Dreamify: Hands-on Exploration of Developing, Iterating, and Marketing a Direct-to-Consumer, AI-Native Game Engine
About Deepzone
Deepzone, a starup, is currently crafting a groundbreaking, AI-native game engine designed to deliver unparalleled immersive gaming experiences directly to consumers. The Deepzone engine is supported by a modular, plug-and-play AI ecosystem that underpins its MVP prototype, offering both flexibility and cutting-edge technology. Deepzone’s primary market lies in North America and targets a young, educated demographic, including high school, undergraduate and master’s students aged 16-26. This audience, encompassing both Chinese and non-Chinese individuals, likely engages with online literature, enjoys casual gaming, frequently uses platforms like TikTok, and watches twitch live streaming. Based in Shanghai, the Deepzone startup has successfully secured the initial round of funding. With this milestone achieved, they are now poised to accelerate the product development and introduce innovative game engine to the North American market with urgency.
For more information, please visit: https://www.deepzone.io/
Discord: https://discord.gg/nNuEpZrbbD
Project Introduction
This project delves into the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry, focusing on multi-AI-agent systems, large language models, and machine learning to create an innovative educational experience. The Deepzone team will provide students with essential materials and guidance to understand market dynamics and product insights. Students will form teams, select an IP topic, and outline a casual game concept. The actual development of these games will be undertaken by Deepzone’s development team using the game engine, while the student teams focus on devising strategic go-to-market plans for user growth.
As the project progresses, teams will engage in a product development cycle, employing growth strategies, analyzing user data, and suggesting data-driven improvements to enhance their game’s appeal and functionality. Students with advanced knowledge will have the chance to implement their recommendations under the Deepzone dev team’s supervision, using technologies like ReactJS, NextJS for front-end, and Python with FastAPI for back-end development.
This project aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of AI’s role in gaming and marketing, equipping participants with the skills needed for the dynamic digital marketplace. By merging educational theory with practical application, the project seeks to foster a new cadre of professionals proficient in technology, game development, and digital marketing, setting the stage for future innovations in the digital landscape.
Through this project, students will:
- Explore the importance of user fission as a growth strategy within the gaming industry.
- Delve into the transformative role of AI in gaming.
- Acquire hands-on experience in analyzing user data to extract actionable insights.
- Craft and execute robust go-to-market strategies for their chosen IP.
- Suggest product improvements informed by data, with the opportunity for direct implementation.
Expected Students
Number: 3-6 talented and bright young students who exhibit the following qualities
Students with the following capabilities will be preferred:
- A strong understanding of the market and culture, with insight into the target customers or being one of the potential customers themselves.
- A profound passion for gaming, AI, and Web 3 technology stacks.
- Programming skills are a valuable addition but not a mandatory requirement.
Awards
Students who excel and successfully complete the program are eligible for cash (1000 RMB for the top 1 team) or non-cash rewards (for the top 1 individual). Exceptional participants may also receive offers for paid summer internships, full-time positions, and potentially equity options, depending on their performance and the assessment criteria.
Working Plan
- 3-6 students will be organized into groups of 2 or 3 and work as a small group, dividing tasks and cooperating to submit one concise report weekly together under the guidance of mentors.
- Student teams will meet with U-Corp Team and Deepzone regularly to share their progress (frequency and time will be decided at the first meeting).
- The workload will be 6-10 hours per week, and the project will last 6-8 weeks; the specific time schedule is shown in the Timeline table.
Timetable
Date: 3.23 – 3.30
Task:
Mentor Briefing: Engage with a Deepzone mentor to grasp the project’s goals and formulate a detailed plan.
Concept Creation: Develop casual game concepts, drawing inspiration from successful IPs for engaging settings and storylines.
Market Strategy: Conduct market research and outline a plan for launching and growing the game.
Deliverable:
Market Research and Execution Plan
Date: 3.30 – 4.6
Task:
Development Collaboration: Partner with the Deepzone dev team to turn concepts into playable games using their engine.
Content Development: Create the game’s narrative and user instructions to enrich the player’s experience.
Deliverable:
Game Background and Instructions Development Report
Date: 4.6 – 4.20
Task:
Iteration 1:
User fission and user background investigation
Analyze user data provided by the dev team and make Iteration Suggestions: functionality, modifications, user experience enhancements (e.g., UI/UX improvements, Content Market Fit, and Community Market Fit).
Deliverable:
User Behavior and Product Iteration Report 1
Date: 5.11- 5.25
Task:
Review 1:
Comparing results among teams and direct guidance from the deepzone team,question and answering.
Deliverable:
Retrospective Report
Date: 5.25 – 6.1
Working Content:
Iteration 2:
User fission and user background investigation
Analyze user data provided by the dev team and make Iteration Suggestions: functionality, modifications, user experience enhancements (e.g., UI/UX improvements, Content Market Fit, and Community Market Fit).
Deliverable:
User Behavior and Product Iteration Report 2
Date: 6.1 – 6.8
Task:
Finalizing and refining report.
Awards Granting Name List Announcement.
Deliverable:
Final Report
Task:
Final Project Showcase
Deliverable:
Poster Presentation might be required.
Important Dates
Orientation: March 23
Regular Meetings with U-Corp & Deepzone: Weekly meetings
Final Presentation: TBD