Buzz, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, curators have been left without the necessary tools to efficiently do their work.

One of the primary needs of real-time curators is the ability to bundle information. They need a way to organize atoms from various real-time streams into sub-bundles. This would allow them to extract valuable insights and present them in a cohesive manner. Unfortunately, the current tools and systems lack this feature.

Another crucial need for real-time curators is the ability to reorder things. In the fast-paced world of real-time information, being able to prioritize and rearrange content is essential. This would enable curators to present information in a logical and meaningful way, ensuring that their audience gets the most value out of it.

Furthermore, real-time curators need the ability to distribute their bundles effectively. A curation tool should be smart enough to understand the target audience and provide previews of how the bundle will be distributed across different platforms. This would allow curators to reach the right audience and maximize the impact of their work.

In addition to bundling, reordering, and distribution, real-time curators also need the ability to editorialize. They should be able to add their own insights, opinions, and commentary to the curated content. This adds value and context, making the information more valuable to the audience.

Furthermore, curators need to be able to update their bundles. Real-time information is constantly evolving, and curators need to ensure that their curated content stays up to date. This requires tools that allow for easy updating and syncing with the original sources.

Another aspect that real-time curators need to consider is audience participation. They should have access to various widgets and tools that encourage audience engagement and participation. This could include features like polls, comments, and sharing options.

Lastly, real-time curators need a way to track their audience. They need a system that allows them to monitor and analyze the impact of their curated content. This data can help curators understand their audience better and improve their curation strategies.

Now, let's shift our focus to the difference in value perception between consumer games and social games. In a note by "かえるD", it is highlighted that there are three main gaps when it comes to the perspective of consumers towards social games.

Firstly, the business scope becomes part of the game design in social games. Unlike consumer games, where the focus is primarily on the gameplay and user experience, social games integrate the business aspect into the game design. This is because social games heavily rely on user acquisition and monetization through in-game purchases.

Secondly, there is the concept of alpha games in social games. Alpha games are designed to provide a sense of pleasure and satisfaction by becoming the top player in a group. This triggers the release of dopamine and adrenaline, creating a pleasurable state. This alpha state is achieved by reaching the top of the hierarchy within a group, similar to how alpha individuals in nature experience the same hormonal response.

Lastly, social games prioritize the conversion of beginner users into intermediate or advanced players. The focus is on nurturing and developing users to keep them engaged and motivated to progress in the game. This differs from consumer games, where the focus is on creating an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.

When alpha games and the freemium monetization model are combined, a phenomenon called "PayToWin" emerges. This refers to the situation where players who spend money on in-game purchases gain a significant advantage over non-paying players. Game design in social games needs to strike a balance between providing an enjoyable experience for all players, regardless of their spending habits.

The directors and teams behind social games are motivated by the business aspect. The success of an online social game is dependent on its revenue generation. If a game fails to generate enough revenue, it becomes unsustainable, leading to the discontinuation of events, updates, and eventually the shutdown of the game servers.

In contrast, consumer games have a different focus. They aim to provide a complete and immersive gaming experience, often with a one-time purchase model. The motivation behind consumer games is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for the players, rather than solely focusing on revenue generation.

In conclusion, real-time curators require tools that allow them to bundle, reorder, distribute, editorialize, update, add participation widgets, and track their audience. These features would greatly enhance their ability to curate valuable information in a fast-paced, real-time environment.

On the other hand, the difference in value perception between consumer games and social games lies in the integration of the business scope into game design, the concept of alpha games, and the focus on user conversion and monetization in social games. Understanding these differences is crucial for game developers and designers to create successful and engaging gaming experiences.

Three actionable advice for real-time curators:

1. Explore and experiment with different curation tools and platforms to find the ones that best meet your needs. There are various tools available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Find the ones that align with your workflow and optimize your curation process.
2. Stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the field of real-time information. The landscape is constantly evolving, and new tools and technologies are being introduced regularly. By staying informed, you can adapt your curation strategies and stay ahead of the curve.
3. Engage with your audience and seek feedback. Building a community around your curated content can enhance its value and impact. Encourage your audience to participate, share their thoughts, and provide suggestions. This will not only improve your curated content but also foster a sense of community and collaboration.

In summary, real-time curators need specific tools and features to efficiently curate information, while the value perception in consumer games and social games differs in terms of business integration, alpha games, and user conversion. By understanding these needs and differences, both curators and game developers can improve their respective practices and create more impactful experiences.