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My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

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platform strategy

Games as Platform Engagement Strategy

Timeframe: 2-3 years for major platforms to standardize gaming features

What's Changing

Major platforms adding gaming layers to increase daily engagement and subscription revenue, moving beyond core product functionality

Driving Forces

Daily habit formation creates platform stickiness

Games generate subscription revenue beyond advertising

Simple puzzle games require less attention than complex entertainment

Social gaming leverages existing platform relationships

Winners

  • Platforms with existing social graphs (LinkedIn, Facebook)
  • Subscription media businesses adding gaming tiers
  • Simple, habit-forming game developers

Losers

  • Standalone gaming apps without distribution advantages
  • Complex games requiring significant time investment
  • Platforms relying solely on advertising revenue

How to Position Yourself

1

Add gaming layer to existing product rather than standalone app

2

Focus on 1-3 minute daily games rather than extended sessions

3

Leverage existing user relationships for competitive elements

4

Bundle gaming with core subscription offering

Early Signals to Watch

Subscription conversion rates from gaming usersTime spent on gaming vs core platform featuresPlatform acquisition of gaming companies

Example Implementation

Business newsletter adds daily industry trivia game, sees 40% increase in subscriber retention and 25% higher premium subscription conversion