Another Web-Based Game Targeting Casual Gamers Launches

News.com is reporting that Mytopia, another casual-gaming network, has launched into public-beta. More than just a regular game with virtual rewards, Mytopia encourages exchanging points for real-world prizes like iTunes or Amazon certificates. "Since Mytopia is centered on "classic games," the offering--Sudoku, chess, backgammon, hearts, spades, dominoes, bingo, and poker--is a bit of a yawn, though the company has said new games will be added on a monthly basis. On the flip side, the familiarity of those games may be a draw to players who don't want to learn a whole new set of rules. Indeed, Mytopia is targeting a thoroughly non-"gamer" demographic."

Comments

So You Pay To Get Ads?

[ergo98]

but for a $5-per-month premium membership, players have access to an ad-supported version of the site

I presume they misstated, and you actually pay to get an ad-free version of the site.

Otherwise...is this a slashvertisement? Yet another of hundreds of online gaming sites...what's the news for nerds in this? No, seriously, I really want to know.

Re:iTunes / Amazon.com gift certificate....

[CRCulver]

iTunes / Amazon.com gift certificate can be easily converted into $$$ on eBay. These constantly sold around 90% or sometimes even 95% of the face value.

According to Amazon's own rules you are not allowed to resell gift certificates. If people start selling them enough on eBay, Amazon may pressure eBay to forbid listing them.

Sierra Network

[kaellinn18]

Jeff Atwood wrote a post about this yesterday. Apparently, Mytopia is a lot like Sierra's ImagiNation Network from the late 80s/early 90s.

Is Slashdot getting paid

[Bromskloss]

...for generating traffic for news.com or why on earth didn't you include the link to Mytopia?!!