The Video Game Industry Needs To Consider Social Media Integration

There's no denying that the rate of growth the video game industry has encountered within the past decade has made it one of the leading players in the multimedia entertainment field. Whereas 10 to 15 years ago the industry may have seemed dominated by 'geeks' and children, the industry has since propelled itself as an everyday necessity in mainstream culture. Innovations such as the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect have helped to bring in gamers who previously wouldn't have had an interest in playing video games.

However, given the industry's prominence, alongside its current global market value, the leading players in the industry - Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo - have only recently begun to integrate social media into their systems and marketing strategies. Given the ever-increasing number of social network users, coupled with the standing of leading multimedia brands on such sites, it seems surprising that these brands haven't utilised these platforms to a greater extent.

Although there are elements of integration already in place, on the whole it doesn't seem sizeable enough to make a significant impact within the social media market. Through the Playstation 3, for example, users can connect their Facebook account with the console, which then automatically shares the users' achievements through their account. Although not necessarily too engaging, it allows a clever means of advertising through the world's leading social network. Likewise, Xbox 360 users can access both Twitter and Facebook through the console, enabling them to use and control the sites with their controller.

So, how can the video games market lend itself towards social integration? The first step would be to overhaul the official Facebook pages to make them more social and ensure information is easier to share. With millions of fans each, the brands have done little to construct their pages in a format which enables data and information to be easily shared. On the Xbox page, for example, different tabs present information about some of the latest titles and releases, but at no point is the user able to share this through their own profile. It's a similar case with the Xbox page, while Nintendo doesn't even maintain an official profile. Although given the turnover these brands make each year, it seems surprising they're not prepared to utilise these pages to such an extent where they may be able to attract new fans.

Further to this, there are other means the brands could use to allow easier access to news and information. Playstation recently released a smartphone application which allows users to view both their own and their friends' online status and achievements, as well as the latest news and blog posts. Although fairly basic features, the user is able to share this information through social networks and email. This leaves the possibility open for development, perhaps integrating a messaging system between friends, allowing for conversations between the app and a user currently logged on to their console. Were other brands to follow suit, this could make news and information more readily available, and allow the sharing of such information easier.

Although at present it may not be imperative for these brands fully integrate their strategies with social media, it ought to become a key tool for the brands to incorporate in the future. With the three leading brands vying to take fans from one brand to their own, utilising social networks provides a great platform to help spread their message to a large audience. Offering fans information to share and the means to do it will make it easier to advertise to a constantly growing online user base, thereby providing suitable means to increase customers and fans.

Punch Communications is an integrated social media, SEO and PR agency at the forefront of presenting its clients with online PR to help maximise brand awareness through digital means. Through its focus on tech PR, Punch ensures its clients are kept up to date with the latest advances in digital marketing to help maximise their online reach and reputation. For more information, visit http://www.punchcomms.com or call 01858 411600. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_O_Davis