Ponzi
An online game based on the illegal pyramid scheme concocted by the infamous Charles Ponzi during the 1920s?
“Why not?” thought Ideator Dave Cutler, a designer, illustrator, and inventor by trade. It seemed like a fun way to pass the time, and it might even make him a few honest dollars.
“I wanted to come up with a fun and social online game that would have a bit of an edge to it,” said Cutler. “The stories behind Ponzi and other pyramid schemes have always fascinated me, and I thought a game with complete transparency that involved very little money could be fun to play.”
The result is PONZI, an app based on the legendary Ponzi scheme, with one important difference – everyone knows it’s a Ponzi scheme, which changes the strategy and makes the game more challenging. The game can be played on a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop PC. And since it doesn’t cost anything to play, nobody loses any real money.
What’s the Problem?
It’s hard to believe that people can get bored in today’s instant gratification, social media world. Yet, that’s exactly the problem Cutler is trying to solve. PONZI offers a fun, discrete way to play an online game with others, while the somewhat dark nature of the game adds a little edge to the competition.
What’s the Big Idea?
Players start a game on the PONZI app and then invite friends to play. Those players invite their friends, who invite their friends, and so on, causing the PONZI to grow quickly. Each PONZI lasts for a random period of time, and those who join last lose points while those who get in fast enough win points. When players collect enough points, they can convert them into rewards.
“What makes PONZI compelling is that the pyramid schemes are inherently social,” said Cutler. “Players need to bring in other players to build the pyramid and have a greater chance at winning. PONZI will be free to play; however, I plan to monetize the app by charging a membership fee and a small percentage of each PONZI played.”
Where Is It Headed?
Cutler envisions PONZI as a compelling social media game with a huge customer base and creative ways to engage customers. He is currently looking to put together a team of professionals who can take his idea and run with it. In exchange for the ability to turn his idea into a thriving business, Cutler is willing to part with a large stake in the company.
Cutler envisions PONZI as a compelling social media game with a huge customer base and creative ways to engage customers. He is currently looking to put together a team of professionals who can take his idea and run with it. In exchange for the ability to turn his idea into a thriving business, Cutler is willing to part with a large stake in the company.
So far, Cutler’s biggest challenges have been creating an algorithm to determine the rewards for game winners and putting together a business team that has talent and experience in the areas he doesn’t. He resolved the first challenge with the help of a family friend who happens to be a math whiz. For the second, he is turning to Ideator.
“I’ve enjoyed using the platform to reach out to other entrepreneurs for feedback, advice, and validation of my idea,” he said. “My goal now is to connect with talented people who might want to become part of my team. If you’re interested, log onto Ideator and get in touch with me!”
