Thin games

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Thin Games is a term used to describe a conceptual model of entirely Web-based and network-centric computer games. Proposed as a heuristic to drive discussion around the future of gaming on the Web, an ideal Thin Game would have all of the following attributes:

• No (or minimal) client download. New lightweight browser technologies, like AJAX, might evolve into a robust display environment.
• Open-source game engines. In an effort to differentiate through game design and creativity rather than infrastructure, Thin Games will be based on open-source game engines, collectively driving the ongoing development of game systems and tools.
• Iterative (or modular) development. Like many websites, Thin Games can initially launch as extremely limited and simple game-worlds, allowing their creators to invest in new features, spaces, and elements if and when users indicate interest. This avoids the classic high-cost and slow release cycle associated with classic games, and instead supports a “Long Tail” of mini-games, which may or may not grow into or merge with larger worlds.
• New revenue models. Moving beyond the one-time purchase or firewall subscription models, Thin Games will leverage new revenue models including advertising, premium acccess to game areas, in-game marketplaces and so on.
• User-generated content. Players are enabled and encouraged to create, share and collaborate with other players on the creation of objects, entities and organizations within the gamespace. With user contribution recognized as a core driver of player value, Thin Game designers focus on the “architecture of participation.”
• Federated worlds. Thin Games creators will embrace the notion of identity, reputation and even storylines across various different branded worlds, creating multiverses collectively designed by dozens of different development teams.
• Device-independent. While some Thin Games may take advantage of the specific capabilities of particular devices (cameras, location-awareness), they should be accessible and functional through any Web-connected device.

No “perfect” Thin Games are yet known to exist. In many ways, Thin Games apply Web 2.0 concepts to gaming development.