The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Creating and selling multiplayer online games (Interview)
May 24, 2019
Victor Zhou, creator of popular .io games like Generals.io, shares his journey in the booming world of multiplayer online games. He discusses the addictive nature of .io games and the intricate development process behind Generals.io, which he later sold to a gaming company. The conversation covers the economic strategies for monetization through ads and donations, the technical challenges of game development, and the importance of community engagement. Zhou's insights provide a glimpse into the passion and dedication required to succeed in the gaming industry.
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From Blog Post to Podcast
- Victor Zhou's frequent tech blog posts caught Jerod Santo's attention.
- This led to an invitation to discuss his experience creating and selling .io games on the Changelog podcast.
The .io Game Explosion
- The .io game genre exploded after agar.io's 2015 release, inspiring many clones.
- These games are simple, accessible, and offer low friction to entry, making them popular for casual play.
Generals.io's Rise to Fame
- Victor Zhou created Generals.io during a college break, inspired by the less popular Kings.io.
- A Hacker News post propelled Generals.io to unexpected popularity, leading to a full-time commitment from Zhou.