Manchester-based start-up, Piing, has released a multiplayer game that people can play via video conferences.
The company, which has been spun out of Rhythm Digital is currently in the process of raising stage one funding to expand its offering.
“Our goal at Piing is always about bringing the crowd together to create a wonderful, fun experience,” said Gareth Langley, CEO.
“Until 6 weeks ago, that has always been about crowds of people in the same space, be that an exhibition stand, a sports fan zone, or even crowds of 10,000s in a stadium. With both crowds and events in lockdown the foreseeable future, we’re releasing a number of products that stick to our core, but for distributed audiences.”
PiingParty allows up to 30 people to play a game together using their mobile to control action taking place eon the host’s shared screen on platforms like Zoom, Skype and Google Meet.
“All of us have had to change our working practices and social habits over the past few weeks,” added CCO Ed Baldry.
“So the idea came to me whilst chatting with friends on a Zoom call and I noticed just how good screen sharing has become on these platforms these days. We did a few trials playing with friends and clients, but we really knew we were on to something when our friends kept asking us for URLs to play with family at home, and our meeting warm-ups never quite got to the meeting! As such, it’s a great safe place for children to play with their remote friends, for relatives looking for something simple and fun, or as a meeting warm-up or a Friday afternoon social at work.”
Its first Buggy Race game is now available, but the company says it’s working on a white label product to enable brands, sports clubs and events companies to engage “with up to 500,000 players” in a single experience.
