SubscribeInterview with Frenzoo
Written by angus May 28th, 2007 . Tags: Frenzoo, Hong Kong, Interview, Social Network, Web 2.0.
Previously, I had wrote about Frenzoo and briefly mentioned their funding news, but after exchanging emails with Eda Chow of Frenzoo, she was able to give me a better idea of the service they are providing. I emailed her some questions last week and she was kind enough to provide the answers.
It appears to be in the same category as Second Life or Hipihi, does it offer that virtual world experience? How is it similar or different?
Frenzoo is a not a fully open free-ranging virtual world or MMO Game (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) like Second Life or Hipihi, but rather a focused social networking and chat. In Second Life any user can do anything including creating their own items from the ground up which increases options for creativity but also abuse (eg- sexual content, extortion, harassment of commercial virtual sites), which has been often mentioned as criticisms of Second Life.
Also Second Life, Hipihi and many similar offerings feature a real world currency interaction into the virtual economy (ability to pay for Linden dollars and vice versa), which is a different business model from Frenzoo which is primarily based on brand advertising.
Despite these differences, we believe Second Life and the interest and excitement it garners shows the potential of 3D environments and characters in taking the industry forward, and Frenzoo is positioned as one of the leaders in this new wave.
Is there any sort of commerce involved, if not, are there plans to implement it?
We have a virtual economy system, it is part of the game, and it is totally free to users.
Have you gotten any funding? If so, from who and where and how much? Can you also share the fundings scene in Hong Kong?
Confidential at the moment. The news will be out next week, so let me update you then.
The news is out.
Who and where is your target market?
We are targeting the extended youth market across Asia Pacific.
There isn’t a lot of buzz in the blogosphere about Frenzoo, how are you guys promoting Frenzoo?
We deliberately control the news before our official launch, it’s part of our marketing strategy. Moving forward, we will channel our promotion effort via PR and viral marketing campaign.
What are your upcoming plans for Frenzoo, say in 6 months time?
Frenzoo will launch and be available throughout Asia Pacific in 6 months’ time, with availability in multiple languages including for example English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
Why did Frenzoo choose to be based in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is an excellent base for developing a Greater China and pan-Asian service Internet offering. With excellent infrastructure, a talented workforce in creative and technology industries and strong government support Hong Kong was an ideal choice for Frenzoo.
Frenzoo is supported by the S.A.R. Hong Kong Government through participation in its IncuTrain program in Cyberport. Cyberport - Hong Kong’s IT Flagship - a US $2 billion (HK$15.8 billion) landmark project owned by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The IncuTrain program at Cyberport aims to incubate companies in the digital entertainment and digital multimedia industries of Hong Kong, with focus areas including digital game and film animation.
Successful participants are supported with access to advanced digital production facilities and resources, support in business development, financing & hiring of graduate interns, as well as entrepreneurship and technology training for a period of up to two years. Incubatees will additionally enjoy a rent-free office in the Centre.
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