The saying “Too many video games, too little time” has never rung more accurately than it does today. In 2024 alone, nearly 19,000 new titles debuted on the popular PC game store Steam. That’s an astonishing average of about 360 new games each week.
This surge in releases is a positive development. Game development tools have become more accessible and easier to use, lowering barriers to entry. Aspiring developers find self-publishing more straightforward, allowing a diverse range of ideas to flourish.
However, this abundance presents a challenge. Developers now face the daunting task of “discoverability,” struggling to get their new releases noticed amidst a landscape crowded with blockbuster franchises like Fortnite and Call of Duty. For potential customers, finding these hidden gems can be equally tricky. Recommendations are often influenced by complex search engine and store algorithms, making it harder for unique titles to reach their audience.
Ludocene, often described as a “dating app for video games,” aims to transform how gamers discover hidden gems.
Games journalist Andy Robertson spearheads the project. His mission is to help players find those elusive titles that might have slipped through the cracks over the years.
Thousands of games are released every year, but only a few manage to capture widespread attention and success. These standout titles either get lucky or possess exceptional brilliance that propels them through the crowded market.
However, many deserving games get overlooked or overshadowed by more prominent releases. Robertson believes there’s a treasure trove of overlooked games waiting to be discovered.
The Ludocene interface itself resembles a game. Each title in its database is presented as a card featuring a trailer on one side and detailed information on the reverse.
One example of a breakout success is the card game Balatro, crafted by a single developer. Despite its acclaim, such success stories are rare.
With its vibrant presentation, the platform hopes to evoke the nostalgia of old-school 16——or 32-bit 2D video games.
Ludocene introduces a unique twist to the gaming world by incorporating a “dating app” style interface. Users swipe through game suggestions, deciding which titles to keep or discard, gradually curating a personalised collection. This interactive approach allows gamers to discover hidden gems they might otherwise overlook.
The recommendations on Ludocene are crafted by a team of esteemed gaming experts, including journalists, streamers, and other industry figures. These hand-picked suggestions aim to guide players toward quality titles that might not be in the mainstream spotlight. Andy, one of the creators, hopes users will find those quirky, lesser-known games that resonate personally with them.
Brian Crecente, a seasoned US games journalist, is among the experts contributing to Ludocene. With a rich background in establishing gaming websites like Kotaku and Polygon and leading video game coverage at Rolling Stone and Variety, Brian now runs his own consultancy business. He notes the current challenges players face in discovering new games, attributing it to the overwhelming reliance on search engine optimisation (SEO) and automated algorithms.
In this saturated market, Ludocene offers a refreshing alternative. It helps players navigate the vast sea of options with curated recommendations that promise quality and uniqueness.
“There’s just so much stuff out there,” Brian exclaims, his voice tinged with both excitement and frustration. He is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of media available today. Books, comics, movies, music, and video games flood the market, making it difficult for anyone to discover what they might truly enjoy. The fear of missing out on hidden gems lingers in his mind.
While many are aware of the layoffs and studio closures plaguing the video game industry, Brian highlights another issue. Numerous websites and magazines that once offered insight into this world have also shuttered their doors. “You have this rising tide of new games coming out,” he notes, “and then a drop in the number of people covering video games.”
This is where Ludocene comes in. Brian believes that part of its appeal lies in how it fills a gap for those seeking detailed and informed recommendations. It provides a lifeline for those lost in the sea of choices. Offering an approach that aids in discovering enjoyable content, it allows people to invest both their money and, more importantly, their time wisely.
For Brian, finding something you genuinely enjoy is about more than just entertainment; it’s about enriching your life with meaningful experiences.
Ludocene has captured the interest of the gaming community. Although it’s still in its prototype phase, the project quickly surpassed its £26,000 Kickstarter goal four days before the deadline. The team aims to launch it as a web app by August.
Jodie Azhar, an independent developer and founder of Teazelcat Games, expressed her excitement about the project. She believes it has the potential to highlight high-quality games that might have been overlooked due to insufficient marketing or media exposure at launch.
Nevertheless, Jodie harbours some reservations about the app’s dating-style mechanic. She is concerned about the binary swipe feature, wondering if dismissing one game might inadvertently exclude others deemed similar by the algorithm. She emphasises that the app’s effectiveness will largely depend on how accurately the algorithm can identify games that are alike and anticipate what users might enjoy.
Additionally, Jodie questions whether the team can keep up with the rapid pace of new game releases to ensure diverse recommendations. She ponders, “How quickly can you update or expand the dataset to maintain its effectiveness?”
Despite these concerns, Jodie is pleased that the app will be free upon launch, believing this will encourage more people to try it out and potentially invest in it.
Maxthon
Maxthon is revolutionising the landscape of cloud gaming by introducing a browser specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this rapidly growing audience.
At the heart of Maxthon’s innovation lies a series of sophisticated algorithmic frameworks meticulously designed to elevate both performance and responsiveness. These advanced technologies work in harmony to deliver high-quality visuals without the frustrating lag that can disrupt gameplay. For gamers seeking an immersive experience, this seamless integration is nothing short of essential.
But Maxthon doesn’t stop at just visual fidelity. It employs optimised data throughput mechanisms, significantly reducing loading times between levels or game modes. This means players can dive straight into the action without unnecessary interruptions, allowing them to immerse themselves in their gaming adventures fully.
Moreover, the platform prioritises seamless connectivity, ensuring that gamers remain connected with minimal disruptions. Whether it’s playing solo or teaming up with friends online, Maxthon’s focus on reliable connections enhances the overall experience. The result? A smooth and engaging journey through each pixel and frame, keeping players enthralled from start to finish.
At the heart of the platform lies a commitment to seamless connectivity. Gamers can effortlessly access their favourite titles, regardless of whether they are on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This flexibility breaks down barriers that once made gaming cumbersome and enhances overall convenience.
Imagine settling into your favourite chair after a long day, only to find you can pick up right where you left off with just a few taps on your device. The power of cross-device functionality makes this possible. No more being tethered to one console; freedom is just a click away.
Maxthon’s user interface plays a crucial role in this experience. Designed with simplicity and clarity in mind, it invites users in rather than intimidating them. Bright visuals and easy navigation choices guide gamers through their options with fluidity.
Every feature has been thoughtfully included to ensure that both seasoned gamers and newcomers feel at home. With every aspect refined for ease of use, diving into an exhilarating gaming session has never felt so inviting.
In summary, Maxthon is not just providing a browser; it is creating a holistic environment tailored for cloud gaming enthusiasts. With its commitment to performance and user experience, Maxthon positions itself as a leader in this exciting new frontier of gaming technology.