Coinstar's redbox has recently signed on to be the first advertising partner for Tap.Me, a mobile game advertising startup.
The system allows marketers to offer sponsored rewards in games played on iOS-based devices, including the iPhone and iPad.
"Game players will receive in-game rewards, such as a free life in the game or a power up, sponsored by redbox," said Kate Brennan, redbox's senior public relations manager.
The partnership makes perfect sense now that redbox has June plans to offer video game rentals in its 21,000 kiosks, said Gary Cohen, redbox senior vice president of marketing and customer experience.
"Through our iPhone and Android apps and an expansive SMS list, redbox now has more than 6.2 million touch points with our consumers via their mobile devices. Adding a mobile gaming component via the Tap.Me platform is a natural extension of our marketing strategy," he said. "It allows us to generate brand awareness with gamers where they're already playing, without interrupting their experience."
First introduced at the 2011 Game Developers Conference, Tap.Me's mobile advertising platform allows game developers to wrap key game functions in branded rewards without taking the gamer out of the action. For redbox, the Tap.Me mobile advertising solution will provide gamers with instantaneous redbox "power up" offers, according to a company press release.
"Redbox is a leader in the home entertainment industry, and with their upcoming launch of video games, we're ready to provide them with a unique new way to connect with their customers," Joshua Hernandez, CEO of Tap.Me, said in the release.
He also said that redbox customers will soon have the opportunity to earn real-world rewards through fun and fast-paced mobile gaming sessions. Players who earn rewards will also have the option to share their branded achievements with friends on Facebook and Twitter.
