Not many people know KingsIsle Entertainment as a mobile game developer, but the company has been increasingly focused on that area. KingsIsle's first standalone mobile game, Rise and Destroy, was released in 2015, followed by AlphaCat in 2016, and now EverClicker in 2017. The apparent "switch" from MMOs to mobile games had Wizard101 and Pirate101 players a bit worried. Luckily, recent developments may help calm that uneasiness.
Three weeks ago, KingsIsle announced that they had put their most recent mobile game, EverClicker, onto Steam Greenlight. Although the community was completely surprised by this action, the move was met with a very positive response. In just a little over a week, the EverClicker Greenlight campaign got the attention and support it needed to obtain an official Greenlight.
While EverClicker isn't available on Steam just yet, KingsIsle is working on the back end systems for it ... which will also lay the groundwork for other games. This aspect is what most KI gamers are excited for. While I don't think any of KingsIsle's games are in immediate danger, it never hurts to expand a playerbase. Steam could potentially do that for both Wizard101 and Pirate101.
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When the Greenlight campaign was still active, I was surprised to find out that many KingsIsle gamers didn't even know what Steam was. As a result, there was some confusion regarding whether it was a good or bad thing, or if they would NEED Steam to continue to play.
First things first, for those who don't know, Steam is a large gaming hub. Steam's store sells thousands of games and the platform itself connects millions of gamers. Tapping into a huge network like that is most certainly a good thing (in my opinion anyway). In fact, I'm a little shocked KingsIsle hasn't already attempted it. Getting a game on Steam means more exposure and potentially new players. And for those who don't like Steam or just dislike change in general, KingsIsle's Community Manager has already confirmed that if Wizard101 or Pirate101 made it to Steam, they would also still be accessible from the existing launchers. Best of both worlds, right?
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EverClicker's Steam Greenlight just might be paving the way for even bigger things. Steam could be what KingsIsle needs to bring in fresh players and revitalize Pirate101. Will that happen? Who knows - but I'm optimistic.
In the meantime, Wizard101 and Pirate101 players can take advantage of EverClicker's worldwide launch by participating in "Crowns for Clicking." Now through July 6, 2017, players can get crowns for hitting two event goals in EverClicker. You can learn more about the promotion here.
