So this is something new. Activision Blizzard Media has announced that it’s forming a new player research community composed of its most active and engaged players, with the group dubbed “King’s Council” and serving as a sounding board for opportunities in advertisement and promotion. In the words of Brian Ames, president of the Activision Blizzard Media division:
King’s Council is a way for players to share their feedback and perspectives, ensuring we think holistically about what’s best for players and our marketing partners as we build new offerings for our large and vibrant user base worldwide.
Lest you get too excited at the thought of designers for World of Warcraft suddenly having their minds blown at the thought that people don’t like the newest expansion, we would hasten to point out that the focus is on the company’s mobile titles. It’s also far more tied to marketing and promotions, not active game development; less “Council of Stellar Management” and more “focus group driven by devoted players.” Still, it could easily set the foundation for further player engagement in future developments, so it’s a development to be lauded. Assuming, of course, that the powers that be actually listen to what the King’s Council members offer by way of feedback.
