During GDC 2008 I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Larry “Major Nelson” Hyrb of the Xbox Live team. Larry is the Director of Xbox Live Programming and is the author of one of the most popular gaming blogs on the web. Between posts, blogcasts and twitter Major keeps everyone up to date on the latest information on all things Xbox.
The focus of the interview was to get Larry’s thoughts on the keys to his success as well as his thoughts around social media and the future.
TheBlackFin: You have one of the highest trafficked blogs on the web today. What has been the key to your success?
Major Nelson: Since the beginning this has been about being a part of the conversation. With any blogging the ability to connect with the audience with relevant content is the key to success.
TheBlackFin: Describe some of the interesting trends that you have seen with your blog from the time you originally published it through today.
Major Nelson: The integration of the gamertag has been key since the beginning . The ability for gamers to publish their gamertag and tie in to the Xbox achievement system and publically display their gamerscore has been one of the most important elements to building community around Xbox gaming.
TheBlackFin: How do you think your blog has enhanced the Xbox Live brand?
Major Nelson: The blog has allowed us to have a conversation. As one of the highest trafficked gaming blogs doing podcasts and blogging it has enabled real time communication. As you know this audience is rabid about information and they want to consume it in almost real time.
TheBlackFin: In your opinion… What impact has social networking and community in general had on the gaming industry?
Major Nelson: Social Networking has had a phenomenal impact on the industry. What a lot of people don’t realize is that Xbox Live is a premier social network. Everyday hundreds of thousands of users log on to play with their friends, compare gamer scores and connect with other gamers. With the integration between the consoles and Xbox.com it extends the experience beyond the console. Also a lot of external applications are now picking up gaming data… you see different applications on MySpace and Facebook.
TheBlackFin: What publisher and game title has been successful in deploying a good social networking gaming experience?
Major Nelson: Without a doubt it would be Bungie and Halo. Online and offline what bungie has done to include the community has just been amazing.
TheBlackFin: What are your predictions around social networking trends and gaming in the next few years?
Major Nelson: I think we are going to see more of the game/web interaction like Bungie has done with Halo and Electronic Arts with Skate. Look at how they take in game data and spray it back to the web and allow users to collaborate with it. What Bungie has done is the tip of the iceberg. More and more publishers are recognizing the value of having a seamless experience between the game and the web.
Me with “the Major” @ GDC 2008
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