In a recent episode of our Press Play Podcast, we delved into the exciting world of web3 gaming with Simon Davis, the CEO and co-founder of Mighty Bear Games. Mighty Bear Games, known for its latest project, "Mighty Action Heroes," is making waves in the gaming industry with its unique approach to game development and web3 integration. In this exclusive conversation, we explore the vision behind Mighty Action Heroes and the broader perspective that Mighty Bear Games brings to the evolving gaming landscape.

A Heroic Journey in Game Development

Simon's journey in the gaming industry spans nearly two decades, with experience working with industry giants like EA, Sega, Ubisoft, Disney, and Apple. Seven years ago, he embarked on a new adventure by founding Mighty Bear Games. Their latest project, "Mighty Action Heroes," marks their foray into the web3 gaming space. The game draws inspiration from classic action movies, blending the excitement of cinematic action with the competitive nature of a battle royale game.

What sets "Mighty Action Heroes" apart is its focus on delivering fast-paced, chaotic, and fun action, akin to beloved titles like PUBG and Fortnite. Simon describes it as the "Mario Kart" of the battle royale genre, emphasizing accessibility and sheer enjoyment for players.

Mighty Action Heroes is a battle royale game inspired by classic action movies. We wanted to capture the most exciting elements of our favorite action films and bring them to life in a game. Just as there are different types of racing games like Grand Turismo and Mario Kart, we believe there's room in the battle royale genre for diverse experiences. Our game is more focused on delivering fast-paced, chaotic, and fun action, much like games such as PUBG or Fortnite. So, in a way, we consider ourselves the "Mario Kart" of the battle royale genre.

Access for All: Browsers and Mobile

In an industry where accessibility is paramount, Mighty Bear Games made a strategic decision to target both browser and mobile platforms. Understanding that a significant portion of players in Southeast Asia lacks high-end gaming devices, they aim to cater to this audience. Android, as the primary gaming platform, and browser gaming provide accessible avenues for players to enjoy "Mighty Action Heroes."

The challenges of mobile gaming, including platform restrictions and revenue cuts, have led to a resurgence of interest in browser gaming. Mighty Bear Games sees this as a growth opportunity and a way to reach a broader player base while maintaining their commitment to accessibility.

When we look at the web3 landscape, we see that a significant portion of players are in Southeast Asia, including countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and India. Many of these players don't have high-end devices, gaming PCs, or the latest consoles. For them, Android is the primary gaming platform, and browser gaming is the next best option. So, our decision to target both browser and mobile platforms stems from this understanding of our player base.

Web3 Integration: The Wallet Connection

One of the core elements of web3 gaming is blockchain technology, and "Mighty Action Heroes" embraces this with open arms. Simon discussed the challenges and benefits of integrating blockchain into the game, particularly focusing on the initial wallet connection step. While acknowledging that wallet connection can be a point of friction for some players, the team's long-term vision is to make this process seamless.

Their goal is to ensure that players can enjoy the game without worrying about their wallet unless they intend to trade assets. Early implementation serves as a means to gather feedback and prioritize player input in shaping a smoother, more user-friendly experience.

We understand that the wallet connection can be a friction point for some players, but our philosophy is to get the game into players' hands early for feedback and community building. This sometimes means shipping features that may not be as polished initially, but it allows us to create a better experience based on player input.

Monetization with Fairness in Mind

Monetization in "Mighty Action Heroes" aims to strike a balance between free and paying players. The team believes in offering a meaningful progression system for all players, whether they choose to play for free or invest financially. This approach ensures that both types of players feel rewarded, with additional content and options available for those who support the game financially. Fairness and enjoyment are at the core of their monetization strategy.

At a high level, our goal is to have a meaningful progression system that players can opt into. Players who want to play for free should be able to grind and unlock content over time. However, those who choose to spend money will gain access to additional options and tactical variability. We aim to strike a balance where both free and paying players feel rewarded. For instance, we may offer more quests and additional content for those who support the game financially. The key is to create a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.

The Social Element

Social features are integral to "Mighty Action Heroes," but the challenge lies in addressing lower player numbers in the web3 space. As the game expands to mobile platforms, the team plans to introduce social elements like squads and other game modes that encourage teamwork. Balancing gameplay fairness between players on different devices is also a priority, drawing from the studio's experience with cross-platform play.

Social features are a vital aspect of the game, but we're currently addressing the challenge of lower player numbers, given the web3 focus. As we expand the player base with the mobile version in the coming months, we'll be in a better position to introduce social elements like squads or other game modes that encourage teamwork. We're also considering how to balance gameplay fairness between players using touch controls on mobile and those on mouse and keyboard.

Building an Ecosystem: Mighty Net and Big Bear Syndicate

Simon sheds light on two exciting aspects of the Mighty Bear Games ecosystem—Mighty Net and Big Bear Syndicate. The Mighty Net comprises a collection of NFTs that connect multiple games in their universe. Holding these NFTs grants players in-game rewards and interconnectivity between games, creating a unique and interconnected gaming experience.

Big Bear Syndicate, on the other hand, is another NFT collection designed specifically for "Mighty Action Heroes." It introduces gamification, allowing players to earn points by locking NFTs and redeeming them for in-game assets. These collections represent the studio's vision of a vibrant and connected gaming ecosystem.

The Power of Music

Simon's background in music shines through in Mighty Bear Games' approach to game soundtracks. Music plays a pivotal role in their games, enhancing the overall experience. While Simon used to compose the music himself in the early days, the team now collaborates with talented individuals in London to create exceptional soundscapes. The goal is to expand the music selection, possibly launching a playlist for players to enjoy online.

I was working in music before I worked in games, and so you can see this in all our games. Like, there's a lot of time and energy put into music. I used to do all the composing myself in the early days, but I see now that's probably not the best use of my time anymore. So I work with a couple of guys in London, who I know very well, and, I mean, I'm sure they'll tell you I'm a massive pain in the ass to work with on the audio front, but it does mean the music turns out pretty good. 

Collaboration in Web3 Gaming

One surprising aspect of the web3 space that Simon highlights is the collaborative spirit. Unlike the competitive nature of web2, web3 gaming sees teams from different studios coming together to support one another. The abundance mindset prevails, fostering a sense of community and shared growth. Collaborative efforts are contributing to the rapid evolution of web3 gaming.

The Mighty Cup is a testament to Mighty Bear Games' commitment to collaborative play. Simon discusses the thought process behind this exciting tournament. The unique approach of offering daily raffles for players who win at least one game a day ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, has a chance to participate and enjoy the competitive aspect. With a grand prize at the end, the Mighty Cup is a celebration of the game's community.

As a team, we thought, "It's a competitive game, it's a lot of fun to win, we want to get people playing and competing and give them something to work towards." So we were like, "Okay, let's run some tournaments." We ran an early tournament that did quite well, but what we discovered is that there was a massive grind. 

Impressive Early Numbers and Player Engagement

Simon shares some impressive statistics about the early performance of "Mighty Action Heroes." Their initial target for the first month was a couple of thousand players, but they achieved a staggering 6,000 players, exceeding expectations by threefold. Retention rates are also strong, consistently outperforming benchmarks. The game's marketability has proven itself, even overcoming initial skepticism about its theme.

Gathering feedback can be challenging because if you solely rely on the feedback from the most vocal, hardcore 5% of players, it may not represent the other 95% of players. To address this, we engage with players beyond the vocal minority. We have a survey, but we also make an effort to connect with players who might not typically give feedback. We even conduct in-person playtests regularly. By speaking to a diverse range of players, we aim to understand their experiences and not just take feedback at face value. Sometimes, players propose solutions to problems, but the real goal is to identify and understand the underlying problem and find holistic solutions that align with the rest of the game.

The Pizza Controversy

In a lighthearted moment, Simon addresses the significance of pizza in the game. "Mighty Action Heroes" features a unique twist: players fight against an organization known as Trash, attempting to force Hawaiian pizza on the innocent people of Metropolis. Non-Hawaiian pizza serves as a healing elixir in the game. This culinary choice has sparked debates among players, adding an entertaining layer to the game's narrative.

The Future of Mighty Bear Games

Mighty Bear Games sees itself as a games publisher and technology company that creates exceptional gaming experiences. Simon hints at a stealth project already in the works and plans for more web3 titles that will surprise and captivate players. The studio's commitment to reaching new audiences and delivering unique gaming experiences is evident in their ambitious roadmap.

In the near future, Simon is excited about the growth of web3 gaming and the expansion of the Mighty Bear Games ecosystem. With numerous exciting developments on the horizon, the next 3 to 6 months promise significant growth and innovation in the gaming space.

Final Thoughts

In this insightful conversation with Simon Davis, the CEO of Mighty Bear Games, we've delved into the exciting world of web3 gaming and the unique journey of Mighty Action Heroes. With a commitment to accessibility, innovation, and collaboration, Mighty Bear Games is not just creating games; they're shaping the future of interactive entertainment. From their creative use of blockchain technology to their inclusive tournament experiences and the quirky charm of pizza-based healing, Mighty Bear Games embodies the spirit of exploration and progress in the gaming industry. 

As we look ahead to the next wave of web3 gaming, Mighty Bear Games serves as a shining example of how imagination, dedication, and community engagement can lead to extraordinary gaming experiences. 

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