Game playing, social networking and social marketing

// June 20th, 2007 // photolog

I got invited by a friend to look at a network marketing concept called project E-play (by Virtual World Direct). The project is about a yet to launch platform where people can play games to each other for real money. There are a lot of different games like checkers, backgammon and card games. You can invite friends or play to people you don’t know for small amounts of money. It’s possible to use your AIM, MSN, Jabber or other chatting protocols to see who is online and wants to play. I have seen some screenshots of the website and it looked really professional. I really like the combination of gaming and social networking and the fact that you are able to play for real money.

Behind this all is a multi level marketing concept where you’re able to organize your own tournaments or host your own gaming platform. You pay a little bit of money to use this service and you are able to make a lot. But this scares me a bit because I’m not a fan of MLM. I was really enthusiastic until I read the MLM part of the marketingplan. I have heard to many bad stories about MLM and I just don’t believe one can make $20.000 in just a few weeks.

But I am still interested because the concept really fits todays web 2.0 standards. It’s a combination of all the things that are hot on this moment: playing games, social networking and social marketing! On July 15th the website will go live for those who pre-registered (including me) and you can take a look at the user interface. Virtual world direct calls it evolution day, for me its just another Sunday. Or maybe if you all register via this link to my eVo page I will be a millionaire.

Maybe someone else wants to take a look at this concept and give his/her opinion? If you are interested in getting more information feel free to contact me. I can send you some presentations and screenshots of the website.