IN THE LOOP with kapital k // W23 of 2023
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Week 23 of 2023. Here are the top five headlines and fundraising announcements + a collection of content from independent creators that you missed this week!
Apple // Apple Vision Pro Launch — link
Summary: Apple has announced the introduction of Apple Vision Pro, a new technology aimed at revolutionizing the gaming and augmented reality (AR) experiences on its devices. Apple Vision Pro combines advanced sensors, machine learning capabilities, and powerful processors to deliver immersive gaming visuals, enhanced object recognition, and seamless AR interactions.
Analysis: The introduction of Apple Vision Pro demonstrates Apple's commitment to advancing the gaming and AR capabilities of its devices. With this new technology, Apple aims to provide gamers and AR enthusiasts with more realistic and immersive experiences, leveraging the power of machine learning and advanced sensors.
This development has significant implications for the gaming ecosystem, as it opens up possibilities for developers to create more visually stunning and interactive games. For gaming venture capital firms, this highlights the importance of keeping an eye on advancements in hardware and software technologies that can shape the future of gaming and AR. This introduces not only an expansion of Apple’s existing App Store but also a foray into a whole new platform. A peculiar point that should be addressed is whether or not this VisionOS operates under the current App Store economics or more like MacOS with its shorter-walled gardens.Savvy Games Group // What is Savvy Games Group and how is it trying to change Saudi Arabia's image? — link
Summary: Savvy Games Group is a Saudi Arabian gaming company focused on promoting a positive image of Saudi Arabia through the development of culturally rich and engaging video games. The company aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase the country's rich heritage and modern advancements through its games.
Analysis: Savvy Games Group's efforts to change Saudi Arabia's image through video games align with the growing trend of using gaming as a medium for cultural expression and representation. By developing games that highlight Saudi Arabia's heritage and modern achievements, the company aims to challenge misconceptions and foster a more positive perception of the country.
This initiative has the potential to not only contribute to the diversification and growth of the Saudi gaming industry but also attract international attention and investment. Gaming venture capital firms should consider the opportunities in gaming experiences that exemplifies cultural understandings and reshape narratives. Investing in such companies can not only drive positive social impact but also tap into the growing market demand for culturally diverse and inclusive gaming experiences.
Twitch // Twitch backtracks on branded content changes after streamer backlash — link
Summary: Twitch has reversed its decision to implement changes to its branded content rules following a backlash from streamers. The proposed changes would have required streamers to disclose paid promotions, even if they were not directly related to Twitch. The decision to backtrack on these changes came after concerns were raised about the potential impact on streamers' creative freedom and additional burdens of disclosure.
Analysis: Twitch's decision to backtrack on the proposed changes to its branded content rules demonstrates the platform's responsiveness to the concerns and feedback from its streamer community. This move acknowledges the importance of maintaining a balance between transparency and streamers' ability to engage in creative partnerships and collaborations. More importantly, it marks a shift in power dynamics between platform and content creator since there are numerous distribution channels such as YouTube Gaming and the up-and-coming Kick
From a gaming venture capital perspective, this incident highlights the significance of understanding the needs and perspectives of content creators and streamers. Supporting platforms that prioritize open dialogue, transparency, and the creative freedom of their users can contribute to a more sustainable and mutually beneficial ecosystem. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships with streamers and content creators when considering investments in the gaming and live streaming space. Also be mindful that streamers standing behind a single cause resembles a union. Granted streamers aren’t considered employees and barely even contractors to the streaming platforms but perhaps a new classification is warranted for content creators on platforms.
Venturebeat // Why video game film adaptations used to suck and don’t anymore | Uwe Boll interview — link
Summary: In an interview with Uwe Boll, a filmmaker known for directing video game film adaptations, he discusses why video game film adaptations used to receive negative reception and how the landscape has changed. Boll attributes the past failures to rushed production schedules and lack of understanding of the source material, while highlighting recent successes like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Detective Pikachu" that have embraced the essence of the games and resonated with audiences.
Analysis: The interview with Uwe Boll sheds light on the evolution of video game film adaptations and the factors that have contributed to their improved quality. Boll's insights suggest that a shift has occurred in the industry, where filmmakers are taking more time to understand and respect the source material, resulting in better adaptations.
This has positive implications for the gaming industry as it opens up new avenues for storytelling and expands the reach of beloved game franchises. For gaming venture capital firms, this highlights the potential for partnerships and investments in the realm of video game film adaptations, as the success of recent projects demonstrates the growing market demand for well-crafted adaptations that capture the essence of beloved game worlds. The platform-atization of IPs is becoming the defacto outcome for any successful IP. Initially, it was building sequels to the original IP, now its enabling UGC on the IP.
PockerGamer.biz, GamesIndustry.biz // A look at China, Vietnam, and MENA place in the gaming industry — link link link link
China's gaming market has surged to become the largest worldwide, reaching $45.5 billion in 2022, fueled by mobile gaming and the rise of esports. Forecasts indicate continued growth, with an estimated value of $57 billion by 2027. Additionally, Vietnam has emerged as a burgeoning hub for game development, offering a thriving ecosystem, government support, and skilled developers. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, gaming revenue is projected to approach $6 billion by 2027, driven by factors like smartphone penetration, increased disposable incomes, and growing interest in gaming and esports. These regions present promising opportunities for the gaming industry's expansion while posing a real threat to the western markets.
Analysis: The data and forecasts highlight the significant growth opportunities and potential in various regions of the gaming industry. China's dominance as the largest gaming market underscores the importance of the mobile gaming sector and the influence of esports.
Vietnam's emergence as a game development hub suggests the potential for partnerships and investments in the region. The favorable government policies and the availability of skilled talent make Vietnam an attractive destination to deploy capital.
The projected growth in the MENA gaming market indicates a rising demand for gaming experiences in the region. This presents investment opportunities for gaming venture capital firms to support the development of localized content, gaming infrastructure, and esports ecosystems in the MENA region.
Overall, these trends indicate the global expansion and diversification of the gaming industry, with different regions presenting unique growth opportunities. Gaming venture capital firms should consider these regional dynamics and market trends when formulating investment strategies and exploring potential partnerships.
Don’t miss out on next week’s IN THE LOOP w/ kapital k.
1kx Network // “The Summit” a gathering of 54 onchain builders — link
HeyLukeGibsom // More Info About “The Summit” — link
Calcutat // Thread on Autonomous Worlds Required Reading — link
Dmstfctn // Large Lore Models — link
JonWu_ // Challenging The Premise of Play-to-Earn — link
thecoreloop // Wassie’s Alpha Gaming Metaverse Expedition (WAGME) — link
Newzoo // Transmedia in Games: Trends, Success Factors, Market Insights — link
Mobile Dev Memo // Unpacking Amazon’s Ad-supported Streaming — link
Mobile Dev Memo // Did Apple Kill Fingerprinting with Privacy Manifests? — link
Naavik // Roblox Brings Scarcity to UGC — link
Naavik // Sony’s Live Service Gamble — link
Superjoost Playlist // Eyes Wide Shut — link
StreamElements // Stream Charts & New Streaming Platform Kick — link
Deconstructor of Fun // In Conversation: The Secret Science of Games
Naavik // Can Esport Leagues Be Profitable?
Naavik // Building an RPG for Web3 with Azra Games
Game Maker’s Notebook // Creating the “Gamiest Game” in Neon White
Deconstructor of Fun // TWiG 235: Apple Vision Pro, Diablo IV, Privacy Manifests
Beyond Games // Behind Massive Screens, Data Science
GamesIndustry.biz Microcast // Can Cloud Gaming Change The Industry?
HyperPlay // $12M // Web3 // Infra — Cross-chain web3 game launcher.
Investors: Griffin Gaming Partners, Bitkraft Ventures, ConsenSys, Ethereal Ventures, Delphi Digital, Game7, Mirana Ventures, Monoceros Ventures
Argus // $10M // Web3 // Infra — creator of World Engine, an SDK that helps developers build their own blockchain-based gaming ecosystems.
Investors: Haun Ventures, Robot Ventures, Anagram, Dispersion Capital, Alchemy, Balaji Srinivasan
Proxima // $1.6M // Web2 // Studio — Lumari is a social sandbox adventure game that appears to be a cross between Animal Crossing, Pokémon and Minecraft.
Investors: London Venture Partners, Konvoy Ventures, Progression Fund, Valhalla Ventures, Maveron LLC, Artichoke Capital
Spektra // $1.25M // Web2 // Studio — Maker of mobile racing and simulation games.
Investors: Ludus Ventures, The Games Fund, Alfa Games & Partners
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h/t to thecoreloop contributors: @0xkapital_k @chng_raymond @cloudxgmf @wassiecapital @iandaog @playtern
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