Thanks again for our interesting speakers and their amazing presentations. It was definitely a good kick-start for the new, cross-disciplinary program. We cannot wait for the next seminar that will be held in the Fall, more specifically in Mid-September (date to be announced later on, hopefully with no volcanoes erupting simultaneously).
Erik Pöntiskoski introduced the topic of the seminar “Commercializing Media as Services” and explained what it means to “Engage audiences, Drive popularity and Generate revenue”.
Professor Johanna Moisander (Academic director) and professor Philip Dean (Director of Media Factory) opened the seminar and offered academic insights as well as their support to the new minor program and seminar.
Saku Lehtinen (AD, Remedygames) discussed the process and requirements of producing a state-of-the-art game, Alan Wake, where engineering, design and business comes together.”Great stories are the essence of Remedygames!”
Janne Airo (CEO, Steam Republic), Mikael Gummerus (CEO, Frosmo), Sami Kankkunen (OMD Finland) and Heikki Leskinen (Founder, Starcut) discussed about the future business models for media content.
Janne states that to drive popularity you need to create a movement with a natural pull, relevant message that resonates is the key! Furthermore, you need to monetize attention, and in order to do this, create an interesting offering for the fans, give them something they are willing to pay for!
Heikki advocates advertising that is getting closer and closer to actual transaction, and using mobile solution for finding the people who are the most willing and probable customers!
Mikael advocates the freemium model for games, consumer only pays what the service is worth.
Sami states that traditional marketing is declining in effectivity, direct Contact with customer is essential!
Finally, Sammy and Mikko presented some academic and practical information concerning the soon launching minor studies program, MediaBizLab!