[Threshold]

With 14 million netbooks sold last year, I think the topic of gaming on netbooks is definitely one we should all think about.

I wrote an article recently about Netbooks vs. Laptops, but unfortunately I was not able to specifically address the issue of gaming on Netbooks. I hope to write something about that in the future. The article I wrote is here:

Netbooks vs. Laptops

I think web games, MUDs, and that type of lower-tech game can really benefit from the Netbook craze. If your game can run in a browser, it can most likely run on a Netbook. That is a huge chunk of customers that cannot play games like WoW, for example.

While 4+ hour gaming sessions are unlikely on a Netbook, catching up on in game mails, doing a little fighting, or just hanging out/chatting with your MUD buffies are all very viable activities via a netbook.

What do you all think?

[MikeRozak]

Netbooks are an important form factor for all games, not just MUDs. At the moment, Netbooks don't have very good 3D graphics, so most games are ignoring them, but this year's crop will have greatly improved 3D.

[Threshold]

Originally Posted by MikeRozak Netbooks are an important form factor for all games, not just MUDs. At the moment, Netbooks don't have very good 3D graphics, so most games are ignoring them, but this year's crop will have greatly improved 3D.

The thing is, no matter how good the 3d support gets, the small screen is going to limit the performance of your traditional graphical MMO.

Whereas web based games or MUDs are fine with a smaller amount of screen space.

Also, considering how badly most MMOs run even on desktops (except WoW), I'm doubting they are going to run well on netbooks anytime soon.

[Newworlds]

Originally Posted by Threshold While 4+ hour gaming sessions are unlikely on a Netbook, catching up on in game mails, doing a little fighting, or just hanging out/chatting with your MUD buffies are all very viable activities via a netbook. What do you all think?

I think you are right on target. Any genre, architecture, or medium that can bring more players to MUDs is a definate plus.

[MikeRozak]

Originally Posted by Threshold The thing is, no matter how good the 3d support gets, the small screen is going to limit the performance of your traditional graphical MMO.

That's one of the comments I posted on MUD-DEV2, warning MMORPG developers that (a) there are 14+ million netbooks now, and (b) MMORPG gameplay and UI has to change because of such small screen size.

I got the feeling (from the silence) that they don't see netbooks as important...

Personally, I see them as a paradigm shift, just like the PC was a paradigm shift in the 90's.

In the 90's, "the new paradigm" was a PC on every desk and an every home (in the 1st world).

The paradigm that is emerging is a netbook for every person (in the 1st world), and every home (in the 3rd world). Netbooks are obvious candidates for students, business people, and travellers - which is around 50% of the population. They're also candidates for people that don't want to shell out much money for a computer because they only use it for Email, photos, skype, etc.

[Newworlds]

Stop worrying about the graphics.

Our Advertising Motto now at Netbook sites:

No need for graphics for in depth game play - Get Serious with your Gaming, Go Text, Go MUD! (TM)

[Zhiroc]

Originally Posted by MikeRozak I got the feeling (from the silence) that they don't see netbooks as important...

It's not just netbooks... MMOGs are also for the most part completely ignoring the console market (perhaps with a somewhat better reason... I don't own a console, btw). I rarely go to the mall nowadays, but recently I was looking for a PC title, and went to a Gamestop. I was amazed at how little space they gave to PC games--I felt like I was perusing a bargain bin. They had about six linear feet of wall space for them, and the rest was for consoles (about 20-25 times that). PC games were in a rack in the middle of the floor, and some looked rather aged.

Luckily, Amazon hasn't seem to cut back, and big box stores like Best Buy still seem to have a good deal of floor space devoted to them.

[Threshold]

Originally Posted by MikeRozak I got the feeling (from the silence) that they don't see netbooks as important...

Well, 99% of all MMO developers are too focused on figuring out how to make the next WoW clone. They can't be bothered to think outside the box.

Heck, that's why most of them still think subscriptions are a good idea.

[Telelion]

That makes netbook users that much better a potential source of players, doesn't it? Putting MUD ads near netbook sales is a great idea.

[Threshold]

Originally Posted by Telelion That makes netbook users that much better a potential source of players, doesn't it? Putting MUD ads near netbook sales is a great idea.

Indeed. I wrote a blog post about this today because the whole netbook gaming platform issue really interests me.

Netbooks - A New Gaming Platform?

I can't help but feel maybe MUDs are getting a bit of a second chance to garner some interest. I don't know the best way to do that though. Any ideas?

[scandum]

I doubt this will work, people will just play the browser based games or save the gaming till they can get behind a PC.

I'd say the blind market is the best way for muds to establish themselves permanently, but that'd require a popular site dedicated to resources for blind mudders.

A google search for 'games blind' presents a site offering yathzee, blackjack, and battleship.. with an eloquent speech synthesizer as the #1 resource. There's a wide open market there if someone is willing to make an effort.