Review of an Independent Video Game Company: Game Grumps
Game Grumps
Origins - Game Grumps was, and still is an Online Internet Show. They were founded in 2012 by Arin Hanson/Egoraptor and Jon Jafari/JonTron and release on the platform Youtube, which is known for it's confusing business structure and is an extremely hit-or-miss American online sharing platform. But Game Grumps is a hit (for me at least), and have expanded from their normal business model of releasing comedy shows to independently developing and producing video games in 2017, June 13th. With the release of their first game "Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator."
Since conception the team size have been small, no more than 20 employees really at a time (it's subjective, since I'm not sure of the min/max workforce). The main benefits of keeping a team small like this in any independent company, is the ease of team management, given the intensive hierarchy chain of command needed for teams over the 100's. And with the community of other youtubers, entertainment studios collaborating with Game Grumps. They have had many changing employees and friends, that can be supported by the in-house accomities Game Grumps provides.
Business Model - With a reputation for going against the norm, due to their cool rebellious attitude and prioritizing having fun (even if the bit might get old). They state that their practice is just their opinion and own when they don't know what they are talking about. A very human feel is what the company embodies; even if their motivations can seem misplaced. They try their best to make as many people as they can happy.
This is also a good example of a more modern possibility for indie developing to get more traction, given how this brand releases their shows for free and have a devoted fan base 5 million with an average video watching audience of ten percent of that. This is an excellent way to advertise projects, and scaffold fans for their games. Considering how Game Grumps is mainly a "Let's play channel" (people who play video games online, while commentating. They are unique given their 'couch commentating' style, which they host together as a duo, and are minimally edited instead of the more common Let's player who are solo). The trending nature of the comedy of the show blends well with fans, and stands as a testament for this company's good will and level of quality which indubitably transfers to their, albeit sparce; video game titles.
Released Video Games -
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
.jpg)
.jpg)
Affiliations - Game Grumps have published for "Fantastic Passion," an independent video game developer. To create Soviet Jump Game. A Game Grump's video game has been published by another body once; from "Rogue Games" for the creation of Homebody. While Dream Daddy was in-house (published and developed by one company).
Game Grumps have had many ties and influence on other creative works in the indie community. If its not a direct partnership; it's good will and respect for appreciation of good games.
Egoraptor/Arin Hanson co-founder of Game Grumps, has backed indie developers like "Yaht Club Games" * And I think many, many more. He has also had many voice acting roles in games and media. Even triple A titles.
The current other co-host of the show with Arin, Dan Avidan is reputable for many reasons. One, he is hilarious. Two he is in many bands. This might seem unimportant, but do not underestimate the star power of bands. This is all contributes to the company, having a good repour with their target audience (16-30). All this supports their comedy show, other affiliated shows like "Good Game," music, merchandise, and of course... their games.
Acclaims - With a projected net worth of 6.14 million, the company can rest easy and maintain their lack of capital to continue to follow their personal dreams.
Game Grumps has had many easter eggs (a video game referencing something or someone, in-game) in popular indie titles like: "Shovel Knight" (they had their 'grump heads' portraited), "River City Girls" (the grumps are sprites in the background of a level), and in an indie 'adult' video game called "House Party," which literally has Arin and Dan as in-game characters (I don't know if they can be 'romanced' in game, but they consented and voice acted their House Party personas. Which is pretty interesting to say the least).
Poor Practice - The Developing team is mostly just friends, which is fine. But if the whole of Game Grumps was an indie video game developing company, they could devote more resources to their games.
With most indie teams I see. I can't help but feel like they could have been bolder with their games and said more. Indie devs need to keep it minimalistic to account for budget, yet Indie games can be so much more. We are currently in the 6th major extinction of our planet. And it is the only one that was caused by one species; Homo sapiens. I feel Game Grumps could do more, for awareness, but for setting an example e.g. providing more data for viewer ideologies by affiliating with fact based institutes that support benign philanthropy ("Greenpeace," "Planned Parenthood," "Wikipedia Foundation." For some examples)
I want more game developers that make mechanically fun edutainment games. An experience that actually educates the player, both with facts, and with in-game mechanics/systems. Just like how a player learns 'game sense', I want 'game sense [common sense]' where you amass knowledge by product of game-play (not expository dumps, that isn't a fun way to learn. Especially when you were expecting to PLAY a video game). * I'm projecting since the kinds of games 'I' want to make, are fun edutainment video games.
Impact/Interpretation - I greatly respect this company, and the people who make up it. I'm excited to see what their next video game projects will be.
Comments
Post a Comment