A new social network/mobile app called gamesGRABR launched into open beta today, and describes itself as “the first social network dedicated to casual and hardcore gamers.”
Think of gamesGRABR as Pinterest for gamers. It uses a “pinboard-style” UI, tailored to gaming culture to allow its users to create, discover and manage game based collections. Using gamesGRABR, you can create favorite collectionsby GRABing games, images and videos from the Internet using the “GRABit button.” Follow, share, rate and play everything you GRAB and create the ultimate gaming community.
GamesGRABR also acts as a huge online catalog for all things gaming. The network is partnered with retailers and affiliates, allowing their users to find, buy, or download a game or piece of gaming merchandise in one click. Users can purchase anything they GRAB. So long as it exists in the real world, anything you GRAB you can buy.
“We’ve launched with affiliate deals in place with Amazon and Apple, giving us a catalogue of thousands of physical and digital games and products. Right now we’re also speaking with a number of smaller indie stores so that our users will also be able to discover great hard to find gaming gems,” said Tony Pearce, CEO and co-founder of gamesGRABR.
The cool thing about gamesGRABR is that, like Pinterest, the users control the content and can build communities all on their own. The network was designed as a social hub for the most hardcore gamers just as much as it also benefits the casual gamer, just looking for a new game based on peer recommendations.
“Its universal appeal and the ability to play and buy instantly, all wrapped up in a striking user experience, is what makes gamesGRABR one of the most exciting new e-commerce and digital platforms around.” says Pearce.
GamesGRABR sounds like an interesting concept, but I can’t figure out if there’s actually a need for it. I’m a casual-to-serious gamer myself, and while I can appreciate the mobile/app aspect of gamesGRABR, I usually rely on any number of gaming forums for tips or gaming recommendations.
Additionally, I wonder about the “pinboard-style” UI. The Pinterest feel always looks and sounds cool, but the biggest problem with it is that it just doesn’t seem to engage male users. You remember Dudepins, right? Pinterest but with scotch and sports cars? They boast a modest following, but the concept hasn’t really taken off yet causing some analysts to question whether a “Pinterest for men” was even necessary.
But despite my skepticism, I have high hopes for gamesGRABR. It’s a great concept, and seems to be the right marriage between user experience and content. My only reservation is whether or not the Pinterest style will pay off. However, the Amazon-esque elements and retailer boost might help. If nothing else, gamesGRABR could be your ultimate resource for tracking down hard-to-find games or gaming merchandise.
But enough talk. You can check out gamesGRABR on Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr, or go straight to www.gamesgrabr.com to sign up for an account (it’s free).
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