[Ads-l] Computer gaming terms: masocore, free-to-start (may differ from free-to-play)

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

Website: Wall Street Journal wsj.com
Article: Videogames So Tough They Teach You to Win in Real Life
Byline: Chris Suellentrop
Timestamp: May 13, 2016 1:41 p.m. ET

http://www.wsj.com/articles/videogames-so-tough-they-teach-you-to-win-in-real-life-1463161317

[Begin excerpt]
Today's most challenging games are dubbed "masocore," a combination of
"masochist" and "hard-core." Masocore games are nearly devoid of
instructions, kill new players within seconds, and require repeated
trial and error to succeed.
[End excerpt]

The citation immediately below equates "free-to start" and "free-to
play", but the next citation suggests that there may be a difference
which will be revealed in the future.

Website: Wall Street Journal wsj.com
Timestamp: May 11, 2016 5:48 a.m. ET
Article: Nintendo to Make Next Two Mobile Games Free
Subtitle: Company will use 'free-to-play' strategy, allowing no-cost
downloads and in-app purchases
Byline: Takashi Mochizuki

http://www.wsj.com/articles/nintendo-to-make-next-two-mobile-games-free-1462960123

[Begin excerpt]
Free-to-start, commonly known as free-to-play, is a strategy often
used by mobile-game companies that allows players to start a game free
of charge, but offers in-app purchases such as strong characters and
special items that allow users to become more effective in the game.
[End excerpt]


Website: Slash Gear (slashgear.com)
Date: May 12, 2016
Article: Nintendo insists on calling next mobile games “free to start”
Byline: JC Torres

http://www.slashgear.com/nintendo-insists-on-calling-next-mobile-games-free-to-start-12439778/

[Begin excerpt]
Nintendo hasn't yet revealed how it plans to implement its
free-to-start strategy, but the name itself already has some negative
implications. A lot of free-to-play games these days simply offer
optional IAPs to enhance the gaming experience, like optional power
ups, costumes, and accessories. There was a time, however, when
free-to-play games actually required players to buy something, either
outrightly or subtly, in order to even progress in the game. That
strategy, however, was eventually frowned upon by government
regulators and consumer rights groups.

The free-to-start name does imply that kind of model, however, though
Nintendo could probably still implement it tastefully. Additional
episodes or chapters, for example, can be offered at a price. Given
Nintendo's silence on the matter, it's hard to guess what path it will
eventually take.
[End excerpt]

Garson

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