Good Game: Not Just a Reality Show, It Is the Future of Gaming | Interview
Good Game: The global reality show revolutionizing gaming, featuring celeb stories, diverse challenges, and Rishabh Pant as ambassador.
A new gaming show is in the works, and it is nothing like you have ever seen before. In conversation with Musab Zaman, the Head of Esports and Gaming at India Today Gaming, Rai Cockfield talks about the new game show, Good Game, which will have people from all walks of life. Here's what the conversation looks like.
Rai Cockfield, founder of Good Game Inc., spoke about the vision for the show: "We're focused on delivering gaming to the general audience of gamers. Don't forget, there are 3.3 billion gamers worldwide. Everyone is a gamer!” He highlighted how the program will be structured as a "gaming idol" format, which focuses on 'gaming-as-celebrity', rather than 'gaming-as-gameplay'.
The idea for "Good Game" came from noting that competitive reality television has taken off in multiple industry verticals, but there was not a competitive reality television show for gaming audiences that was strictly gaming-focused. "We are focused on telling the stories behind the celebrity in an 'as-live' context, so the audience feels like they are along for the ride and gain a more in-depth understanding of what it takes to become famous in gaming entertainment,“ remarked Cockfield. Contestants will be challenged and showcased for their abilities as entertainers, like their abilities to ‘build a brand’, perform in different content formats under pressure, and understand the business of gaming, in addition to their gaming skills. The participants will have additional mentoring from individuals in traditional entertainment verticals, like sports, music, movies, and television.
Why India?
Good Game chose India as the starting point for its global IP for two reasons. Cockfield shared, “First, India is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world, with a focus on growing their gaming influence. Fewer people have tried something like this in India.” He added, “Second, India has a very strong entertainment infrastructure. It’s a top market in terms of global entertainment distribution and consumption, next to the likes of the U.S., Korea, and China." This makes India a perfect launch point for the show, as well as all that it wants to achieve.
Rishabh Pant Announced as Global Ambassador
\And to add to the fanfare, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has been announced as the first global ambassador for Good Game. Cockfield expressed his excitement and communicated Pant's personality and gaming journey. "Rishabh is entertaining beyond just cricket. His personality and charisma fit the show perfectly, and he’ll be a huge help to the contestants as a guide on their journey. Rishabh also has a gaming story that we believe will resonate with gamers worldwide.”
A New Spin on Gaming Content
“Good Game” will distinguish itself from current reality formats and gaming activations (like esports) by including mixed-format challenges centered on different entertainment skill sets (not just gaming skills). The challenges may include real-life creative tasks, such as collaborating with celebrity chefs to develop a new gaming snack, or athletic challenges that are not immediately apparent in a gaming context. Good Game will also feature creators and their world of live streaming, creating content in a central location, pulling in their communities, while also being challenged with unannounced challenges along the way.
Broadcasters and Worldwide Distribution
The show will air on one of India’s largest OTT platforms. In addition to the main broadcaster, "Good Game” is also creating an ecosystem via the ability for creators to host watch parties, which allows for multiple streams and re-streams.
After its launch in India, Good Game plans to launch in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, before returning to Asia. "After India, we’re heading to the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Then we’ll return to Asia for the Thailand and Korea shows. This is a global competition, so it's country levels first, then regional qualifiers before a special global finale that we’ll look to launch in late 2026 or early 2027“
Possibility for Aspiring Gamers and Entertainers
Anyone who plays games and wants to be part of the exciting game show "Good Game" may do so. The team will launch auditions, including an esports tournament, for the chance to qualify one hardcore gamer for the show. The India show has a prize pool of USD 100,000, with any prizes won from challenges (including hardware and ambassador campaigns) won by contestants remaining intact.
In Cockfield's words, "We want India’s best competitors to be represented on the global stage." Rai Cockfield encouraged the Good Game audience to engage with Good Game's community through their website (www.goodgameshow.tv), Instagram (@goodgametvshow), and Discord Server (Good Game Show).
