darkSpyro

Much has already been made of the toy/game hybrid of the business model of Skylanders.

We've talked about the good, such as the innovation and the cross platform compatibility of the toys, and the bad, such as the fact the toys are essentially keys to unlock content that is already on the disk.

One thing I don't think has been mentioned, and what I think is the true genius of Skylanders, is the fact that the toys have essentially opened the child market to DLC content. Business models involving downloadable content have generally found children an illusive beast. In fact, most MMOs (including Skylanders: Universe) are browser based specifically because of the history of failures of downloadable MMOs aimed at kids.

The general consensus is that parents are generally adverse to consent to their child downloading content off the internet. Because of this, DLC has traditionally been relegated to teen gamers and above. However, the toys perform a similar function to DLC, whilst offering parents the comfort of buying from a brick and motor store. This has brought DLC into a market that has until now, been closed off, and from a business perspective, that is the true brilliance of Skylanders.

^ Very interesting point snark. As an adult I guess I had always taken for granted how accustomed to DLC that I am.

True, did not think of it from the business perspective.

Well it’s one of the highest talked about games between children.

I talked to a kid who was wanting the game for christmas. His eyes grew to the size of saucers when I told him what my Skylanders experience was. For a moment, I was the man. But only for a moment...

Quote: riverhippo

I talked to a kid who was wanting the game for christmas. His eyes grew to the size of saucers when I told him what my Skylanders experience was. For a moment, I was the man. But only for a moment...

LOL!...

Quote: Snark

Much has already been made of the toy/game hybrid of the business model of Skylanders.

We've talked about the good, such as the innovation and the cross platform compatibility of the toys, and the bad, such as the fact the toys are essentially keys to unlock content that is already on the disk.

One thing I don't think has been mentioned, and what I think is the true genius of Skylanders, is the fact that the toys have essentially opened the child market to DLC content. Business models involving downloadable content have generally found children an illusive beast. In fact, most MMOs (including Skylanders: Universe) are browser based specifically because of the history of failures of downloadable MMOs aimed at kids.

The general consensus is that parents are generally adverse to consent to their child downloading content off the internet. Because of this, DLC has traditionally been relegated to teen gamers and above. However, the toys perform a similar function to DLC, whilst offering parents the comfort of buying from a brick and motor store. This has brought DLC into a market that has until now, been closed off, and from a business perspective, that is the true brilliance of Skylanders.

Well said! I won't be surprised if another franchise adopts this business model soon. Pokemon (600+ unique figures) anyone? That should be enough to keep the pokemon franchise owners busy for a couple of years. Im sure the demand for this type of toy/video game model is out there. How about Transformers or Star wars, Disney?

I never actually thought of that. A very good point...although DLC is usually free

But I believe the toy-game concept has already been adopted rather quickly, or not as strong as Skylanders. A DS game called Wappy Dog has taken function of the toy-game function, but not executed properly, to a point.

Quote: riverhippo

I talked to a kid who was wanting the game for christmas. His eyes grew to the size of saucers when I told him what my Skylanders experience was. For a moment, I was the man. But only for a moment...

BRO FIST you still the man cause you own one of the best games that came out this year.

Quote: Dragonhope

I never actually thought of that. A very good point...although DLC is usually free

But I believe the toy-game concept has already been adopted rather quickly, or not as strong as Skylanders. A DS game called Wappy Dog has taken function of the toy-game function, but not executed properly, to a point.

Free DLC? O.o SOMETIMES DLC is free, but more often you need to pay for it.

Yeah DLC is very rarely free unless you pre-order or something...

Great point Snark!!!
Skylanders has found away to by-pass the consoles and sell down-loadable content directly to the consumer!
Most parents are pretty apprehensive about putting their credit card online to get points or coins or what have you.
To see downloadable content physically at a store in a toy is brilliant!!!

On a side note: this game kinda reminds me of Viva Piñata ....remember that game???
Holding up playing cards to the camera and poof there the character was on the screen!!!

Skylanders has definitely done a great job in executing this!