The Simpson's: Tapped Out from Electronic Arts may be free to download, but without purchasing 'donuts,' a player will advance pretty slowly.
Available for iOS devices, the game is similar to SimCity with players rebuilding Springfield after Homer lets the power plant blow up, which destroys the city. While the game doesn't cost anything, certain things can only be purchased using donuts.
Although one can save up donuts by advancing through levels, the sugary snacks accumulate very slowly and those with little patience can instead purchase the snacks from EA, starting at $1.99 per dozen, to speed up game play. The game operates on a pay-what-you-can sort of system where one does not necessarily need to purchase anything, but will be rewarded for doing so.
The game has been so popular that EA has to limit downloads to ensure that their servers run smoothly and users could actually log on to play.
Popular Cartoon Computer Games
The Simpson's: Tapped Out Uses Purchaseable Donuts as Currency
Trend Themes
1. Freemium Gaming - The popularity of freemium gaming models, where games are free to download but offer in-app purchases, presents an opportunity for developers to create innovative ways to monetize their games.
2. In-app Purchases - The use of in-app purchases as a revenue stream in mobile gaming opens up opportunities for developers to design creative and enticing virtual goods or currency that players are willing to purchase.
3. Digital Currency - The use of digital currency, such as 'donuts' in The Simpson's: Tapped Out, demonstrates a trend towards virtual economies within gaming that could be leveraged in other industries as well.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Gaming - Mobile gaming industry has the opportunity to explore innovative ways to monetize games by incorporating in-app purchases and freemium models.
2. Virtual Goods - The virtual goods industry could take advantage of the popularity of in-app purchases by creating compelling and desirable digital items that users are willing to buy.
3. Digital Economy - The growing trend of virtual currencies presents opportunities for industries, such as finance and e-commerce, to incorporate digital currency systems into their business models.