[Note: To access chapter selection, click the fullscreen button or check out the video on the GDC Vault website] More often than not, modern social games rely on straightforward mechanics that target a casual, mass-market audience. This sort of simplicity doesn't always appeal to the hardcore-focused designer, but online game developer Dan Fiden (now of venture capital firm Signia Ventures) believes that social games may actually offer a lot of important lessons on core game development. At last year's GDC Online, Fiden shared his thoughts on the impact social games have had on the industry, and urged traditional game developers to pay attention, as their influence isn't going away any time soon. For instance, Fiden pointed out that social games have really changed the way players approach multiplayer sessions, as social players have become accustomed to playing with people they know in real life rather than a group of anonymous strangers. If developers are clever, they can leverage those pre-existing relationships to make their online games far more compelling. "Facebook has allowed us to make games that assume real world relationships. We don't need to solve the problem of putting you in a situation and forcing you to make a friend... we have access to all of your friends – we just need to put you in the same game together, and we can presuppose that relationship," Fiden said. If a developer can expect that existing relationship between players, Fiden added that their games can become more complex, more social, and ultimately, more satisfying for the player. For more of Fiden's thoughts on how social games can teach core game developers, be sure to check out his full GDC Online presentation in the above video, courtesy of the GDC Vault. Simply click the Play button above to start the video.

About the GDC Vault

In addition to all of this free content, the GDC Vault also offers more than 300 additional lecture videos and hundreds of slide collections from GDC 2012 for GDC Vault subscribers. GDC 2012 All Access pass holders already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription Beta via a GDC Vault inquiry form. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company. More information on this option is available via an online demonstration, and interested parties can send an email to Gillian Crowley. In addition, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault admins. Be sure to keep an eye on GDC Vault for even more free content, as GDC organizers will also archive videos, audio, and slides from upcoming 2012 events like GDC Europe, GDC Online, and GDC China. To stay abreast of all the latest updates to GDC Vault, be sure to check out the news feed on the official GDC website, or subscribe to updates via Twitter, Facebook, or RSS.