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The 5 minute video demo?

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Willi B
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Joined: 07/28/2008

With all the fan and critic based youtube posting and the need for quick and concise board game demos, I was wondering if there would be a group that would be willing to do demos on video for new releases as either a service or kind act for designers.

While we have already discussed doing demos for potential publishers. maybe a group could get so good at explaining games on video in under 5 minutes that people would be willing to pay for the service... I think I would pay $50 for that.

What I imagine is that with the plethora of hand held video devices (phones, Ipods. etc.) is that one could download the video, take it to the game table, and let everyone learn how to play from a well-thought out tutorial. I know DVD's exist for some games, but that isn't always practical. Ideally, you would hook up the device to a bigger screen for easier viewing (or better yet get one of those Microsoft tables!!!). Maybe you just send everyone the link, but it's better on the spot because we don't always know what game is going to hit the table.

I know there are many people that are good at explaining games, but how many times do we miss something in explanation or screw something up the first few times we play it. If we, as designers, have input, we can try to cover all the bases, decide what helper/reminder graphics to display and control the script. If the concept caught on, the player aids could be tailored around what the video might not cover.

Not only would this help players and designers, but the manufacturers could use this to teach distributors (though few would probably care, some salespeople at distributorships might want to be able to explain the product better) and teach at tables short-handed on helpers at booths during conventions.

What do you think? Would you pay for this service? At what rate?

PS - I still continue to advance the notion of universal symbol sets for all game mechanics, processes and information and try to advance that agenda as well... but I figured that only a top down approach will work. So I try to mention it to every game company representative I meet... I hope you do the same and if you have any other ideas on how to promote these ideas please SPEAK!

Jeremiah_Lee
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Joined: 08/04/2008
I think it's a good idea, but

I think it's a good idea, but there's no way I'd pay $50 for it, even if it meant a 'lifetime' membership. With our Youtube generation, we expect to get this kind of thing for free. I could see it as a promotional tool, where the publisher would produce it, and it would be put out free to push sales of a game that "just looks like fun on video".

Willi B
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Joined: 07/28/2008
Thanks for the reply... What

Thanks for the reply...

What I meant to say was I, as a designer, would pay $50 for it... not that I would expect customers to do so.

The other practical thought I had was in store advertisement and usage for brick and mortar stores...

Retailers could stream videos of demos of things they have in stock, or show the demo to an intrigued customer. Walmart streams stuff in their store for the sole reason of trying to get you to buy it... why not game stores as well. Retailers could email links to the customer as they leave the store and the customer could just watch the video when they got home.

So, would you, as designers, pay for this?

Jeremiah_Lee
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Joined: 08/04/2008
Yes, and sorry for the

Yes, and sorry for the confusion. If I could get a well done video of the game being played/explained into a game store, or on Youtube, I'd pay for that.

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