If you don't, you are probably wondering what is this new phenomenon (one day I'll learn how to spell that word...) is? Another Pinterest-like passing fad?
But no - it's just a little game. That you share with friends or strangers. It's such a simple little game that works beautifully for adults and kids. You finger paint something on your phone, your friend guesses it, then swap. Couple of minutes, then you're done.
It's providing a fun constant link between me and my two children, who also use it on their iPod Touches. I can't draw to save myself, but I can get my message across OK enough to keep the games going.
And I have just downloaded their new version - haven't they hit the mark with their additions? Ability to add comments to pics (beats trying to handwrite "argh this drawing sux" around your picture!), and post pics to your social media of choice. This is great because I've seen some brilliant efforts from one friend (@juiceandbenny) but they are gone in a flash. So now you can preserve your (or their) effort for posterity. Or posterior, depending on your point of view - and drawing skill! That little feature could add a LOT of hilarity to the whole game.
And lots of people are talking about Draw Something out there. In this design blog, some interesting lessons from the app for designers are discussed. And it made me think of another lesson - for business (and wannabe overnight app millionaires!):
The publishers of Pictionary missed an incredible business opportunity here! It's probably not too late for them, and that would be a shame as OMGPOP have done such a great job with Draw Something. But I wouldn't be surprised to see a Pictionary app now try to compete.
Take-home Business Lesson: understand what business you are really in and what are the new opportunities. Pictionary thought they were in the business of publishing board games. Fail. Their business is entertainment. And THAT is a changing game, with new opportunities opening up everywhere for quick thinkers.
This game brought back memories and flashbacks of the great times I had with friends and family sitting around a table with a beer in one hand and a pencil in the other. The laughter would be incredible, rolling on the floor type laughter. I remember yelling out "how can that possible be a blank or you've gotta be kidding, you meant blank?!?! The game of Pictionary was a holiday and vacation ritual at the family owned lake cabin in the woods. This app brings back a little of that "fun times" feeling but missing the team approach and of course the fact that you're not enjoying the actual company of friends and all that goes along with that. Do you think that the makers of Pictionary want to keep that aspect of the game alive by not developing an app? Do you think it would "diminish" the success of the board game at all, or it's "heart" so to speak?
ReplyDelete