Learning from Loudcrowd
I’ve spent some time playing with Loudcrowd, and have to say I’m really enjoying it. It’s a pretty simple idea, executed very very well. Using some nice Flash trickery, users are given an avatar, and are tossed into a virtual party where everyone hears the same music at the same time.
There is some basic game elements around creating an avatar, and collecting clothing & aesthetic items.. all of which is won via the rhythm games. These games are simple Guitar Hero or DDR-esque music games, but always refer (at least gesturally) to the music playing on the site at that exact moment. This creates a very real sense that you are playing games “along-side” of other people. Let alone the ability to chat, message, and “dance for” other guests of the site.
The final takeaway that Loudcrowd leaves in your memory, is that there’s a party going on at the site, wether you are there or not, and if you want a little.. take a visit. That’s a powerful feeling to have after just using a site once.
There are a few elements of the system design here that are very interesting:
- The social network feels like an appropriate vehicle for what is going on in the game. Unlike a vast many other sites, that feel like the social network is unneeded and unnecessary.
- The games are short, simple to pickup and play, and you are rewarded very quickly. Clearly these aren’t web developers tinkering with games. These are real game designers, and that’s a big deal. Web developers of all sorts need to realize that getting a game right is not just a matter of making it work well & look good in flash. The feeling someone has as they are playing it, is the real thing being designed here.
- The site gets right down to it. You never get a loading bar (besides the music queuing up), and you never are told what’s going on. You are just plopped right in, and that in itself is refreshing. The language of games in today’s culture is strong enough that people learn by watching what is going on. You don’t need much in the way of tutorials anymore. Especially if you know your audience is this young & savvy.
Also, the music selection is fantastic. :)
