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Jimmy

12/07/20

@ Y Combinator

We learned from early experiences that players would leave Highrise for other platforms once they exhausted the game's content, highlighting the need for a strong social component.

Video

MMOs in the Instagram Era: Highrise (S18) - YC Gaming Tech Talks 2020

@ Y Combinator

MMOs in the Instagram Era: Highrise (S18) - YC Gaming Tech Talks 2020

12/07/20

Related Takeaways

Jimmy

12/07/20

@ Y Combinator

To maintain user engagement, Highrise must feel like a social app, similar to Snapchat or Instagram, to prevent users from leaving after gameplay.

Jimmy

12/07/20

@ Y Combinator

In designing Highrise, we focused on creating an experience that feels like both an app and a game, which is crucial for user engagement.

Y Combinator Cast

12/07/20

@ Y Combinator

Highrise is a social-first game, built on an architecture that combines a smooth user experience with the capabilities of a real game engine.

Y Combinator Cast

09/18/18

@ Y Combinator

When we launched, we discovered that players were forming friendships based on shared interests, which was a unique aspect of our game.

Tim Sweeney

04/30/25

@ Lex Fridman

The current gaming landscape lacks social cohesion, with players unable to carry their identities and items across different games, leading to isolated experiences.

Jimmy

12/07/20

@ Y Combinator

The social-first approach addresses the challenge of retaining player attention by fostering friendships within the game, which keeps players engaged long-term.

Jimmy

12/07/20

@ Y Combinator

Highrise is a social-first MMO where players create avatars, build apartments, and engage in user-generated worlds and challenges.

Jason Citron

11/25/24

@ 20VC with Harry Stebbings

During the pandemic, we learned that some features didn't resonate with users, prompting us to refocus on our core gaming audience.

Y Combinator Cast

12/07/20

@ Y Combinator

This architecture enables us to create various games and products by swapping out elements of Highrise, like introducing a hero collector game or an adventure fishing game.