The blogosphere is lit up with talk about Google’s new browser “Chrome”. I haven’t seen one piece done on how Google’s spiffy new browser could affect online gaming. The implications could be huge if Chrome develops a large user base. Below you’ll find three questions I haven’t seen addressed by anyone else.
UPDATE: Google Chrome is available for download. (3:03pm EST)
1. The Facebook Game Changer?
Facebook now has over 100 million users worldwide. With a user base this large its become a mass media platform. The entrance of gaming into the Facebook application space has helped it grow an engaged audience that feels compelled to log into their accounts for experiences they can’t get anywhere else.
I’ve logged countless hours on Facebook games like Word Challenge and Compare People. So I can tell you that the concepts driving game development on Facebook aren’t revolutionary. What makes Facebook gaming unique is the ability to game with your friends. Where else can I learn that I’m ranked #12 for “More Reliable” among my circle of friends? I can’t get this kind of self indulgent information anywhere else.
If Google’s Chrome can grow a user-base that rivals the size of Facebook it could become the next great gaming platform. The Web browser is open source, which means game developers can enter and develop games to leverage Chrome’s open social model. Which leads me to my next point.
2. The Facebook Chat Killer?
Chrome could challenge Facebook chat. Gchat’s popularity as an instant messaging platform will likely be leveraged in Chrome. Imagine not having to log in to gchat through your e-mail client. Chrome’s Social component could be similar to Facebook Chat. But the client would be accessed from your web browser.
UPDATE: Chrome does not have Gchat client integration. I’m surprised Google didn’t include it.
3. Challenging iPhone gaming: Android?
Chrome combining the social with gaming could mean that iPhone Gaming will see a lively competitor in Android: the first complete, open and free mobile platform. Android will use Chrome as it’s default browser. So games developed for Chrome could be available to play on mobile phones.
After writing this post I can see a slew of implications, potential marketing opportunities and a variety of choices consumers will be faced with in the coming months, if not days. What do you all think about this? Where do you see gaming and mobile gaming going if Chrome proves to be successful?
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