Third Time Games revolutionizes virtual horse racing
Ian Cummings: A Gaming Industry Pioneer
Ian Cummings, the Founder and CEO of Third Time Games, recently sat down with host Andrew Steinwold on the Zima Red podcast. In this hour-long interview, Cummings shared insights from his 23-year journey in the gaming industry and discussed the groundbreaking developments at Third Time Games, particularly the success of its virtual horse racing game, Photo Finish.
From Academic Interest to Gaming Industry Pioneer
Cummings’ journey began at the University of Tennessee, where his fascination with gaming led him to shift his academic focus from computer science to game development. His early experiences as a game tester for NCAA football became the catalyst for a transformative decision that set the course for his career.
Progression from Tester to Creative Director
Cummings’ time at EA Sports was marked by challenges, but his immersion in programming courses fueled his passion for coding. Progressing from a tester to the Creative Director, his tenure at EA laid the foundation for Third Time Games’ present success.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and the Birth of Photo Finish
The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship unfolded with Row Sham Bow, providing Cummings with invaluable lessons in monetization struggles. He recounted the genesis of the original Photo Finish and the subsequent journey into establishing a startup gaming company.
The Success of Photo Finish and its Expansion
Photo Finish emerged as a gaming sensation, drawing inspiration from CSR Racing. Cummings focused on enhancing gameplay with upgrades, timers, and a mathematical approach, resulting in an addictive horse racing experience. The universe of Photo Finish expanded with the sequel, Photo Finish™ LIVE, introducing breeding and genetic elements. Embracing Web3 technology and ownership concepts opened new horizons, allowing players to immerse themselves in virtual horse racing without real-world responsibilities.
Real-Money Participation and Industry Collaborations
The game’s success translated into real-money participation, fostering a vibrant community around horse ownership. Ian highlighted the sense of belonging that quickly developed among players. Collaborating with industry giants like Woodford, Coca-Cola, and BMW, Cummings tackled the challenge of making the Kentucky Derby relevant year-round. Photo Finish™ Live’s integration with real-life racing showcased the potential of virtual racing.
Game Development Wisdom and Future Innovations
During the interview, Cummings shared game development wisdom, emphasizing core gameplay and economy as priorities before adding polish. He highlighted the importance of details, animations, sounds, and haptic feedback for an optimal user experience. Additionally, he discussed the role of AI in game development and the impact of GPT, foreseeing a reduction in manual coding. Touching on VR and AR challenges and opportunities, Cummings also discussed how indie developers could leverage these technologies to tap into niche markets.
In conclusion, Ian Cummings’ journey in the gaming industry has been marked by innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep understanding of game development and the gaming community. Third Time Games continues to push boundaries in the virtual horse racing genre, and Cummings’ insights provide a glimpse into the future of gaming.
