Brands got serious about fun and games this year - on a number of different platforms.
Among the trends we liked this year - promotional games that bridged the digital and the physical, without requiring consumer devices to play. Not that we wouldn't be amped to try Google's Ingress augmented reality game if we get the chance. And Ingress aside, Google made our list this year, along with several major brands.
One interesting note: Many of our top pics this year mixed so many elements - social, mobile, location and so on - so well, that they made some of our other lists, too.
So without further delate, our list of favorite branded games for 2012. We'd love to know which made your list, too.
10. Google Wants to Rock, Tilt & Roll Your World in New Branded Game
Google wants you to go ga-ga over its new game.
9. Kit Kat Launches GPS-Based ‘Golden Ticket’-style Promo in UK
Kit Kat wants to do a heck of a lot more than just give you a break.
8. Mercedes ‘You Drive’ – A TV Campaign You Drive, Via Twitter
Call it a crowdsourced cliffhanger.
7. Magazine Cover Becomes Interactive Video Game
This is one way to make print relevant in... Read more
Tagged 'gaming' 
Q&A: Phil McKinney, Former CTO, HP (Concl): 'Killer Questions' – on WebOS, Meg Whitman & More
So what really happened with the Palm acquisition and webOS? What went wrong during the short reign of Leo Apootheker? And what to make of Meg Whitman as CEO?
In the conclusion of my recent conversation with Phil McKinney, the recently retired chief technology officer for HP - and author of the new book, Beyond The Obvious - I have to ask about all these things, and what, in is view, it could mean for HP over the near term.
Q&A: PHIL MCKINNEY (CONCL): 'KILLER QUESTIONS' - ON WEBOS, MEG WHITMAN & MORE On WebOS
Click here to listen to Q&A: Phil McKinney (Concl)
(6:59)
Listen to Part 1 here.
Listen to Part 2 here.
Listen to Part 3 here.
Q&A: Phil McKinney, Former CTO, HP (Pt 3): 'Killer Questions' for Embracing Risk & Staying Ahead of The Change Curve
Forget "Yuppies." Get ready for "Yuffies."
Part three of my recent conversation with Phil McKinney, the recently retired chief technology officer for HP - and author of the new book, Beyond The Obvious - brings lessons for embracing risk (courtesy of Jeffrey Katzenberg of DreamWorks), and questions for ensuring your organization stays ahead of the change curve (that's where the Yuffies come in).
Q&A: PHIL MCKINNEY (PT 3): 'KILLER QUESTIONS' TO EMBRACE RISK & STAY AHEAD OF THE CHANGE CURVE
Click here to listen to Q&A: Phil McKinney (Pt 3)
Listen to Part 1 here.
Listen to Part 2 here.
Q&A: Phil McKinney, Former CTO, HP (Pt 2): Using The Socratic Method to Drive Marketing Innovation
What are the basic "rules" and assumptions under which your business operates?
In part two of my recent conversation with Phil McKinney, the recently retired chief technology officer for HP - and author of the new book, Beyond The Obvious - we talk about getting to the kinds of questions you need to ask to drive innovation.
There's a great example from HP in this segment that I think you'll find insightful.
Q&A: PHIL MCKINNEY (PT 2): 'KILLER QUESTIONS' TO SPARK INNOVATION
(5:32)
Click here to listen to Q&A: Phil McKinney (Pt 2)
Listen to Part 1 here.
Q&A: Phil McKinney, Former CTO, HP (Pt 1): 'Killer Questions' for Sparking Innovation
I first met Phil McKinney when I was hired to give a briefing on the state of gaming to top executives of Personal Systems Group at computer giant Hewlett-Packard.
I was impressed with the then-chief technology officer's questions and insights, and I really enjoyed the conversation we had about opportunities.
This last fall, McKinney announced his retirement from the company and his new role as a consultant focused on helping other companies - from start-ups to major brands - unleash a new level of creativity and innovate the way they do business. And in February, his first book, Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation, hit stores, garnering very positive press.
I recently discussed the book with Phil - and will post portions of that conversation over the next few days. We'll hear about some of the killer questions you need to ask to change the game for your organization, including how to get buy-in for your innovation agenda from those above you who might fee threatened by it.
Along the way, we'll hear what REALLY happened with WebOS; the short tenure of Leo Apothaker; and what Phil thinks of Meg Whitman in her new role as HP CEO.
It's a must-listen... Read more
