Late Thursday night Facebook launched its new platform initiative (read about it on TechCrunch). The platform allows third-party developers to create pieces of software (widgets) that can be added to any Facebook users profile. So far we’ve everything from music, video, audio, business, education, gaming and dating widgets. Redbull is the first brand to enter and use this new platform. When a user adds a widget to their profile, it displays what music they like or in the case of Redbull, how good they are at the game. It also enters their news feed and lets everyone know they added it, which is a mini-viral effect.
As a side note, iLike is the hottest widget right now and Games by Bunchball is second with 41,551 users. The platform also allows the developers to display advertising and find unique ways to monetize their widget and keep 100% of the revenue. Facebook isn’t asking for a dime, which is an interesting move as it reminds me of how Google first got into the advertising business by giving away all the profits to the publishers.It’s the gaming aspect of this platform that got me thinking.
What if a game developer or consumer product company found a way to monetize and use the widget to make a game that integrated into the platforms flawlessly. Games is currently doing this with a first move advantage, the widget isn’t perfect but with over 40,000 users, it’s a starting point. They are currently just offering social online multi-player games like cards and poker. However, I think we are beginning to barely scratch the surface. So my question is this: Could the future of gaming be part of Facebook’s Platforms? It has everything a game needs to be successful; marketing, a user base and people who are inherently social with each other.
[update] I’ve added both widgets to my Facebook. I’m going to challenge some of my friends and see how they play out.
