New Indie-focused digital distribution service launch... Requesting feedback

[heat23]

Hello everyone,

As a long-time member here at Anandtech, I wanted to let you all know about a new website that I have co-founded called Shiny Loot (http://www.shinyloot.com). This website is an Indie-focused digital distribution platform that features minimal to no DRM, PC/Mac/Linux games, and an extensive filtering to help you find the perfect game. The game trait system allows users to search over one hundred individual features of a game such as randomized levels, user created content, or physics based gameplay.

Last week, we launched a fully-functional beta version of the site with public launch scheduled for a few weeks from now. During this time, we hope to receive feedback from the community so that we can improve the site. To kickoff the Beta, we have a number of titles that are 25-80% off. Please have a look around and post any questions or feedback in this thread, via PM, or through the website. Thanks!

Note #1: Registration is currently by invitation only, so please use the code 'at12592' when signing up.

Note #2: I have received permission from the moderators to post this.

 

[PhatoseAlpha]

OK, I'll ask the obvious question.

What does your platform offer that would give it an advantage over existing, entrenched platforms, or the likes of the humble bundle?

 

[Elixer]

Hmm, so this is like GOG, except indie only?
Just how are you guys testing these games anyway? Is there some kind of a review system before the game is put on the site? Or do you leave it to the developer?
Lots of times, especially with indie games, without a demo or perhaps a proven track record, lots of people are very hesitant to buy games.
Screenshots are not enough, at the very least, need some kind of a video from actual game play. Lots of unfinished, very buggy games are released, and it looks like you won't offer refunds.
Another problem is sites that package all these together...like Humble bundle... you need good exclusives.

It also is kinda hard to see how everything plays out if you don't offer a few free games, so we can see how the account works, and how the "buying" process goes, and checking what kind of response we get when we would make a purchase.

For filters, would be nice to have the DRM options listed there as well, none, Key, or whatever.

Lastly, I have no idea where or who this company is. There isn't much information about this in the about or FAQ.

 

[heat23]

@PhantoseAlpha: That is a good question. There are a few other options out there when it comes to purchasing games online, but we feel we offer a more complete package. Our site is against obtrusive DRM, we have an extensive traits system, powerful filters, user reviews, and Indie-focused (we love rooting for the underdogs). Our system is clean and easy to navigate (hopefully), and there is no need for any client-software download. A big reason we developed this site was to improve game search capabilities. Also, we are able to efficiently implement improvements and new features that are suggested by the community to make our site even better. I hope that answers your question and feel free to ask anything else.

 

[heat23]

@Elixer: There are certainly some similarities with GOG. They offer all titles DRM-free whereas we allow developers that use one-time validation serial keys in addition to DRM free. Like them we're against obtrusive DRM.
We have a test system to go through the installation process, but we don't go through the entire game. Support for individual games is left up to the developer, but we will work with our customers to make sure they get the support they deserve. It's understandable that potential customers are hesitant about purchasing an unknown product, and that is why I think it's important to encourage user reviews. I agree that video is a very important in addition to screenshots. It's in the works and will be added before moving on from beta.

That's reasonable to offer some free games to do what you suggest and show people what the purchase and download experience is like.

As far as the who we are, what sort of details would you like to see? I appreciate the feedback!

 

[Elixer]

As far as the who we are, what sort of details would you like to see? I appreciate the feedback!

What is the country of origin of the store.
What will be the name used for CC or whatever transactions.
Physical address.

I tend to check these things from all online places, to make sure they are not some fly-by-night operations.


Oh, also, it would be nice if you could link games to have their own thread in the forums. Actually, I would have each developer have their own forum section, and then each game would have a thread in that section.
Nothing beats talking to devs, or having a place where people know that devs will read! Not sure if you guys want to take it that far, but IMO, would be a big plus if you can manage that.
Reviews are still useful, but, people tend to talk more about games in threads, where the review format don't really fit that well.

 

[Zenoth]

Well I have mixed feelings I guess.

I think that competition is good of course but...

Well... I'll put it in a simple way. There already is a dedicated Indie category on Steam. I have Steam and I like it, so I use it. The only thing that might make me buy an Indie game on another distribution platform, even if that platform exclusively provides Indie games and only that, would be its price compared to that of Steam's pricing of the same game(s). But the price alone might not be enough, platform "exclusives" might do it. But that would be pushing it, in my opinion... although I would understand it on a business point of view. If for instance providing your Indie game as an exclusive to help sells (of the game) or also help the "popularity" of said platform on which the game is exclusive. I mean there's obvious business-related decisions that need to be made and that's fair enough in this competitive market.

But it's also a question of "why should I use yet another distribution platform?", although that's mostly subjective I guess. To reiterate, however, to me it comes down to prices and exclusivity... but mostly the price. Because I will admit it, I do like some Indie games, and I wouldn't exactly jump out of excitement at the thought of a brand new Indie game being "exclusive" to either Steam or another platform. I'm not really "hunting" for exclusive Indie games either. So indeed ultimately it's mostly about the price. But if... say... Trine 3 (for example) was to be released exclusively on Shinyloot and not on Steam, then I might buy it on Shinyloot (this is just an example of the "exclusives" exception that might me make the move and buy "somewhere else" than on Steam).

So in the end I guess it's a bit of a mixed bag of feelings about this. I think it's ok (competition, etc, and the website itself is good at first glance) but I'm already "hooked" to Steam and they do have an "Indie Exclusive" category when you browse games to buy by category so... yeah.

 

[Elixer]

Another thing, how are game updates handled ?
Do you get a e-mail about a update, or what ?

 

[DaveSimmons]

You have my best wishes, but I'm pretty happy with Steam and GoG so there's only going to be a tiny sliver of games I'd consider using this for. And if they pop up in Humble Bundles that makes your slice even smaller.

 

[ImpulsE69]

This is where I struggle, because I too agree competition is good, however, I don't want front ends, I just want games. I will buy the games wherever they are the cheapest. I tend to use Steam because it's a convenience and generally only get games there when they are on sale, but GoG is nice as well for what it does.

I don't want to have to have a front end running when running a game and I certainly don't want multiple front ends to track and juggle. Just a store that I can purchase and d/l the content from? I'm all for it. The problem is all these companies want this kind of exclusivity that is counterproductive to the consumer.

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ good point. I already need to run the Steam client and probably EA's Origin at some point.

More DRM-check clients would be annoying, and I'd worry that the client would be shut down at some point. So if I bought something from this site it would have to be truly DRM-free like GoG.

 

[heat23]

I typed up a huge response to everyone but then the forum went under maintenance last night and I lost it So I'll be getting back to you guys soon

 

[heat23]

@Elixer: We want users to feel comfortable when making purchases, so thanks for the feedback on adding additional company information.

Having separate forum topics for each game/developer is something that is on our list, but we didn't want to start off with that in Beta and potentially overwhelm users.

When a game update is available, we will be notifying users via email.


@DaveSimmons: Thanks for the best wishes and I'm glad to hear that you are happy with the existing services. We understand that will be a huge challenge to gain adoption from users that are already committed to other services, but we welcome that challenge. Our goal is to build a platform that will attract users of all backgrounds and utilize forums like this to get feedback to improve our site.

One thing you can be rest assured is that Shiny Loot only offers games with NO DRM or just a one-time serial #. We do not and will not require a software client to be installed.

 

[heat23]

@ImpulsE69: At Shiny Loot, we do not offer a software client to be installed since our games have no to minimal DRM. We want to optimize the user experience and eliminate any fluff so that people can purchase and play a game with minimal effort. We currently offer games as low as $0.99 so I hope you will give it a try in the near future. We would love to hear your feedback on the buying process and the workflow of the site!

@Zenoth: I understand your mixed feelings and I may not be the best person to address it. I will ask my buddy that co-founded the site to help with that.

 

[shinyloot]

But it's also a question of "why should I use yet another distribution platform?", although that's mostly subjective I guess. To reiterate, however, to me it comes down to prices and exclusivity... but mostly the price. Because I will admit it, I do like some Indie games, and I wouldn't exactly jump out of excitement at the thought of a brand new Indie game being "exclusive" to either Steam or another platform. I'm not really "hunting" for exclusive Indie games either. So indeed ultimately it's mostly about the price. But if... say... Trine 3 (for example) was to be released exclusively on Shinyloot and not on Steam, then I might buy it on Shinyloot (this is just an example of the "exclusives" exception that might me make the move and buy "somewhere else" than on Steam).

So in the end I guess it's a bit of a mixed bag of feelings about this. I think it's ok (competition, etc, and the website itself is good at first glance) but I'm already "hooked" to Steam and they do have an "Indie Exclusive" category when you browse games to buy by category so... yeah.

Hey - my name is Chris Palmarozzi and I'm the other co-founder behind Shiny Loot. Apologies for the late response.

Honestly, Shiny Loot may not be the right service for you based on what you're saying. If you're interested in only a few select releases every year that's not really what our platform is about. We might end up with some exclusives down the road but that's not our focus either.

Shiny Loot is set up as a place for people to match new, unknown games with their interests. It's for people who think "I really want a game with XYZ, and I have no idea where to find it". The platform is intended to take what you like and provide the best recommendations towards that end.

I agree with your general sentiment that there are plenty of distribution options. Every knows about the AAA, bid budget titles (like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Call of Duty, etc), and even the mega successful indie game series like Trine. I don't see how it serves the gaming community to focus those games when everyone else does it fine.

Hopefully that sums up the primary focus of what we're trying to offer with Shiny Loot. It won't be for everyone but will be a unique service to those who like to Google for some type of game that they just know exists...somewhere...

 

[heat23]

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to give you an update that we have added some features to the site that were mentioned here such as: Adding game trailers/videos, Search based on type of DRM, and more information about our company. Please let me know if there is anything else that can be improved.

Since the original message, we have also added dozens of new games.