What Is the Place of the WOWCube© System in the Gaming Market?
The gaming industry continues to grow and split into multiple sectors. In 1972, one of the first games came out with a simple yet recognizable name, Pong. Now, video games are 3D, interactive, and practically have better graphics than real life.
Segmenting the Gaming Market
The games themselves aren’t the only thing that has progressed immensely over the last few decades. In the 1970s, the first gaming systems were released to the public, such as Atari 2600, Magnavox Odyssey, and the Fairchild Channel F. The options were limited and rudimentary in their capabilities. It was a new concept, and no one could have guessed that it would grow into the $200 billion industry it is today.
Types of Gaming Systems
The gaming market has influenced the creation of countless new mediums, or systems, for playing video games; originally, console gaming was the only option. One is the WOWCube© system, like a 2x2 Rubik's Cube with four interactive screens on each side. Instead of using joysticks, buttons, or triggers, you simply twist, tilt or shake the device.
The WOWCube© system is a mixed reality gadget: it enriches real-world objects, not a picture you can only see, but not touch. It is something that is controlled by actions that require rather advanced eye-to-hand coordination. It is a smart, dynamic and physically challenging video game.
We have created a new category for gaming devices that allows users to play games in a way they never have before while practicing spatial reasoning, cognitive functions, and fine-tuning motor skills.
Now, there are five categories of gaming: PC, console, smartphone, handheld, and virtual reality. Of course, there are still classic, non-electronic games such as puzzles and board games, but we will deem that a bonus, sixth category.
PC Gaming
A gaming PC is an expensive investment, and if you are building your own, a lot of research will be required. As a result, the barrier to entry for PC gaming is higher than the other four categories. However, more complicated and sophisticated games are available on the PC. Dedicated gamers who want the upper hand in competitive games or desire an elevated gaming experience will choose PC gaming.
Console Gaming
Console gaming is open to a large portion of the market as the setup is easy. The upfront cost is affordable and a plethora of games are available. There are games suitable for all skill levels and desired genres. Since multiplayer games are only growing in popularity, console gaming opens up the opportunity for split screen and online multiplayer.
Smartphone Gaming
Since most people own a smartphone, this is one of the most accessible ways to play games. Most of the games found in the app store are simple and free. They are used to pass time and compete against friends in apps that include multiplayer capabilities.
Handheld Device Gaming
This is a step up from playing games on your phones since physical controls such as buttons and joysticks are found on these devices. People that like to play games on the go, but may not want to invest in a PC or console, are steered toward handheld gaming devices.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality headsets are a newer concept but quickly growing in popularity and quality. Since they are becoming more affordable, it is opening up to more of the market. They appeal to those wanting to try a new experience and play with their friends.
What Type of Gaming System Is the WOWCube© System?
The WOWCube© system could fall into the handheld device category since it is a standalone device that can be played anywhere. However, this device isn't like the other handheld devices available; the controls are completely different. Instead of using joysticks and buttons, you twist, turn and shake a device similar to a 2x2 Rubik's Cube.
Consumer Segments of the Gaming Market
There are 3.09 billion gamers globally and that is only rising. The many options for gaming give everyone something to enjoy. For example, children prefer smart toys instead of consoles and 8-12 year-olds spend an average of 5 hours per day looking at a screen. That number increases to 9 hours a day for teenagers.
However, for this segmentation, we are going to focus on types of gamers instead of age. Each of these categories has its strengths and weaknesses and appeals to one or more of the three broad consumer segments of the gaming market.
Hard-Core Market
The hard-core market makes up a small percentage of the market. In terms of time, they spend 20 or more hours per week playing video games. Often, they are playing at higher levels of competitive games. Some play these games professionally and make a living through brand deals and tournament prizes. They play longer, more complicated, and sometimes frustrating games because stepping up to increasingly harder, seemingly impossible challenges in the gaming world is met with unwavering dedication and curiosity if they can beat it. On top of spending a lot of time, they don’t hesitate to spend money consistently on new games, add-ons, in-game purchases, and new systems.
Moderate Market
The moderate market consists of people that still spend a lot of time and money on video games but not as much as the hard-core market. The gamers here won’t always seek out new games but will hop on ones that are popular at the time. They will play games with an easier learning curve but still require some previous experience to enjoy the gameplay.
Mass-Market
The mass market makes up a large percentage of the market. They are not researching new games or systems but will play games that their friends or family are playing. They do not spend too much time or money on games, hindering what they can play. The games they do play are short in duration and easy to learn. The mass market primarily plays games to have fun and pass time.
Which Consumer Segments Does the WOWCube© System Appeal To?
The WOWCube© system appeals to each of these three markets, all for different reasons. The hard-core market is drawn to it because it is a unique way to play games, and they like to stay on the leading edge of new technology. Not only is the device itself proprietary, but games such as Key of Light, Track Record, and many others aren’t available anywhere else. Learn about the inventions behind the WOWCube© system here.
The moderate market enjoys this gaming toy because it doesn’t have a steep learning curve, but certain games require practice and time to master. Competing against yourself for high scores is prevalent among many apps, and involving friends is encouraged! You can share replays and compete against friends by tracking both of your progress in the leaderboards.
Casual gamers, like those in the mass market, can pick up the WOWCube© system and immediately have fun. Players don’t have to have an immense gaming background to learn how to use this new piece of technology. The gameplay and controls are intuitive for all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.
Keeps All Ages Engaged
The variety of games on the WOWCube© Playstore gives everyone from children to adults to seniors the opportunity to enjoy gaming.
- Children can develop motor skills, cognitive functions, and spatial thinking. It is beneficial for early childhood development since kids can learn through play; the WOWCube© System is a certified STEM product. It is safe to say that kids love gadgets because the smart toy market is worth $7 billion and has a compound annual growth rate of 17.9%.
- Adults can choose from a variety of challenging puzzles, arcade games, stress-relief apps, productivity tools, stress-relief apps, time-management apps, and widgets. 83% of USA workers experience work-related stress. By keeping a WOWCube© System at the work desk, you can display important notifications and use the Work and Relax app to better your work-life balance.
- Seniors can improve their mental health and memory. Puzzles benefit people of all ages, but the benefits are profound for seniors. Certain games require you to remember what is on the sides of the cube that you can’t see, strengthening your short-term memory. Working through a puzzle provides meditative qualities that lower stress and benefit mood.
For a deeper dive into what the WOWCube© system can be used for and who can use it, check out this article.
Develop Your Own Games With the WOWCube© System!
There are two sides to the gaming market, the players and the developers. Most gaming systems mainly appeal to players. Developing games is a complicated process that requires copious amounts of experience, unfortunately keeping the bar to entry high.
We just released a development kit for WOWCube© system users; read more about it here and in this recent blog post. In short, we aim to fulfill both sides of the gaming market. We made it possible for beginner, intermediate, or expert game developers to dive in and create their own games. Have fun creating!
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