This week's "Best of SVGL" challenge is a bit trickier than the first couple, but I've no doubt that my readers will exceed expectations:These days, with all the advertising dollars to be made in free-to-play MMOs, Webheads and venture capitalists have suddenly gotten hot to throw millions of dollars behind any game pitch that has words like "community" "persistent" and "dynamic" in it. It's like a dot-com bubble, only it's the free MMO-slash-social-world platform bubble. Is there anything they'd never make?
Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to write a short blurb or pitch for the most implausible, ludicrous MMO idea as if you were framing it to sell. You must write with the sincerest optimism and the most flattering spin -- fancy yourself a PR rep for the biggest idiots in the world (which is how Sony's folk must feel these days, poor things) and pitch that lunacy! You must use at least one of the following words/phrases: persistent, dynamic, community, 'tweens, virtual, free-to-play, virtual goods, exclusive content, downloadables, unlockables, real-world item tie-in, USB code, mobile access, customizable, avatar-based, secure, parental controls, celebrity placement, user-generated content. Automatic win if you can (sensibly) use them all.
I'll start us off:
Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch MMO
This teen-and-'tween targeted virtual playground offers young folks the dynamic experience of being part of Michael Jackson's fantasy community! Explore the Neverland Ranch community with customizable avatars and secure chat, and compete with other kids for the chance to meet the King of Pop himself! For a limited time, purchase real-world Michael Jackson dolls that carry a special USB key for access to additional unlockables and exclusive content! Participate in multiplayer battles to earn candy pieces you can spend for virtual furniture, special outfits and more to create and decorate your very own bedroom in Michael's mansion! Personalize your avatar with different pajamas, underwear and accessories, pick from user-generated designs or submit your own to dress the other kids! With your parents' permission, give Michael access to you at any time with private chat over mobile phone. Michael himself will be making frequent in-world appearances!
...I give it three weeks before I announce the completion of my first million-dollar round of Series A funding to develop this game. Thanks, 'angel investors'!
Anyway, you can do better -- go for it, guys!
UPDATE: Thanks to KGBrAm for pointing me to this video -- surprisingly savvy for TV, this is exactly what I'm talking about. Check it out and you'll get the idea.
