Gaming IP in 2024: How to Create Lasting Impact on UEFN
Nov 26, 2024
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Join Jeremy Pedron, Lead Game Designer at JOGO Studios, known for innovative maps in UEFN, and Kevin Mariano, Founder of Future Trash, as they explore the evolving landscape of gaming intellectual property. They discuss how UEFN's flexibility has revolutionized IP creation, blending unique art styles with character lore. The guests share insights on the challenges of community collaboration and brand identity, alongside the transformative power of user-generated content. Tune in for a dynamic conversation about the future of gaming creativity!
The emergence of UEFN has democratized IP creation, allowing creators to explore innovative avenues like NFT collections in gaming.
Community engagement is pivotal for IP development, with studios leveraging fan feedback to enhance player investment and ownership.
Achieving discoverability on UEFN requires strategic marketing and community building, as established content often overshadows new creations.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Intellectual Property in Gaming
The concept of intellectual property (IP) in the gaming industry has evolved significantly with the rise of user-generated content (UGC). Traditionally, IP was associated with major franchises like Disney and Marvel, carefully controlled and crafted by dedicated teams. However, as creation costs decrease and platforms like UEFN emerge, new forms of IP are arising from unexpected sources, such as NFT collections. This has led to a more democratized and fluid process of IP development, where creators can explore various avenues to build and share their concepts.
The Role of Community in IP Development
Community engagement has become a vital aspect of developing and nurturing IP in the modern gaming landscape. Studios are increasingly relying on their established fan bases to provide input and feedback, cultivating a collaborative environment where players feel a sense of ownership. For instance, at Jogo Studios, the success of new characters and stories is often rooted in community suggestions that enhance player investment. This participatory approach not only enriches the gaming experience but also reinforces the community's connection to the IP.
Challenges of Discoverability in UGC Platforms
One of the significant challenges for creators on UGC platforms like UEFN is discoverability, as well-established maps often dominate visibility, making it difficult for new experiences to gain traction. Creators find that despite having quality content, a lack of visibility can hinder audience growth and engagement. This competitive landscape compels studios to think strategically about marketing and community engagement, to ensure their ideas do not get lost in the noise. Building a solid off-platform presence through social media and dedicated communities is essential to overcoming these hurdles.
Balancing Adaptability and Brand Identity
Studios working within UEFN must strike a balance between maintaining a unique brand identity and being adaptable to the platform's constraints. Creators like Jeremy from Jogo Studios emphasize the importance of understanding the core audience and their preferences while also innovating within familiar parameters. This adaptability can lead to the birth of new IP that resonates with players while offering something fresh. As the UEFN framework evolves, the ability to pivot and align with player expectations will be crucial for sustained success.
Strategic Growth Beyond UEFN
Both Jogo Studios and Future Trash are exploring strategies for growing their IP beyond UEFN, including developing standalone games and animated content. As UEFN continues to face limitations that may hinder creative ambitions, having a thoughtful off-platform strategy becomes essential. Studios recognize the potential of UEFN as a launchpad for building awareness and cultivating a solid community around their IP. The path forward involves leveraging community insights and integrating player feedback while maintaining focus on the long-term vision for their brands.
One of UEFN's biggest strengths is that it is a melting pot of intellectual property. Jeremy Pedron, Lead Game Designer at JOGO Studios, calls it “a vast childhood playroom”, a place where you can combine playing with Batman while also playing with Legos. As creative costs go down to zero, the modern gaming market is undergoing a transformation in how IP is created. In summary, IP has never been more adaptable.
Host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Kevin Mariano, CEO of Future Trash, and Jeremy to discuss how building IP for gaming today differs from the past. They explore two distinct strategies, one focused on establishing unique art style and character design, and the other centered around character development and lore — and how both studios utilize UEFN to their advantage. The conversation also addresses the implications of transferring IP off the platform and what limitations a UGC-native brand and IP might face. For further insights into JOGO and the Fortnite Creative Economics system, be sure to listen to our other episode here.
We’d also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.
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