2000 epix CHALLENGE #2
Develop a plan that details how epix should provide gaming services for direct epix Internet Services customers, and identify opportunities for epix to set up gaming servers for non-epix internet users.
Background Information:
Develop a plan that details how epix should provide gaming services for direct epix Internet Services customers, and identify opportunities for epix to set up gaming servers for non-epix internet users.
Background Information:
The convergence of the personal computing gaming industry and the Internet
has made online multi-player games a very popular activity for Internet
users.
Action and graphic intensive games once regulated to the single player
desktop may now be easily networked into group play across the Internet.
As connection speeds increase, so will the overall playability of these
games, and their popularity. Generally speaking, the closer (network wise)
one is to the game "server," the better the gaming experience. This principle
indicates that an opportunity exists for epix Internet Services to offer
such services to our customers.
Slow, graphically unsophisticated games, such as chess and checkers
are also offered for free by many online services. Epix could most likely
not charge for these, but there may be intangible benefits that make it
worthwhile.
Generating revenue from gaming services has presented a problem to many
online services. Users are generally unwilling to pay monthly subscription
fees to play. Other issues include licensing, administration, and support.
Current subscription services charge around $8 - 10 / month. There are
many games offered at no charge.
*Research available "Internet" playable games. Focus on gaming networks and companies that support these games.
*Perform market research. Examples: What are "gamers" looking for? What would they pay? What do other companies charge and what services do they offer?
*Web sites and links of interest (small sample):
http://www.multiplayer.com
http://www.quakeworld.com
http://www.zone.com
http://www.ten.net
*Brainstorm possible services.
*Brainstorm possible revenue streams (direct and indirect).
*Consider benefits to epix customer relationship.
Research and briefly report on 3-5 possible game services which epix could offer its customers.
Choose a 'best solution'* and create a detailed report; including the following:
Cost Analysis
Suggested pricing if it
is deemed a revenue generating product
Consumer demand (from both
epix and external customers)
Additional revenue streams
Description of the Service
Include relevant research used to arrive at these conclusions.
Final recommendations on how epix should market this product?
* Note that the 'best' solution may not be financially profitable. Consider intangible benefits as well when making this selection.
If you are selected to give an oral presentation for this problem, the presentation will be held at CTE Headquarters, 100 CTE Drive, Rt. 309, Dallas, PA. You will be given directions and notified of the exact date and time later.