In a world where nearly 20,000 new PC games flood Steam each year, the challenge of discovering hidden gems amidst a sea of titles has become increasingly daunting. Enter We Love Every Game, a platform designed to tackle this very issue. Born from the innovative minds at Boston-based Totally Human Media, this initiative seeks to streamline the process of finding quality games for players while simultaneously helping developers reach their target audiences.
Insights from Industry Veterans
At the helm of this venture is Ichiro Lambe, a seasoned game developer with three decades of experience. His journey includes founding notable companies, such as Sony Online Entertainment Denver and the indie studio Dejobaan Games, which garnered accolades including a Guinness World Record for breaking Steam. Lambe’s expertise in game discovery was further honed during his time with Valve, where he co-founded Steam Labs to address the very challenges that We Love Every Game now aims to solve.
During a recent conversation, Lambe shared that his extensive background in the industry led him to recognize the pressing need for improved game discoverability. “The only reason I had to close my indie studio was because the games launched there were generally, you know, thumbs up, but they sank without a trace,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of visibility in a crowded marketplace.
Defining Quality in Gaming
When it comes to recommending games, We Love Every Game employs a straightforward heuristic: titles must achieve at least an 80% positive review rating on Steam, with a minimum of 30 reviews. This approach is designed to ensure that gamers can discover quality experiences without being hindered by rigid criteria. Lambe elaborated, “Our greater mission is to make sure that every gamer finds their next favorite game, and also that every game is able to find an audience of people who would want it.”
Matt Martindale, the head of marketing, added that the platform aims to connect gamers with titles that resonate with their preferences. “We’re trying to find ways for people to express what they enjoy about certain genres and link games together based on those connections,” he explained. This vision seeks to bridge the gap between players and the myriad of games that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Innovative Approaches to Game Discovery
We Love Every Game is not just about recommendations; it’s about creating a comprehensive ecosystem for game discovery. Lambe envisions a future where users can easily navigate through a plethora of games, much like browsing through a farmer’s market. “We want to give users that top-of-funnel experience where they can quickly sample what’s available and make informed decisions,” he stated.
To achieve this, the platform is exploring the use of generative AI to summarize game content and present it in a digestible format. While Lambe expressed skepticism about relying solely on AI for accuracy, he acknowledged its potential to provide users with quick insights into games that may pique their interest. “We’re not trying to eat an entire Wikipedia article and spit that out,” he clarified. “We’re focused on delivering bite-sized, relevant content.”
Future Aspirations and Monetization
Looking ahead, Lambe and Martindale are ambitious about expanding We Love Every Game’s reach beyond gaming to encompass all forms of entertainment media. “We want to replicate this model for books, music, movies, and television,” Lambe shared, hinting at a broader vision for the platform.
As for profitability, Lambe noted that the venture is investor-backed, emphasizing the necessity of a sustainable business model. He expressed hope that monetization could be achieved in a way that respects user experience, stating, “We don’t have to guess. Just put a sponsorship thing in the feed! And that seems harmonious rather than weird.”
With its innovative approach to game discovery and a commitment to fostering connections between players and developers, We Love Every Game is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming landscape, ensuring that every title has the opportunity to shine in the spotlight it deserves.
