User-generated content matters in the video game industry

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(via wonderland) Edery has a a good list about why user-generated content matters in the video game industry:

  • It can extend the life and drive the sales of existing games. (Example 1, Example 2)
  • It can lead to entirely new games, not just new styles of play. (Example 1)
  • It can drive virtual businesses (and whole economies) which generate profit for developer and customer alike. (Example 1, Example 2)
  • It can reduce the cost of populating games with content, and make those games more dynamic and interesting. (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3)
  • It can take advantage of non-game-based UGC, such as Flickr and YouTube content, using it (in some cases) to blur the lines between the real and virtual world. (Example 1, Example 2)
  • It can help game developers identify potential employees. (Example 1)
  • Machinima! (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3)
  • It can lead to novel uses for game engines, other than machinima. (Example 1, Example 2)
  • It could help reduce piracy. (Example 1)
  • It could inform businesses and lead to the development of real-world products. (Example 1)
  • It can become viral marketing for real-world businesses. (Example 1, Example 2)

Why do I blog this? because it's a good list (even though I don't always agree on every issue). I am interested in this because of some foresight work in video-games.