Microsoft creates online game to promote Office and SharePoint 2010
Published August 04, 2010
Using interactive games to promote products and services is a relatively new marketing strategy that is quickly becoming popular with businesses across industries. Now, ReadWriteWeb reports Microsoft is using online games to tout the power and capabilities of its Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010 programs.
The Washington-based software company recently created a website for a fictional company, Allure Bays Corp., with several interactive elements. Users can click through the page and help ABC employees discover new ways to use Microsoft's software to increase productivity.
Microsoft has also incorporated an Easter egg hunt and humorous blooper reels to reward players who complete the game. Additionally, users who register to the site will be enlisted in an online leader board that displays their individual progress compared to other players.
As ReadWriteWeb notes, "at the heart of ABC is one big commercial for Microsoft, but it definitely beats sitting through forced fed ads that separate you from content you want to view."
A recent poll from Nielsen shows that online gaming is a growing hobby among many consumers, with the platform accounting for 10.2 percent of web activity.