Beyond Gaming re-launches web site for gamers
Written by Duane Ramsey | | news@toledofreepress.comBeyond Gaming officially re-launched its web site for gamers March 11 at www.beyondgaming.com and is working on a mobile gaming application.
The new web site is built with a much more robust social networking engine and an intuitive design to make using the site 100 times easier than the previous web site, according to Anthony Legeza, CEO and president of Beyond Gaming.
“We are so excited to launch the new version of the site that we have planned some big things this year but can’t talk about them yet,” Legeza said.
He reported that they completely rebuilt the competition pages and developed a robust Application Programming Interface with new social networking features on the site.
The Toledo firm is introducing a token-based system of virtual currency on the new web site instead of a cash only business. It allows them to operate in some states that consider cash gaming sites as gambling operations, Legeza said.
Tokens earned or won on the site can be redeemed for competition entry, so instead of playing a match for $5, members will enter a match for 500 tokens. Tokens can be earned by various activities on the site and redeemed for physical merchandise in the new virtual store.
All competition and tournaments offered by Beyond Gaming are considered games of skill in which the element of skill supersedes the element of chance. With casino games, the element of chance supersedes the element of skill, Legeza explained.
All current Core and Elite members of Beyond Gaming were migrated over to the new site prior to the March 11 launch. Early access to the site was given to about 500 current members to take it for a test drive, he said.
Beyond Gaming has approximately 2,800 members who participate in competition regularly. Those members range from casual gamers to people who play to make a living from it.
“We look forward to seeing this community of gamers grow to new heights in 2011,” Legeza said.
He reported that Beyond Gaming is working on a process to offer a mobile application for gaming on I-phones and other similar devices. They plan to launch that application in April, reported Legeza.
Two teams from Beyond Gaming are traveling to participate in two events for gamers this weekend with the Penny Arcade Expo known as PAX East in Boston and the South by South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. The SXSW is a week-long event with recently added gaming competitions.
“We expect to get a lot of feedback from gamers trying our new system at those events,” said Legeza who is going to Texas.
The founders of Beyond Gaming were researching business plans and models when they learned about Rocket Ventures and the Regional Growth Partnership in Toledo.
The firm became a client of the Launch program of Rocket Ventures where they received coaching to design a business model and a $37,500 Ignite grant in 2010 to implement it.
Rocket Ventures has invested about $367,500 in Beyond Gaming over the past six months to help them continue the development of their business, Legeza said.
“We really liked the guys at Beyond Gaming because of their passion and diversification. It represents a completely new market segment for us to invest in this fast-to-market technology,” said Greg Knudson, director of Rocket Ventures and vice president for technology at RGP.
Beyond Gaming exists to offer competitive console gamers new ways to enjoy their gaming experience in a safe, secure global platform. The social network provides gamers with an outlet to keep in touch, hear the gaming industry buzz, and opportunities to compete for cash, merchandise and prizes.
“Combining our passion for gaming with an obsession for technology, Beyond Gaming is built on a promise to give users the best possible gaming experience on the web,” Legeza said.
For more information, check out www.begyondgaming.com beginning March 11.
Tags: Beyond Gaming, Business, Duane Ramsey
