Cisco, 2009-2011
Project Scope:
Digital Strategy
Concept Development
Content Strategy
Video Direction & Production
Branded Content
Game Design
User Experience Design
Web site Design & Development
Game Management
Transforming a global online event for 20,000 competitive male Sales Engineers from a passive experience into a dynamic, collaborative arena? We turned it into a battleground for success.
ALTERNATE REALITY GAMES
For three consecutive years at Cisco's Global Sales Experience (GSX), we didn't just host an event; we launched an immersive, global puzzle. We wove Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) into the fabric of the event, transforming content and sessions into cryptic clues. As storylines unfolded in real-time, we ignited a firestorm of collaboration, uniting sales teams worldwide in a relentless pursuit of solutions. For two intense weeks, they didn't just attend; they became integral players in a captivating, globally connected game.
THE
THREASHOLD
Cisco, 2009
The Threshold wasn't just an ARG; it was a groundbreaking moment, the first-ever online event-based Alternate Reality Game. We plunged players into a high-stakes corporate espionage thriller, igniting their emotions and driving deep engagement.
But this wasn't just entertainment. We strategically integrated Cisco's cutting-edge technologies into the narrative, transforming gameplay into a powerful learning experience for the sales force. The ultimate prize? A coveted trip to the Super Bowl with Cisco's executive leadership, fueling a fierce competition that resonated far beyond the virtual world.
A Bit to Much Success
The Threshold wasn't just a game; it was an obsession. With a staggering 78% participation rate and countless sleepless nights fueled by fierce competition, we didn't just engage the audience; we immersed them. They didn't just play; they lived the story, deeply connecting with the event and its core content.
Special thanks to No Mimes for their outstanding collaboration.
Full Threshold Case Study
The Threshold wasn't just a game; it was an obsession. With a staggering 78% participation rate and countless sleepless nights fueled by fierce competition, we didn't just engage the audience; we immersed them. They didn't just play; they lived the story, deeply connecting with the event and its core content.
Special thanks to No Mimes for their outstanding collaboration.
Full Threshold Case Study
THE HUNT
Cisco, 2010
The Threshold's impact was undeniable; the sales team demanded an encore. We answered with The Hunt, a sequel ARG born from their enthusiastic request.
Rather than a simple continuation, we crafted a fresh narrative, strategically integrating social media and live audience participation. This time, however, we faced a unique challenge: to temper the overwhelming engagement that had defined The Threshold. The fervor had become a double-edged sword, a testament to its success, but also a potential distraction.
In The Hunt, we masterfully balanced engagement with focus. We scaled down the scope, but amplified clarity, providing a structured clue schedule. We delivered an immersive experience, but one that respected the audience's time, ensuring they could participate without sacrificing sleep. The Hunt proved that strategic engagement is just as important as passionate involvement.
The Threshold's impact was undeniable; the sales team demanded an encore. We answered with The Hunt, a sequel ARG born from their enthusiastic request.
Rather than a simple continuation, we crafted a fresh narrative, strategically integrating social media and live audience participation. This time, however, we faced a unique challenge: to temper the overwhelming engagement that had defined The Threshold. The fervor had become a double-edged sword, a testament to its success, but also a potential distraction.
In The Hunt, we masterfully balanced engagement with focus. We scaled down the scope, but amplified clarity, providing a structured clue schedule. We delivered an immersive experience, but one that respected the audience's time, ensuring they could participate without sacrificing sleep. The Hunt proved that strategic engagement is just as important as passionate involvement.
Manageable Success
Players embraced this new strategy, appreciating the opportunity to immerse themselves in the ARG without sacrificing their daily responsibilities.
Read Wired Magazine’s
feature on The Hunt
A MATTER
OF TIME
Cisco, 2011
In GSX's third year, we faced a strategic pivot: less collaboration, more product mastery. We responded with an innovative, story-driven Role Playing Game that transformed product education into an immersive adventure.
Game Trailer
Case Study Video
Players were plunged into a time-bending narrative, where a bungled sales pitch became a quest for redemption. Using a hidden time machine, they journeyed through Cisco's product knowledge, mastering key concepts to outmaneuver rivals and close the deal. The game's mechanics weren't just about entertainment; they were about driving deep learning.
This 30-minute 'edutainment' experience wasn't just played; it was mastered. Players averaged five playthroughs of the core learning components, a testament to the game's captivating design and the power of interactive education.
Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible production partners at LiveTribe – your expertise made this vision a reality.
This 30-minute 'edutainment' experience wasn't just played; it was mastered. Players averaged five playthroughs of the core learning components, a testament to the game's captivating design and the power of interactive education.
Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible production partners at LiveTribe – your expertise made this vision a reality.