Several interactive companies have established the Connected TV Game Forum for the development of games on connected TV. They are Accedo, Betfair, PlayJam, RallyPoint and Two Way Media.
The Forum aims to galvanise a common approach to gaming requirements for connected TV devices including functionality, features and open standards. The Forum seeks to voice a clear, collective opinion on the requisite technical and commercial factors for compelling games services, primarily targeting key consumer electronics platforms. The Connected TV Forum openly invites all companies wishing to work closely on and benefit from this opportunity.
Online games are a major driver in the multi-platform digital entertainment arena, attracting 38% of internet users whilst generating billions of downloads via mobile phone applications and digital TV platforms. For example, gaming on social media sites already generate more than $500 million (€345 million) in micro-transactions every year. The Forum’s partners believe games will act as a prime motivator for consumers to connect their TVs to the internet.
“Casual gaming is clearly one of the great opportunities for connected TV and has proven consumer interest and willingness to pay,” commented Michael Lantz, CEO, Accedo Broadband. “At Accedo we remain committed to the vision of connected TV, and will through the forum jointly drive gaming and application requirements and standards for any online TV solution”.
The Connected TV Game Forum is inviting other companies developing games and gaming related applications to join the forum to provide synchronised requirements to the connected TV Industry. (See also the Forum website)