Interactive

US – FlowPlay launches All Star Daily Fantasy

By Phil - 30 March 2016

FlowPlay a leader in virtual world games and technology, has launched All Star Daily Fantasy, a virtual currency-based daily fantasy sports (DFS) game.

Recognising the market opportunity for a DFS experience that is widely-legal and caters to a broad audience of casual sports fans in the United States, FlowPlay is the first casual games developer to take advantage of the increasingly prominent DFS industry. Now available within FlowPlay’s flagship social casino title, Vegas World – All Star Daily Fantasy is FlowPlay’s latest offering in a growing suite of free-to-play social sports wagering games and is the company’s first game to truly replicate a traditional real-money DFS experience with virtual currency.

After more than $1bn invested into US-based DFS companies since 2009, the market now faces impending regulation as an increasing number of states begin to classify DFS activities as illegal online gambling. Despite the current legal uncertainty, consumers continue to show interest in DFS, presenting the opportunity for businesses to reconsider the future direction of the industry. FlowPlay views free-to-play, casual games as the most viable alternative and is working to expand the market reach through the development of engaging multiplayer social sports wagering experiences. These free-to-play, social sports games are specifically designed to reach a sizeable audience of one-third of US consumers who consider themselves casual gamers and 60 percent that identify as sports fans.

FlowPlay is building out the category with the support of its Board of Directors, including former Starwave CEO Mike Slade. Under Slade’s leadership, Starwave created the first iteration of ESPN.com in 1995 and produced the first online fantasy football game.

“In the two decades since fantasy sports first made its way onto the Internet, progress has been steady – but with the dramatic rise and consumer demand for DFS drawing new attention to the industry over the last year, the market is more ripe for innovation than ever,”

Mr. Slade said. “That innovation will be through making DFS more widely accessible and attractive to casual sports fans and non-gamblers. I’ve enjoyed having a front row seat to witness FlowPlay’s success in the social casino sector as a Board Member and investor. Their latest focus on leveraging an already-proven approach to free-to-play casinos will translate well to fantasy sports and help bridge the gap to a much more mainstream audience.”

All Star Daily Fantasy replicates traditional DFS mechanics, including individual tournaments, 50-50, and high-low betting options. Launching with NBA first, the game allows players to select a full team based on a salary cap, and win points according to their player’s performance throughout the game. Using virtual currency, players can enter to participate in multiple games, are allowed several entries per contest, and can edit any lineup right up to the start of the game. Unique to FlowPlay’s DFS model, players have the ability to buy insurance at the start of any game by purchasing ‘gems,’ or in-game virtual currency, which will replace a portion of the wager if the game results in a loss. FlowPlay will expand the game to include college and professional sports including hockey, baseball and football as league seasons open throughout 2016.

“Significant issues – including regulatory pressure, limited audiences, and high operating costs – continue to burden the online fantasy sports industry, especially in the US,” said Derrick Morton, CEO of FlowPlay. “FlowPlay is leveraging our experience in the casual games industry to introduce a completely new model that is sustainable and legal. Social sports wagering games are a viable alternative to the embattled daily fantasy industry, and supply an appealing experience for millions of sports enthusiasts that have been largely alienated by current offerings.”

All Start Daily Fantasy joins a growing list of successful free-to-play fantasy games developed by FlowPlay, including Vegas World Sportsbook and 5 Card Draft, an original multiplayer card game and fantasy football experience. In addition to FlowPlay’s suite of consumer-facing social sports wagering games, the company also offers several white-label solutions. For businesses looking to develop their own line of fantasy sports games, FlowPlay provides the experience and platform to break into a new and innovative market in the DFS industry.