Why LootLabs chose to focus on Gaming UGC?

As a content creator, I've learned that the current model of UGC (User Generated Content) monetization is deeply flawed.

This is the usual process: A user creates content and gets views. They attract a bigger audience, enough to create their own marketing funnel - whether it's ads, donations, or something else. Then what? The creator needs to keep pushing hard, creating more and more content, and many times these efforts fail.

This process is tedious. That's why user-generated content is usually a passion project, instead of an actual career path. That's the issue we're trying to solve with LootLabs.

UGC is everywhere, Yet, the UGC market size is just around $200 million annually, less than 1% of the gaming market, which is projected to reach $300 billion by 2026. That's why we're here - to make a change.

Take Kerbal Space Program as an example (A space simulation game recommended by Elon Musk). The game came out in 2011 and its graphics are outdated, but UGC mods like this one created by "themaster402" (See Image Below), can enhance the experience and give life to a decade-old game.

before/after alians

Unfortunately, under the current models, everyone benefits from this great work, except the creators themselves:

The YouTuber who recommended the mod to me, earns ad revenue from YouTube.

The game gets traffic on Steam, leading to sales. I enjoyed the game and even made content for it, profiting from my video sponsor and ads on the video.

Everyone gets rewarded except for the creator who posted the mod directly to his GitHub. We need a better solution.

I like to compare the current state of gaming to the gaming renaissance: we're shifting towards content BY GAMERS FOR GAMERS. However, creators need funds to sustain this model. That's where LootLabs comes in.

At LootLabs, we're creating a better monetization platform for Gaming UGC, wheter it's reviews, mods, YouTubers and much more!

Our first product is a Link monetizer. Creators can earn money from their work by sharing their content via our link monetization system. We'll show their audience ads or skip the ads for existing supporters (like Patreon or Ko-fi...). This way, creators can monetize their content, and the users enjoy the fact that more content can be created.

The impact of UGC extends beyond games like KSP. It rejuvenates games like Sims, Minecraft, Subnautica and more.

Currently we're on an invite-only model, so be sure to sign up for the waitlist on our site.

Shai Benbasat
November 5, 2024