Nov
15
2021
TikTok may already be the most popular app in the world but it is not about to rest on its laurels. It is exploring new growth opportunities such as TikTok mobile gaming with the help of the industry leader Zynga. This was announced along with Zynga's Q3 earnings report which revealed an excellent revenue increase of 40% year-on-year at $705 million. The partnership of two of the hottest names in tech today is turning heads and creating excitement.
Disco Loco 3D
The plan is to launch a game called "Disco Loco 3D" on the Tiktok platform. This will be an exclusive so interested parties will have to come over for the experience. The single-player game is designed as an endless runner with players having to walk down a catwalk while they avoid obstacles, perform dance moves, challenge friends, and collect medallions. The concept is actually similar one of Zynga's creations called "High Heels" so those who are familiar with the title should find this easy to play.
Disco Loco 3D is a way for TikTok to test the waters with a traditional game. It is not just about the technicalities more so about their users' appetite for gaming within the app itself. The company wants to understand how the community wants to engage with games. There are already millions of gamers on TikTok who create and consume video content. They range from casual gamers who play for fun to the hardcore players who compete at the highest levels. How they will respond to this tighter integration will be interesting to see.
Garden of Good
It should be noted that this is not exactly TikTok's first game on their platform. They already have one under their belt called the "Garden of Good". However, that was more for charity than for entertainment or profits. It was a partnership with the organization Feeding America with the goal of raising funds for their programs. It was launched earlier this year through TikTok's own efforts. Players were given their own virtual garden to care for. They could also provide support to friends who were also playing their game. They can earn points as their garden grows. These can be then be converted into real donations to the charity.
More Tiktok Games to Come
Disco Loco 3D is not currently monetized but this may change in the future. For now, the company opts to do away with revenue sharing or in-app purchases. They simply want to see how well TikTok mobile gaming will be received and move on from there. Zynga is the perfect partner for this kind of project given their experience with other platforms with similar ambitions. Watch out for the game's roll-out on Android and iOS in the next few weeks.
Disco Loco 3D Trailer