Future Today announced that it is rolling out a new interactive element to its existing streaming channels, namely a collection of games that can be played directly on a TV with a remote control. The games, which number 67 at present, are playable via dedicated streaming apps called Free Games by HappyKids and Free Games by Fawesome as well as being directly integrated within the HappyKids and Fawesome apps on Roku.
The games span multiple genres, with the common feature being the ability to play with only a remote control. These include Power Pool, Air Hockey, endless runner Speed Quest, platformer Hop Master and prehistoric racer Dino Drift. The games are available at present via both the standalone app and integrated within Future’s streaming services.
Vikrant Mathur, Future Today co-founder, told GamesBeat in an interview, “We’re trying to cover different categories — in addition to [the above], we’ve got Sudoku, or Bingo Night. The goal is to have a diverse portfolio that can appeal to families and households depending on the time of the day… Games appeal to all of us.”
Rolling out games specifically for the TV
Mathur added, “If you want to watch a movie, watch a movie. But if you want to spend some time with your family playing trivia on Friday night, let’s do that. And it’s all available under one umbrella. It’s easily accessible and integrated within the app, so it’s on platform as opposed to a mobile app. It has that ease of consumption, but can be shared with friends and family so that everyone can enjoy it together.”
In addition to the benefit to users, Future Today also believes that this is a boon for brands, as integration via games offers a new way to engage with the audience. These can include, says Future Today, “sponsor placements, logo integration and in-game brand incorporation,” as well as potential gaming experiences for companies to interact directly with the viewers.
Mathur said that brand engagement can be incorporated in a way that’s consumer-friendly on Future Today’s platforms. “Brands are really hungry to find new, unique, interesting opportunities to connect with their target audience. I think the most engaging conversations we have with our brand partners is when we talk about these opportunities. As long as we do it the right way so it’s not intrusive or overbearing for the consumer, I think it adds value to the experience. It makes it richer and more meaningful, and it helps brands connect with their target audiences in a unique way.”