a) "outgrown" RPG/Board games
b) no longer really talk with those friends/family anymore (possibly due to a lack of whatever I'm offering as a product. Should've thought about this sooner, could've saved so many friendships.)
c) have new groups they play these games with
d) are satisfied with the solutions already out there (Table Top Simulator, Roll20, etc.)
What: The need I've identified differs from the need to play online games with friends/family in the way that RPGs or Social Deduction games differ from, say, a first person shooter game. People can play online with friends in games like Battlefield or Minecraft, but they do not appeal to the same wants as a RPG. Not to say that they're bad games, but they offer a different kind of entertainment. However, some people are satisfied with those different games as a means of mutual entertainment with old friends/family.
Why: The underlying cause of those within the boundary could be a desire to stay close with everyone they once knew (may be a bit too broad of an answer, but the point gets across). The people outside of the boundary might be alright with parting with an old friend/family member, or they may be ok with seeing them once a year whenever they're in the same town. This sounds harsh, but it's completely understandable, you can't keep up with everyone you've ever known.
The reason that some people may be satisfied with the solutions already out there is either that they are good with technology, or they have the patience to learn the program. And more power to them. People within my boundary may just be looking for the ease of play that sitting around a table with a book of rules and a funny wizard hat offers.
| Inside the Boundary | Outside the Boundary |
| Those that want to keep up with distant family/friends by playing RPG/Board games and aren't satisfied with the solutions out there | Those that have made a new group locally to play RPG/Board games with, or are satisfied with the online solutions out there |
| The need is the ability to play RPG games with each other online | The need is not the ability to play ANY online game with each other. Xbox and everything pretty much has that covered |
| People want to remain close with their old group of friends by playing RPGs | People just want to play RPGs in general, in which case, just make another WOW. Woohoo Less work/cheaper/portable when online Pausable gameplay Basically all the benefits that being on a computer has to offer |
To anyone reading/commenting: do you think I've backed myself into too niche of a market? Any ideas on how I can expand my idea a little?
Hey Kyle,
ReplyDeleteI can see that you have thoroughly conducted some great interviews from the feedback and information you have provided. Why do you think people choose "a first person shooter game" as one of their top choices? What do you think draws people to like games such as this one? Perhaps, you could have some games that are similar to the exercise and group activities that you could play on a system, such as the Wii, and incorporate those into your opportunity. Overall, great job!
Hello Kyle,
ReplyDeleteFrom reading your blog post I can see that you have your whos, whats and whys very detailed and marked down. However, I believe you may be making and assumption in your why, which is that people wish to stay close to distant friends or family member and then chooses to play the RPG or Board game when I believe the opposite is correct. Great job otherwise!