Mogul, the film studio fantasy platform created by the movie theater subscription service MoviePass, launched out of private beta on Wednesday. The company announced the platform is now available as a public beta for everyone.
Designed specifically for the Hollywood industry, the game allows players to own their own film studio. Players draft a team of actors, directors, and movies to earn points based on their real-world performance. Mogul draws inspiration from daily fantasy sports, where players assume the role of team managers forming teams of real-life athletes.
The web version of Mogul is now open for the over 400,000 users on the waiting list. The platform has also begun rolling out to the public.
Around 5,000 users have tested the platform, including myself. Although I only experienced the pre-season phase, which lacks active gameplay and a leaderboard, I still have a general idea of the mechanics. Overall, it was relatively straightforward to figure out, which was surprising given my limited knowledge of fantasy sports.
Here is how to play. After you create a name for your studio, you receive a budget of one million Mogul Coin, the platform’s virtual currency. This initial budget is yours to use to assemble your team. For example, the sequel “Wicked: For Good” costs $100,000, and the actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are $25,000 each. Director Jon M. Chu is also $25,000.
You have a week to finalize your choices, and you can make two free swaps each week. MoviePass founder Stacy Spikes said the company tried to develop a game that emulates a real film studio and how you have to act like a mogul.
When conducting these swaps, you need to be strategic just like a studio head would. For instance, “Tron: Ares” star Jared Leto is currently facing sexual misconduct allegations, and this may affect the movie’s performance.
Spikes offered some additional tips during a discussion. It is important to keep an eye out for up-and-coming stars, as sometimes they are the ones who will really take off. Also, consider looking at Bollywood films as they can be overlooked by people who only think about big franchises like Marvel. Independent films can also bring in significant returns.
Another key point is that you are competing based on net profitability rather than total gross revenue. Timing is also critical; betting on a movie earlier typically costs less, whereas choosing one closer to its release date might be more expensive.
Mogul operates on Sui, a layer 1 blockchain, which records every selection and trade. As users climb the leaderboard, they can earn digital collectibles, such as signed posters and memorabilia.
Currently, everyone will participate in a global league. The fall season will last 12 weeks, spanning October, November, and December, coinciding with awards season. For this first season, users have a chance to share in a prize pool worth up to $100,000 in tokens, aimed at encouraging more people to sign up.
MoviePass is also granting exclusive in-app badges and Founding Member status to users who activate their accounts by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 31.
Plans for private leagues among friends are in development, along with an app for iOS and Android devices. By next year, Spikes claims a licensing deal may be established, enabling you to compete for real money.