Thursday, November 13, 2008

Blog 2:Betting on a Hole in One in the Virtual World

Terry Leiweke, the chief editor of the Golf World Series, has a new idea in mind. Leiweke sees men everyday that pay thousands of dollars to enter such golf tournaments, and thinks that with millions of users on the internet, even capturing one percent of the internet segment would create a lot of money. Although Leiweke is the candidate to make something associated with golf, it is strange that he would create a computer game. Leiweke does not even use a computer, let alone know how to create a game, but he is counting on finding a marketing partner that will help him develop his idea. Mr. Leiweke also turned golfing into gambling in the real world by seducing gamblers into the game. Each person puts up 10,000 dollars, and the 25 players compete for a 250,000 dollar prize. He projects a revenue for next year of 10 million dollars with the online game, up from the 3.5 million dollars he earned last year without it.

Mr Leiweke has tested this game already, and it appears to be a huge hit. In the beta version, 1 million people have played, averaging 18 minutes a play and 5 plays a week. He will charge 10-15 dollars for a subscription to the game, and sell virtual parts to the gamers.

(article from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/business/smallbusiness/13golf.html?ref=technology)

I think that this is a great idea, but could get a lot of golf lovers into big trouble. My dad loves golf and would be playing this game non-stop! He also enjoys gambling. The Virtual Game would be cool, but the downsides are strange: it deters people from going to play themselves and get some exercise, and it is dangerous for heavy gamblers.

I'm not sure how the game will do. Although many people are computer fans, the competition is obvious, with Ninetendo wii, playstation, and other virtual game systems that offer golf games. To me, it also seems a little crazy to spend money on virtual golf gear--then again, to spend 10,000 on a golf game also seems pretty steep. With Second Life and other Virtual Worlds, it is not too bold to say this game will skyrocket among the virtual, technology-loving community.

Therefore, I cannot predict how the game will do, but I say go for it. I think it is a great idea.
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1 comment:

Tom Arasz said...

I definately see the potential for a virtual world golf game. While you have stated that it could be used for retail sale and online competition/gambling, I think it could be more important in developing real life courses. Companies or individuals who are planning on developing a course to build could first make it using this program, then have users play a free round of virtual golf on it and give feedback. What did they like? What didn't they like? Then, using large amounts of data, there would be potential to make changes based on these situations.

Likewise, current course owners could create their course on here, then make changes and have people test the course out. If the majority of people really like it, then make the change in real life.

Also, if the course was realistic enough to predict wear-and-tear on the course, or where people are littering, then the course owners could make changes to keep the courses in reallife prettier.

Finally, if this virtual golf world truly became realistic, pro's could use it to practice for up coming tournaments weeks in advance, since most professionals don't arrive but four days prior to the tournament.

I like the idea of being able to play golf year around and at any time of the day, however nothing can compare to a real round of golf with the guys. So actual golf courses aren't going to be pulled down by this. But viritual golf is an awesome idea and definately has a future.

November 21, 2008 at 10:33 AM

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