In the past few years Vodafone has been awarded 'Best Telecom
Network in Germany' more than any other competitor and it's an
important component of their brand communication. Vodafone aimed to
prove this in an engaging way and position itself as the
technological leader in telecommunication with the fastest mobile
network experience.
Vodafone identified that the heavy users of digital technologies
strive for the fastest mobile internet experience, are curious
about new technologies and are enthusiastic about technology that
is combined with the fun factor.
Vodafone wanted to visualise their fast network beyond the
typical creative speed conversions seen in thousand of campaigns.
They created a campaign around the digital symbol of slow data
transmission, the buffering symbol, and invented antiheroes, the
buffer monsters, which are virtual creatures representing
situations which slow down our digital life.
Using a location based augmented reality app for iPhone and
Android, users were enabled to spot and catch buffer monsters, trap
them in a virtual tank on their smartphone and when fifty buffer
monsters were collected users could dump them at any Vodafone store
in Germany or a dedicated micro-site via a QR code mechanic.
Every player earned credits and collectable badges which they
could share in their social media communities.
The players were rewarded with the chance to win lifetime plans
and price discounts at Vodafone. The game was promoted via mobile
and online ads on relevant sites, platforms and apps, supported
with guerilla marketing in major cities and activations at Europe's
gaming fair, Gamescom.
Results
35,000 apps were downloaded.
18,000 buffer busters played the game.
570,000 buffer monsters were trapped.
1,260,000 posting impressions in social media networks were
generated
50% of all buffer monsters were dumped in-store.