Bible games (and video) for kids [Logos Asks]
We're often asked why we don't build Bible software for kids. The short answer is: we tried (long ago), and discovered that it's a hard market. Kids have high-expectations for production values, don't particularly want to study, and have short attention spans for things that don't enthrall them. And parents buy them so much media, they won't pay much for any particular piece.
And that was in the days of $49.95 software packages for kids; now it's free apps and $0.99 purchases. (!)
A friend of Faithlife built an impressive Bible-themed game with high production values, interactive games, and a remarkable adherence to the biblical story line. It's free to download, and at a certain point offers a $2.99 purchase to complete the game.
http://www.righteoustales.com/
I don't now the financial picture, but I'm pretty sure it is one that won't be leading to sequels.
What do you think? Is there a need / market desire here? Do you want Bible stories and Bible themed games for your kids on mobile devices? Would you pay more for higher quality products? Is it just too noisy in the app stores? How do you decide what is quality and what isn't? Would it help if you heard about apps through other channels? Purchased them as part of a subscription to a bigger collection of biblical kids content?
Is there a sustainable model for building these apps? (Is there even a need?) Or are we doomed to an endless series of one-off apps built by well-intentioned people who, one after another, discover there is no viable funding model? :-)
And what about video? Is there a need for more Bible stories, education, and faith-friendly entertainment? Or is there enough floating out there on YouTube to meet your needs? (And are you okay watching it on YouTube, with the ads and other content?)
I'd appreciate your answering our survey if you have young kids or grandkids:
https://www.logos.com/usersurvey/kidsvideoentertainment
Thanks!
-- Bob
Comments
A friend of Faithlife built an impressive Bible-themed game with high production values, interactive games, and a remarkable adherence to the biblical story line. It's free to download, and at a certain point offers a $2.99 purchase to complete the game.
The website wasn't found. Is that the right link?
What do you think? Is there a need / market desire here? Do you want Bible stories and Bible themed games for your kids on mobile devices? Would you pay more for higher quality products? Is it just too noisy in the app stores? How do you decide what is quality and what isn't? Would it help if you heard about apps through other channels? Purchased them as part of a subscription to a bigger collection of biblical kids content?
If it is done well, yes. But that is the trick, isn't it.
(And are you okay watching it on YouTube, with the ads and other content?)
I am not. I don't want to show the kids something like "VeggieTales" followed by an advertisement for "Viagra." Or worse.
I'd appreciate your answering our survey if you have young kids or grandkids:
I will take the survey.
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The website wasn't found. Is that the right link?
It's there but appears to be down. It's timing out. Googling Righteous Tales shows the same link to the site.
Found these:
https://www.facebook.com/RighteousTales
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/righteous-tales/id763218553
https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=RighteousTales
Whatever it is, don't do "freemium" or micropay. People dislike it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2luhwy3KAE0
This explains perfectly what our current economy is doing to us consumers. Watch & learn people.
The website wasn't found. Is that the right link?
It's there but appears to be down. It's timing out. Googling Righteous Tales shows the same link to the site.
It seems to be working now.
Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God
I'd appreciate your answering our survey if you have young kids or grandkids:
https://www.logos.com/usersurvey/kidsvideoentertainment
It thanks me for taking the survey which I haven't taken if this is a new one.
I can't imagine either my kids or my grandkids being too interested in this kind of thing, however.
Tricky one... There's so much free stuff out there indeed, even good quality.
Advertising is an issue though. Kids don't know the difference between advertising and content. There are good reasons why in a lot of countries ads are not allowed in kids software, kids tv programmes etc.
My kids are allowed to watch YouTube, but only with enabled adblocker, and parental control software on the most restrictive level. However, they mostly watch from our library of faith based videos that I've recorded from Christian channels on DTH.
I personally would purchase or subscribe a package of good kids content, both apps and videos, only if the price is right, and the package contains my kids' favourite videos (VeggieTales and SuperBook). And there should be an option to watch the videos on the tv screen.
Consider Amazon Prime for example: very affordable, works on most smart TVs without additional set top box, and already includes lots and lots of faith based kids videos.
So that's the price range and level of functionality I'd expect to even consider subscribing to a package.
I bought the game referenced and my kids like it. I think they like it because it is done well. Kids are smart, they know if something is cheap and created without thought. I like how the story is told and you play the game along with the story. Seems like a great way to learn. I would pay for more of these games.
I would like to see more games like this. I'm not opposed to video series, but make them organized and exciting to the kids and teach them theology and biblical themes along with it. The problem now is parents are on information overload. There is too much out there. I want a series that will teach the bible stories while connecting the stories to the greater story. I purchased the What's in the Bible series and it is pretty good, but for a younger age.