The Internet is the ultimate means of communication and thus it is the best way to share news and information with other people—including unique creations such as artwork, literature and even games. In the past it was difficult for young artists to share their work but now with inventions such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter many up and coming writers, artists and directors can find a global audience for the material that they produce. Although too few people know it, the same chances are available for individuals who create online games via a website known as “Kongregate.”
Known as an “online games hosting website” that is owned by the Gamestop Corporation, Kongregate allows users to upload games that they have created using Adobe, Shockwave, Javascript and similar programs. When game creators upload a game onto Kongregate they subsequently share their creation with the world. Anyone who plays the game has the chance to earn scores and achievement badges (just as they would in professional and popular games) and players also have the ability to rate the games and even write reviews.
Kongregate was opened to the public in December 2006. Started by sister and brother Emily and Jim Greer, Kongregate has since earned millions of dollars due to investments by many high profile business and technology experts, including Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos. The potential merits of a platform like Kongregate are limitless. It is a godsend to aspiring game developers who wish to share their talent (and can earn up to 50% of ad revenue generated from the game page) with other people. Kongregate is also an excellent source for game companies who are seeking talented gamers to bring new and exciting creations to consumers. In short, it is a win-win-win situation for everyone involved.
Sometimes called “The YouTube of Gaming,” Kongregate was acquired by GameStop in July 2010. The involvement of mega-corporation Gamestop in Kongregate has opened up many doors to game creators such as the ability to have their games promoted to Gamestop customers and the ability to upload games directly onto Facebook which automatically and significantly expands audiences. Considering that online games are a huge market that is growing stronger each year, Kongregate has a seemingly exceptionally bright future ahead.
Kongregate has an impressive website filled with thousands of games and the ability to socialize with other game enthusiasts (and game creators) via the forums. The information on the website is written in a friendly and welcoming manner that clearly outlines what Kongregate is all about. For example, this segment was taken from the company’s “About Us” feature on the website:
“If you’re a developer, don’t you fret - we’ll treat you right. We’re here to help you do what you do, and make more money doing it. If you upload your game on Kongregate we’ll share advertising and virtual goods revenue with you, and you’ll get to keep the rights to your game. Games rated highly on Kongregate get millions of plays, and we also offer sponsorship opportunities. Even if you’re just starting out, we offer free tools and a wealth of information for devs of all kinds on our developers’ site, as well as quick feedback from a committed community.”
The Internet helps people with similar interests come together. It also helps those who have talent (such as those who create games) share their creations with others. A website like Kongregate is a gamers dream and a game developer’s chance for serious long-term success. The merits and benefits of an organization like this should not be ignored—especially for those who want to break into the field of game production and those who seek out creative talent for such fields.
Anyone who enjoys games and the animation and storylines that often go alongside them, then Kongregate is a go-to source for hours of fun. The website is a lively community of creative artists and avid gamers and it is also an online magnet for talent. Presently Kongregate is on the fringe of its full possibility for potential that will likely grow enormously over the next few years.
For more information (and lots of gameplay) visit: http://www.kongregate.com/
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