Forward Thinking Founders
961 - Gamifying Social Status by Combining Game Design and AI w/ Harvey Pratt (Simcluster)
Feb 7, 2025
Harvey Pratt, founder and CEO of Simcluster, introduces his groundbreaking AI-driven game that blends social networking with gameplay. He discusses innovative features, like a fragment system that eliminates typing, making content creation more accessible. Harvey also shares his journey through the gaming industry's challenges, including fundraising hurdles and setbacks during the pandemic. He explores how social dynamics influence gameplay, envisioning a future where gaming and social media intertwine, empowering creators and reshaping interactions.
42:45
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Quick takeaways
- Simcluster utilizes a unique fragment system for content creation, enabling players to engage without typing, enhancing accessibility and creativity.
- The game's integration of a clout-based incentive system mirrors social media dynamics, fostering competition and increasing user engagement in gameplay.
Deep dives
Overview of SimCluster
SimCluster is a unique social network simulation video game built on the foundations of AI technology. The game aims to push the boundaries of traditional video gaming by allowing players to engage in social simulation without the need for typing. Instead of conventional gameplay, players utilize a system of 'fragments'—a collection of nouns, verbs, and adjectives—to create content across various mediums such as text, images, and music. This innovative approach facilitates non-typing interaction while reshaping the player experience to make it engaging and accessible.
