[2009-08-27 16:00:12] Hoi hoi [2009-08-27 16:00:38] Okay, quick reminder - if you have questions just type in "/msg ada [type your question here]" -- minus the "" and []s [2009-08-27 16:00:50] first question [2009-08-27 16:00:51] I would like to ask is if they could give some rough numbers on how many item purchases with coins their SAS2 game has seen? [2009-08-27 16:01:05] -->| mochi_user (i=565ae124@gateway/web/freenode/x-fzawtasxyhhkqfdg) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:01:34] OK digging that one up :) [2009-08-27 16:01:37] -->| Happyfat (i=4d61b810@gateway/web/freenode/x-lodfjtnfqibnzvrs) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:01:38] -->| Gordon (i=4b5ca702@gateway/web/freenode/x-pqenmrkplskkgmnu) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:02:06] While you're there - Can you share your play to purchase ratio? [2009-08-27 16:02:07] =-= Gordon is now known as Guest16709 [2009-08-27 16:02:35] right [2009-08-27 16:02:36] -->| Zyzic (i=4a7e0437@gateway/web/freenode/x-mgevsgpfgbrfozew) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:02:56] here are some numbers [2009-08-27 16:03:23] 237000 item purchases [2009-08-27 16:03:27] haha [2009-08-27 16:03:44] 220000 are free items [2009-08-27 16:03:50] nades and free rifle [2009-08-27 16:04:05]

ARPU please :) [2009-08-27 16:04:10] so 17000 paid purchases it seems [2009-08-27 16:04:16] jeez [2009-08-27 16:04:29] How do you want that cut up [2009-08-27 16:04:58] you mean ARPU on paying uniques? [2009-08-27 16:05:10] How about total ARPU and ARPPU? [2009-08-27 16:05:16] If you're comfortable sharing that [2009-08-27 16:05:36] might have to come back to you on that David, I don't want to spend the whole time doing calculations it might get a bit too disjointed and paus-ey [2009-08-27 16:06:02] I'm happy to give you some more concrete numbers for Ada's chat summary praps [2009-08-27 16:06:08] -->| nickds (i=5cea4b8e@gateway/web/freenode/x-hpthdqbfmyqfhoiy) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:06:14] ok, we'll flag that as a question you guys can come back to later so you don't have to do stats on the fly [2009-08-27 16:06:16] how many are you now and how many started ninjakiwi? [2009-08-27 16:06:38] we started as 2 [2009-08-27 16:06:40] -->| mochi_user__ (i=541b3fcd@gateway/web/freenode/x-qwvdewfkpwdtpqbj) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:06:54] me and Stephen, we're brothers [2009-08-27 16:07:16] we're now 5 going up to 6 on Monday [2009-08-27 16:07:25] Full time [2009-08-27 16:07:30] started part time [2009-08-27 16:07:48] what computer spec do you target as a min requirement when developing processor intensive games? [2009-08-27 16:07:50] -->| atlasplus (i=4e1eaf9c@gateway/web/freenode/x-hpybrgdmegwcgfsc) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:08:00] ah [2009-08-27 16:08:06] good question [2009-08-27 16:08:17] -->| Glowmonkey (i=4788f846@gateway/web/freenode/x-neuelytpgptmunqf) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:08:27] we have a range of computers in the office to test things on [2009-08-27 16:08:54] -->| millman_ (i=c011d1b8@gateway/web/freenode/x-fwtywujyfyygjlbh) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:09:01] from an eee pc and an old Mac g4 laptop [2009-08-27 16:09:02] |<-- millman has left chat.freenode.net (Ping timeout: 180 seconds) [2009-08-27 16:09:30] recently we've done some things with caching of bitmaps for games with lots of monsters [2009-08-27 16:09:36] Guns n Angel was the first [2009-08-27 16:09:55]

What keeps you guys developing new games? What's your inspirations? [2009-08-27 16:10:08] We aim to get more than 15fps on the g4 lap top [2009-08-27 16:10:13] it was the only way to get the numbers we wanted, those games (SAS2 is another example) are memory heavy [2009-08-27 16:10:37] - We're inspired by any great games, new ideas come from all around really. For a long time we basically stuck to puzzle/action games but we've recently been going through a more violent phase. I guess you could say we're driven by whimsy a bit :) [2009-08-27 16:10:57] How long did it take to develop the 1st bloons. [2009-08-27 16:11:11] Making games for a living is incredibly fun [2009-08-27 16:11:16] thats all the motivation I need [2009-08-27 16:11:28] let's say the hourly rate was pretty good :) [2009-08-27 16:11:29] Bloons took about a month [2009-08-27 16:11:35] -->| CerebralFix (i=7dece4e1@gateway/web/freenode/x-wdqrvgfgmklvgmyo) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:11:44] Working full-time on it? [2009-08-27 16:11:47] oddly we started it and then didn't finish it for a while after that [2009-08-27 16:12:02] yeah it was a bit piecemeal [2009-08-27 16:12:12] Actually that was part time [2009-08-27 16:12:19] evenings/weekends [2009-08-27 16:12:33] are the bloons spinoffs still generating renewed interest in the franchise or are they appealing to the same core audience? [2009-08-27 16:12:56] Note here -- for those of you watching -- if you have questions or follow up questions you can ask by typing in: /msg ada (type your message here) [2009-08-27 16:13:01] - Bloons has magnificent legs! I think at this stage in the game I think further player packs etc might just be hitting the core fans, but by gum there are a lot of them. Put it into perspective, Bloons alone, including More Bloons Even More Bloons and the 5 Player packs is essentially 8 iterations of the same game, with relatively little changed in the way of gameplay or graphics. And there probably will be a 6th player p [2009-08-27 16:13:28] That's excluding the voracious appetite for BTD [2009-08-27 16:13:45] I think BTD opened up a whole new audience [2009-08-27 16:13:49] This question is somewhat related - How many plays does you most successful game get monthly and how much it earn during that same time period via mochiads? [2009-08-27 16:13:53] |<-- mochi_user has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 16:14:17] hm [2009-08-27 16:14:34] bloons would be the most highly played - still [2009-08-27 16:15:21] -->| mochi_user (i=447b9c47@gateway/web/freenode/x-meywfeejhwvwsaok) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:15:45] get around 170k plays per day [2009-08-27 16:15:54] so when you guys release a new game, at what level of plays do you consider it to be successful? [2009-08-27 16:16:26] |<-- millman_ has left chat.freenode.net (Ping timeout: 180 seconds) [2009-08-27 16:16:31] -->| mochi_user___ (i=633e0cc6@gateway/web/freenode/x-tdaxclrmddwhwara) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:16:33] that depends a little on a few things, how long it took to develop and whether or not it has coins in it :) [2009-08-27 16:16:51] My rule of thumb is 1 million plays in its first week [2009-08-27 16:17:06] and those games are few and far between :) [2009-08-27 16:17:19] that said, I'd like to see any game we've worked hard on and that is in distribution to peak at over 150k plays per day [2009-08-27 16:17:36] yeah 1million in a week is good [2009-08-27 16:17:46] -->| lubos_ (i=5f66417f@gateway/web/freenode/x-xqehicjgfhzfjggo) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:17:53] that'd be it's first week in distro [2009-08-27 16:17:59] how long did it take for you to see profits and how long did it take you to get a good handle on publishing with success? [2009-08-27 16:18:07] gosh [2009-08-27 16:18:20]

170k plays a day, is that for the first one of all of the BTD series combined? Is it holding at that now or trending up/down? [2009-08-27 16:18:31] |<-- lubos has left chat.freenode.net (Ping timeout: 180 seconds) [2009-08-27 16:18:32] profit as people have mentioned before is hard to determine [2009-08-27 16:18:33] how do you distribute to get 1 million a week? [2009-08-27 16:18:50] if you exclude our own time put in then profitablility came pretty quickly [2009-08-27 16:19:02] Bloons was a hit in our first 6 months [2009-08-27 16:19:16] we were full-time in the biz within a couple of months of Bloons release [2009-08-27 16:19:26] -->| deflogic (i=7dece4e1@gateway/web/freenode/x-xsudcysnnfzvpjcq) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:19:40] David - the 170k is mochi paid impressions per day for bloons, and thats not trending up or down particularly much [2009-08-27 16:19:42] |<-- CerebralFix has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 16:19:42] -->| jamesonh_ (n=jamesonh@32.156.143.205) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:19:51] don't know if you guys want to answer this one, but -- how much money total? [2009-08-27 16:19:55] That's Bloons itself David, I guess it's trending down over time [2009-08-27 16:20:02] how much money what? [2009-08-27 16:20:11] |<-- Happyfat has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 16:20:15] -->| Happyfat (i=4d61b810@gateway/web/freenode/x-onndvvaxkxhjiewg) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:20:29] I think this is in reference to Ninja Kiwi's revenues :) [2009-08-27 16:20:35] pfft [2009-08-27 16:20:38] pass :) [2009-08-27 16:21:01] ha ha [2009-08-27 16:21:17] ok, lots of questions about how you guys distribute your games [2009-08-27 16:21:22] when publishing a game what is your distribution process? how many sites do you handson submit to? [2009-08-27 16:21:25] Which portals/networks generate the most plays for your games? [2009-08-27 16:21:32] ok [2009-08-27 16:21:35] -->| thegamehomepage (i=5868f95b@gateway/web/freenode/x-wwttmnhzgdkyuahr) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:21:41] we used to go nuts emailing a bunch of sites [2009-08-27 16:21:51] now it's 2 phase mostly [2009-08-27 16:22:03] exclusive on NK for about a month, then we put it in distro [2009-08-27 16:22:06] (so is publishing close to an art form? do you guys go gunho on publishing or are you selective?) [2009-08-27 16:22:22] that involves checking the box on mochi, submitting to NG and Kong (maybe) [2009-08-27 16:22:37] NG and Kong can be ok if they get a decent rating that day [2009-08-27 16:22:46] -->| CerebralFix (i=7dece4e1@gateway/web/freenode/x-hhhqwifswuiirqyw) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:22:47] because I think webmasters do check those sites for whats new and hot [2009-08-27 16:22:50] we're fortunate to have a failry decent userbase on NK to start things off with [2009-08-27 16:23:00] Note here -- for those of you watching -- if you have questions or follow up questions you can ask by typing in: /msg ada (type your message here) [2009-08-27 16:23:18] did bloonsworld.com have a positive or neutral effect on bloons and will you make websites dedicated to specific games like that again? [2009-08-27 16:23:27] mochi is a pretty good way to distribute games now [2009-08-27 16:23:35] yes and we have [2009-08-27 16:23:36] positive [2009-08-27 16:23:42] meeblingsworld [2009-08-27 16:23:43] and yes [2009-08-27 16:23:45] boombotworld [2009-08-27 16:23:48] |<-- Zyzic has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 16:23:58]

1)What's your daily active user number for the NK site? 2)How many new accounts do you see a day? thx [2009-08-27 16:23:59] Bloonsworld is where most of the playerpacks came from [2009-08-27 16:24:04] |<-- jamesonh_ has left chat.freenode.net (Read error: 104 (Connection reset by peer)) [2009-08-27 16:24:24] -->| jamesonh_ (n=jamesonh@32.156.143.205) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:24:25] we don't have an account sign up process on NK [2009-08-27 16:24:41] we get about 140k unique visitors off the top of my head [2009-08-27 16:25:09] now that your development team has grown...do you guy operate out of an office or do you do everything virtually? [2009-08-27 16:25:17] office [2009-08-27 16:25:21] All of us in an office [2009-08-27 16:25:33] trying to direct peoples work virtually is really hard [2009-08-27 16:25:34] -->| mochi_user____ (i=bd186a67@gateway/web/freenode/x-phjbuhuwjhuvemnj) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:25:36] it's way better than doing stuff virtually [2009-08-27 16:25:45] |<-- mochi_user____ has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 16:25:59] you can't sit on someones shoulder and tell them to make little tweaks otherwise [2009-08-27 16:26:03] plus we LAN at the end of each day [2009-08-27 16:26:16] :) [2009-08-27 16:26:27] was bloons just right place / right time or did you launch it with a particular strategy that led to it becoming such a huge success [2009-08-27 16:26:34] and tied to that, what would you advice a person who would like to start self-sponsoring but who obviously can't produce bloons success? [2009-08-27 16:26:43] we have contracted art out of the country on two occasions but it's less than ideal [2009-08-27 16:26:50] |<-- lubos_ has left chat.freenode.net (Ping timeout: 180 seconds) [2009-08-27 16:27:04] Take it seriously! [2009-08-27 16:27:24] put effort into the game, and treat it like a serious business [2009-08-27 16:27:40] that said I think it's harder now, more sites competing [2009-08-27 16:27:47] making a hit was not in our plan, but making a successful biz was [2009-08-27 16:27:58] still if you make a cracker of a game, you can start to build a business on that [2009-08-27 16:28:23] What advice would you give to a new developer today to create a successful business? [2009-08-27 16:28:23] so bloons or no bloons we would still be living off what we make - we might not have 6 people yet but its a matter of time and determination in my opinion [2009-08-27 16:28:24] it was our intention since the beginning to work fulltime on the games [2009-08-27 16:28:46] |<-- JohnBlackburne has left chat.freenode.net (Ping timeout: 180 seconds) [2009-08-27 16:29:13]

What keeps you going besides money? (But who doesn't love making games here anyway right?) [2009-08-27 16:29:39] if you make something good, think very carefully about how you manage the IP [2009-08-27 16:29:46] you got it [2009-08-27 16:29:59] making games for a job, dude that's it's own reward [2009-08-27 16:30:11] for that very reason you need to take the money side seriously [2009-08-27 16:30:38] what are your favorite games to make, and what were your favorite games to play growing up? [2009-08-27 16:30:40] you can altruistically and artistically shun things like ads and coins [2009-08-27 16:30:57] but you are unlikely to be able to enjoy doing it fulltime as a job [2009-08-27 16:31:13] we grew up with Macs! [2009-08-27 16:31:15] games? [2009-08-27 16:31:18] jeez [2009-08-27 16:31:33] we played a lot of Dark Castle [2009-08-27 16:31:49] Might and Magic [2009-08-27 16:31:57] Actually our game Sinta: Escape from Ixerron Kepp was a bit of an homage to that [2009-08-27 16:32:01] yeah [2009-08-27 16:32:05] Bards Tale [2009-08-27 16:32:09] Lode Runner [2009-08-27 16:32:15] Basically every game that was available on the mac [2009-08-27 16:32:19] we played to death [2009-08-27 16:32:22] I think Stephen got a console at one point [2009-08-27 16:32:23] shuffle puck cafe [2009-08-27 16:32:37] haha, nice. :) (how old are you guys?) [2009-08-27 16:32:46] in our 30's [2009-08-27 16:33:01] (whats flash games are you addicted to at the moment? that you didnt make yourself.) [2009-08-27 16:33:08] favourite games to make: They're all fun to make but I especially had fun on BTD and guns n angel [2009-08-27 16:33:38] I don't get quite enough time to play many flash games other than our own [2009-08-27 16:33:47] I always have time for fancypants [2009-08-27 16:34:00] I grew up with a Mac as well and am in fact on one right now ;) thnx for response guys good to know [2009-08-27 16:34:03] I played farm town yesterday and found myself playing it for a while [2009-08-27 16:34:11] I just now got hooked on a new Armor Games one called turn based game or something [2009-08-27 16:34:14] not farmville by the way, I can't stand facebook games [2009-08-27 16:34:16] but it was too short :) [2009-08-27 16:34:45] we look at loads of games but try to avoid getting hooked on anything [2009-08-27 16:34:47] the guys here recently got stuck into PLants vs Zombies, not flash but similar scope [2009-08-27 16:35:00] oh yeah PVZ has lots to answer for [2009-08-27 16:35:02] -->| mike950f (i=62753773@gateway/web/freenode/x-pxwbnmnhegvylviw) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:35:03] was flash your first endeavor into programming seriously? [2009-08-27 16:35:14] and What's your dev process, agile scrumming or something less formal? [2009-08-27 16:35:30] I learned C++ then went into AS a couple of years back [2009-08-27 16:35:36] Note here -- for those of you watching -- if you have questions or follow up questions you can ask by typing in: /msg ada (type your message here) [2009-08-27 16:35:42] We'll leave agile scrumming to Tony Woodcock :) [2009-08-27 16:35:44] less formal [2009-08-27 16:35:55] (AS2 or AS3?) [2009-08-27 16:36:02] all AS3 now [2009-08-27 16:36:04] |<-- Khanduras has left chat.freenode.net (Ping timeout: 180 seconds) [2009-08-27 16:36:09] AS3 now [2009-08-27 16:36:10] -->| garyforthy (i=d9a859f2@gateway/web/freenode/x-casgdfabeucayvrm) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:36:16] (are you guys ever going to do anything with 3D and flash? sharikura rules!! too bad its not available how do you feel about 3D and flash) [2009-08-27 16:36:18] I miss some parts of AS2 that AS3 just doesn't do well in my opinion [2009-08-27 16:36:26] well [2009-08-27 16:36:42] 2D rocks [2009-08-27 16:36:49] how smooth was your transition from as2 to as3? [2009-08-27 16:36:51] I'm not convinced 3D ads enough value over and above the extra dev time [2009-08-27 16:37:11] if people want 3d they'll play xbox [2009-08-27 16:37:34] still, there is some scope there for original stuff that you can't get on xbox [2009-08-27 16:37:41] but for us, just not yet [2009-08-27 16:37:59] transition from AS2 to 3 was fairly smooth [2009-08-27 16:38:13] one day we made as2 games, the next we made as3 games [2009-08-27 16:38:15] -->| mochi_user____ (i=565ae124@gateway/web/freenode/x-dpjnnkhenwchptim) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:38:15] -->| Khanduras (i=d03dfa48@gateway/web/freenode/x-epuzgxqhdsogfhfk) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:38:48] deflogic> Do you guys have dedicated programmers and artists or do people tend to be more generalists? [2009-08-27 16:38:55] we have both [2009-08-27 16:39:08] dedicated + generalist [2009-08-27 16:39:30] someone who can do both is incredibly valuable [2009-08-27 16:39:42]

To skip back a bit, sorry, what was the development time for SAS2 (graphics + code)? [2009-08-27 16:39:48] we're very much still finding our way in terms of hiring people managing a bigger team etc [2009-08-27 16:40:22] SAS2 including the expansion Asylum was about 4 man months I think [2009-08-27 16:41:06] Do you guys collaborate with other studios? [2009-08-27 16:41:15] no [2009-08-27 16:41:16] -->| Moczan (i=4fa22b66@gateway/web/freenode/x-zqtltkvtufwgasrt) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:41:18] not yet [2009-08-27 16:41:18] (so its been just over 2 years now since you released bloons to the world and your still getting 170K a day gameplays. is most the traffic coming from NK, or just simply that bloons is on every game site in the world?) [2009-08-27 16:41:26] (is the bloons brand bigger than the ninjakiwi brand?) [2009-08-27 16:41:43] except the iPhone stuff we've done recently, but that's just licensing really [2009-08-27 16:42:12] most of those plays are elsewhere [2009-08-27 16:42:18] -->| ErnestoQuezada (i=59f3a378@gateway/web/freenode/x-dqayatxdzdsrxzqr) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:42:20] follow up on the questions about dedicated programmers/artists vs generalists: i have experienced frowns when i claimed to be a hybrid devr..art/programmer, how do you feel about that? [2009-08-27 16:42:21] Bloons is everywhere... [2009-08-27 16:42:41] frown back! [2009-08-27 16:42:44] ha! [2009-08-27 16:42:47] Note here -- for those of you watching -- if you have questions or follow up questions you can ask by typing in: /msg ada (type your message here) [2009-08-27 16:43:04] alright, let's start with some iPhone questions [2009-08-27 16:43:08] How did you guys find the transition to iPhone from Flash? [2009-08-27 16:43:11] you can make games by yourself...so = win:) [2009-08-27 16:43:12]

With the success you had with bloons on the iPhone, do you plan to port any mroe of your games to the iPhone or other platforms? [2009-08-27 16:43:20] very easy [2009-08-27 16:43:23] are you guys porting anything to iPhone? [2009-08-27 16:43:28] we made someone else do it :) [2009-08-27 16:43:30] and if so what tools do you use? wouldn't you love a flash like tool that would generate objective c code? [2009-08-27 16:43:55] we'd like to get more on iPhone, just need to find more developers in that area [2009-08-27 16:44:19] maybe [2009-08-27 16:44:22] @happyfat: Bloons brings in a lot of traffic, but not the majority [2009-08-27 16:44:31] we're keeping half an eye on this HaXe development [2009-08-27 16:44:49] how many downloads has bloons had on the iphone to date? [2009-08-27 16:44:53] to keep traffic coming in you need to have more new content [2009-08-27 16:45:02] gee [2009-08-27 16:45:12] -->| LiabilityGames (i=266681b4@gateway/web/freenode/x-ocnabbxcxceyfhgs) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:45:13] off the top of my head I think it's around 300k [2009-08-27 16:45:25] do you export artwork directly from flash and use that for the iphone game? i notice you can export png's that is why i asked [2009-08-27 16:45:51] we gave the scottish developers the .fla, they worked from there [2009-08-27 16:45:56] |<-- ErnestoQuezada has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 16:46:38] ok, any more iphone questions from the audience before we move on?? [2009-08-27 16:46:49] to ask a question, type in: /msg ada [type your question here] [2009-08-27 16:47:06] if your into the iPhone space now do you have intentions to move into other spaces like PSP DSi Wii-Ware? [2009-08-27 16:47:40] we've licensed the rights to Bloons to a company called Hands-On [2009-08-27 16:47:56] they are bringing it to all mobile, PSP, DSi and XBLA [2009-08-27 16:48:16] doing that sort of deal leaves us free to keep making games in flash [2009-08-27 16:48:34] I don't desperately want to get directly involved in developing for other platforms [2009-08-27 16:48:45] have you seen how apple orders new games? ..alphabetically..what do you think of that..it encourages naming games like aaaamygame..yes? [2009-08-27 16:49:03] Do you have plans to port any of your other titles to iPhone in the future? [2009-08-27 16:49:26] Re: handson: what percentage do they take from your games? [2009-08-27 16:49:34] -->| Archbob (i=475a1ddc@gateway/web/freenode/x-tvaribntkilfqyoq) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:49:37] Apple is an idiosyncratic animal indeed [2009-08-27 16:49:39] -->| mochi_user_____ (i=5854c802@gateway/web/freenode/x-jpviigqeogirsuin) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:49:52] BTD is being ported to iPhone now [2009-08-27 16:49:55] remember, spaces come before letters in the alphabet [2009-08-27 16:50:10] so "a mygame" would be first [2009-08-27 16:50:28] re:Hands On %, I think I won't answer that here [2009-08-27 16:50:29] clever :) [2009-08-27 16:50:35] (since you are still deving in flash and outsourcing for other platforms would you consider flash as rapid prototyping?) [2009-08-27 16:50:36] we have an NDA there [2009-08-27 16:50:43] absolutely [2009-08-27 16:50:50] king of rapid prototyping [2009-08-27 16:51:03] flash is awesome [2009-08-27 16:51:20] except cs4 I want to punch adobe for that one [2009-08-27 16:51:26] except for the help in CS4 right? [2009-08-27 16:51:28] haha [2009-08-27 16:51:32] -->| ianstokes (i=4568ae2a@gateway/web/freenode/x-mazwneljpxisyzhg) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:51:34] how are you guys doing on time? can we run over an hour? [2009-08-27 16:51:39] I'm ok [2009-08-27 16:51:49] S might tune out unless we have technical questions [2009-08-27 16:51:49] ok cool :) [2009-08-27 16:52:01] I'm a non-coder through and through [2009-08-27 16:52:30] alright, lots of questions about the business of Flash games and running a website next [2009-08-27 16:52:36] ok [2009-08-27 16:52:39] (Im wanting to become a flash game maker full time, I have my own website but im just starting out. How important is it to keep my brand in my games for the long term? ) [2009-08-27 16:53:03] do all you can [2009-08-27 16:53:03] |<-- mochi_user_____ has left chat.freenode.net (Ping timeout: 180 seconds) [2009-08-27 16:53:09] (what are your thoughts on getting games sponsored?) [2009-08-27 16:53:20] obviously you need to jusggle that with making ends meet [2009-08-27 16:53:38] (how do you feel about FGL) [2009-08-27 16:53:39] some sponsorship $ these days are impressive [2009-08-27 16:53:47] but, try to take a long term view [2009-08-27 16:54:05] FGL serves a need [2009-08-27 16:54:19] they are an open marketplace for sponsorships [2009-08-27 16:54:30] |<-- ianstokes has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 16:54:53] that said, I'm not a big fan of sponsorships as a rule, because the traffic (and therefore the power) stays with the big sites [2009-08-27 16:55:00] (do you know any better servises than FGL?) [2009-08-27 16:55:10] for licensing? no [2009-08-27 16:55:14] |<-- jamesonh_ has left chat.freenode.net (Connection timed out) [2009-08-27 16:55:22] that said, I don't know that much about the space [2009-08-27 16:55:24] your revenue is mainly from ads, which ad networks have done most for you? can you give tips about monetizing a website, I mean you're not the regular stick adsense above and below swf site... [2009-08-27 16:56:03] youve been succesfully pulling out games now for over 2 years, have a great site, and making great use of monetisation. any top tips or secrets that you have learnt in your time? [2009-08-27 16:56:05] we've looked at sponsoring games ourselves but we can't really see a clear way to get a return at some prices, which is ulitmately good for developers I suppose [2009-08-27 16:56:35] on site ads are a constant headache :) [2009-08-27 16:56:48] we like tribal fusion, and Hi5 are pretty good too [2009-08-27 16:57:00] adsense lost it's mojo for us a while ago [2009-08-27 16:57:09] -->| jamesonh_ (n=jamesonh@shiva.mochimedia.net) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:57:46] as far as ad placements, do experiment, see what works and what doesn't [2009-08-27 16:57:51] it always changes around [2009-08-27 16:57:58] keep an eye on things [2009-08-27 16:58:06]

Advice for Flash coders: Fun short games, or longer more robust games? [2009-08-27 16:58:18] both! [2009-08-27 16:58:29] how do you feel about making large, deeper games like sonny vs. casual titles [2009-08-27 16:58:38] really good short games can be great virally and driving traffic back to your site [2009-08-27 16:58:57] -->| mochi_user_____ (i=4788e2e7@gateway/web/freenode/x-qpwpeespugbjrqqx) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 16:59:11] bigger games equate to more risk, make sure the potential upside is worth it [2009-08-27 16:59:17] Note here -- for those of you watching -- if you have questions or follow up questions you can ask by typing in: /msg ada (type your message here) [2009-08-27 16:59:36] our trend this year has been for longer development times [2009-08-27 16:59:50] |<-- jamesonh_ has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 17:00:03] with mochi coins I think we'll probably level out at around 3-4 man months per game [2009-08-27 17:00:10]

What's your typical budget for a flash game? And could you break that down for us? [2009-08-27 17:00:11] for a while at the start we were making 1 day games [2009-08-27 17:00:19] (for games & site, whats your eCPM? on average?) [2009-08-27 17:00:22] tabuto, straight dice etc [2009-08-27 17:00:23] our only budget really now is time [2009-08-27 17:00:38] maybe $100-$150 for sound assets [2009-08-27 17:00:52] What do you consider a long development time? [2009-08-27 17:01:05] of that time it's probably two thirds coding and one third art [2009-08-27 17:01:14] game design and teting would be additional to that [2009-08-27 17:01:28] Steve and I still pretty much own the design/idea process [2009-08-27 17:01:44] we recently re-looked at multiplayer for SAS2 [2009-08-27 17:01:50] I consider anything more than 2 months or so as long [2009-08-27 17:01:53] * jbaird would still love to see more potion panic :) [2009-08-27 17:02:07] just sit tight jbaird [2009-08-27 17:02:08] in the end it was 6 months +/- 2 months [2009-08-27 17:02:19] it was just too big, so we've parked that again [2009-08-27 17:02:22] (you looking for game testers?) [2009-08-27 17:02:28] sure [2009-08-27 17:02:36] PM me if you're keen! [2009-08-27 17:02:50]

In 5 years, do you see your company more as a publisher, portal or a developer? [2009-08-27 17:03:00] all 3 [2009-08-27 17:03:08] good answer ;) [2009-08-27 17:03:11] |<-- LiabilityGames has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 17:03:13] I like having a hand in all the pies [2009-08-27 17:03:25] developing is what makes it fun [2009-08-27 17:03:26] gives me a sense of control over our destiny [2009-08-27 17:03:40] developing drives the others [2009-08-27 17:03:42] what came first? the monkey and baloons or the games engine? [2009-08-27 17:03:52] to us they really are inextricable now [2009-08-27 17:03:58] the engine [2009-08-27 17:04:07] -->| FunFlowStudios (i=522c756c@gateway/web/freenode/x-haxhsehcrieckkji) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 17:04:10] And related to the testing question, How do you handle beta testing? Who play tests your games? [2009-08-27 17:04:19] Steves wife mentioned in passing that popping balloons was fun [2009-08-27 17:04:26] within a few hours he had a concept [2009-08-27 17:04:44] I can be blamed for the monkey, I'm no artist :) [2009-08-27 17:04:46] while making bloons were you inspired at all by the graphical style of the pogo.com game "poppit"? [2009-08-27 17:05:13] we discovered poppit later [2009-08-27 17:05:18] @cartoon64, no. We didn't know it existed [2009-08-27 17:05:24] for a sickening moment I thought the game was the same [2009-08-27 17:05:32] Beta testing [2009-08-27 17:05:33] -->| maribou (i=187a9560@gateway/web/freenode/x-xtmeyphlvuqkwggw) has joined #mochi [2009-08-27 17:05:34] but its completely different thankfully [2009-08-27 17:05:39] we're getting more serious about now [2009-08-27 17:05:43] |<-- jbaird has left chat.freenode.net () [2009-08-27 17:05:50] |<-- mochi_user has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 17:06:31] |<-- Archbob has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 17:06:36] we tend to get friends and family to give it a crack over the end of the dev timeframe, then once we have what we beleive to be a bug free game it has a life on NK where users feedback in the blog about any bugs/sploits [2009-08-27 17:07:39] here's a pic of Ada moderating this session. :) http://www.flickr.com/photos/mochimedia/3863654328/ [2009-08-27 17:07:45] sheesh! [2009-08-27 17:08:00] :P [2009-08-27 17:08:02] jamesonh: trouble maker [2009-08-27 17:08:20] very poised [2009-08-27 17:08:21] |<-- etrepum has left chat.freenode.net () [2009-08-27 17:08:41]

Any plans on adding MochiCoins to the next Bloons sequel? [2009-08-27 17:08:49] indeed [2009-08-27 17:08:54] BTD4 in the works now [2009-08-27 17:09:15]

i think a review of mochicoins would be cool. and if he shared some stats (Can you share some stats on SAS's performance with Mochi Coins) [2009-08-27 17:09:31] yeah I will do [2009-08-27 17:10:08] Ada sent me some stuff but questions have come up about ARPU which I didn't prepare for [2009-08-27 17:10:33] I'll chat with Ada afterwards so she can get something in her chat roundup [2009-08-27 17:10:41] ok, we'll add it to the blog post afterward so you guys can see all the stats together [2009-08-27 17:10:51]

Was there anything you think you did wrong with the Coins integration in SAS2? [2009-08-27 17:10:52] |<-- darkmoon has left chat.freenode.net (Client Quit) [2009-08-27 17:11:28] I think we did it pretty well there was a lot of noise about the continue pay-for, however I stand by our decision there. We'll continue to learn of course about better ways to do things, but I think this was a pretty good first shot at it. [2009-08-27 17:11:54] It's a change of mindset for us devs as well as players [2009-08-27 17:11:55] One hard thing was making sure people knew that bought items were kept from game to game [2009-08-27 17:12:00] Note here -- for those of you watching -- if you have questions or follow up questions you can ask by typing in: /msg ada (type your message here) [2009-08-27 17:12:04]