I write this article knowing that I am the next Editor (co) of the Bootleggers Buzz. This in itself makes me feel extremely proud, but also gives me a chance to do something I have a real passion for online. That passion is to be intrinsically involved with the continued development of the game. Over recent weeks I have attempted to show my passion for the game to succeed. One of the things I think would make the game better for us all, was if fresh new players came to Bootleggers, and more players were continually online.
One-way I think this is accomplishable is by advertising the game through various mediums.We have seen Bootleggers being advertised in the past, previously this was done on a site called MPOGD (Multiplayer Online Games Directory). When Bootleggers was advertised this way the staff offered players incentives to vote for Bootleggers in order to make the game; Game of the month. If a game wins the title of Game of The Month, it is not allowed to win the title again for 12 months. Bootleggers last won the title in April 2009, and also won the title in March 2008, January 2007 and originally in December 2005. Every time that BL was entitled to win, we did so, this attracted lots of new players, players that were all ready savvy with online text games and looking for something new, with an original concept, BL had what they were looking for, and I believe still has the ability to do so.
I thought I would get a quote from a player that I know has played for a long time, I decided on asking Malganis.
I first asked Malganis, do you think the game is in need of new players? To which Malganis replied;
“Actually, the game really needs more players. It will help the game to be more fun, more stories to have, and more friends and new faces.”
Now I completely agree with the views of a few of the skeptics about recruiting new players, many players would say that we should focus on fixing the game before inviting new people. I asked Malganis for his thoughts, to which he replied;
“I would agree too, but still BL used to have a lot of players without having most of the updates we have now. And yes its player friendly.”
I asked Malganis what does he regard as the most effective advertising tools;
“Facebook and Twitter could do the trick!
And of course the players telling their friends would help a lot.”
I felt Malganis made some good points but I don’t strictly agree with using Facebook and Twitter. I feel some of the older advertising campaigns using sites designed specifically for this purpose can be much more effective.
I then decided to ask a staff members viewpoint, so I collared Sky who kindly agreed to an interview. I first asked if he thought advertising was a good idea, he replied positively;
“I think if done properly it would be a fantastic idea to advertise the game. Facebook games have shown that people with time to kill can reach great heights, these are exactly the kind of people Bootleggers should be trying to attract.”
Again that damn F word, maybe I’m wrong, I really think the way to go in the immediate future would be to advertise on more specific sites, I asked if he thought sites like these are outdated now, he replied;
“Not at all. The very purpose of MPOGD is that people inclined to enjoy multi-player games will be the kind of person viewing it, so they are just the right audience for Bootleggers. And it was always nice to get rewarded for voting for the game, I miss that sometimes.”
Now this is an important point to bring up, even though Bootlggers staff use to reward players for voting, MPOGD rules state that the staff of games competing for the title are not allowed to offer incentives in order to encourage players to vote. I asked Sky if he thought it was possible to obtain the title without offering incentives, he replied;
“I would've thought so, it's in everyone's interest that Bootleggers has a fresh player base every now and then, it keeps things interesting!”
I whole heartedly agree with Sky. Now one thing I am extremely conscious of before I start trying to lead some sort of online revolution is that I don’t offend or annoy BSF2000 by encouraging advertisement of the game without his consent.
I asked Sky;
“So, we at the Buzz are sort of tired of waiting, do you think it would be a good idea for us to spark a revolution. If we aim to put BL up on some sites, and ask people to vote. Do you think we would be treading on BSF's toes, or do you think he would admire the spirit?”
Sky replied;
“I think that's a terrific idea, what's more powerful than the owner of the game trying to show it off? The players of the game trying to show it off. A statement such as that, organized by the players, would be a sure sign that we've got a dedicated community who want the best for Bootleggers!”
A very valid point! So this ladies and gentlemen is it, I will now start a player led, incentive free advertising campaign of the game. I will start really driving this after next weeks issue, for now though if you want to vote for Bootleggers, you can now do so here;
Simply click vote, each IP address may vote once every 24 hours. For comments on advertising, or ideas about how you can be part of my proposed development, do not hesitate to get in touch with me anytime, lets grow this community and make this game the best it can be, as busy as it once was and as much fun as possible.
