Gaming is fast becoming a big deal, right across the world. It is a sector which generates huge revenues already, and also one with very promising prospects and potential for the future. Africa is not left behind in the rise, as gaming applications and portals around here are beginning to experience great patronage.
This reiterates that even in the midst of all the buzz and business that go on, we never forget that we are a fun-loving people who like to relax, even after a hard day’s job. With somewhat of a balanced context from both the developer and the gamer perspectives, we introduce our app for the week – ChopUP.
Overview
Truth is ChopUP is not really an app per say but better described as a social platform that connects mobile device gamers across Africa and allows them interact based on in-game achievements and points which can be transferred across games. The platform supports content across limited feature devices and some smart phones in recognition of Africa’s unique mobile device spread.
The concept’s main inspiration came from the marketing promotion of another of their game offerings – Danfo Reloaded – as they found that there was a lot of conversation amongst players of the game on social media, which they seemed to be missing on.
Peculiar Problem It Solves
ChopUP creates a peculiar platform which is the equivalent of a specialist social network dedicated to gaming. Now game players have a place where the focus is totally around gaming, bragging rights, upcoming feature talks and similar issues. It would also serve as an avenue for developers to monetize their game product offerings in the long run.
Essence / Unique Feature
The platform allows users interact based on their in-game achievements. It also integrates revenue driven by in-app purchase model, which includes advertising and rewards systems.
SEE ALSO: ChopUP Presents Danfo Reloaded II
Value Proposition
The ChopUP platform further enhances the mobile experience for African consumers, by providing advanced gaming and entertainment features on some of the most basic mobile devices in the market today.“ Developed by a Nigerian Start-up – Pledge51 with a ‘feature-phone-first’ approach, the focus was more on serving a prevalent but often neglected market segment, with compelling and original African content.
Some interesting features offered on the platform include social profiles for each user, real-time online leader-boards, recognition of in-game achievements online, and a virtual currency that can be used across different games
According to Bayo Puddicombe, one of the co-founders: “The most interesting part of ChopUP as a driver for innovation is its potential to open up monetization possibilities not just for us, but also for other developers across Africa.” He continues “the platform sits behind all our games and will eventually be opened up to allow other developers create mobile apps that integrate seamlessly with ChopUp.”
The team seems to be determined to change the game in mobile content discovery across Africa, and also help developers capture value from their users.
Potential Coverage
The platform currently targets Nigeria, with Africa next on the radar. But according to their pitch slides documentation, the constant aim is global domination which is quite a possibility with the robust approach being adopted.
Critique
Understandably, the application is currently available for Java enabled handsets, feature phones, and principally because of its prioritized bottom of the pyramid first approach. But even at that, the rise of the smart phones cannot be underestimated, and so the development would benefit immensely from a concurrent focus in this direction.
Conclusion
With the opportunity to pitch at DEMO Africa 2013, the team has just the right platform to show the world that they have the capacity to develop cutting-edge innovative solutions, and also help other businesses move to the next level. This further bolsters the fact that great things continue to come out of Africa.
