As well as contextual arena-side billboards, players will also see sponsored tournaments offered by IGA, reflecting increasing demand for multiplayer leagues and events. Speedball 2 – Tournament will also feature branded in-game items, such as team skins or team tags, adding valuable content to the game free of charge.
Speedball 2 – Tournament will feature an innovative community and multiplayer platform for the game called the ‘game-center’. Here, players can acquire add-ons like new teams and share game replays and screenshots which will also include branding served by IGA.
IGA’s leading proprietary Radial Ad Network includes a game portfolio of more than 50 titles. The addition of this blockbuster title will give advertisers access to more than 11 million active users.
“The possibilities for branding within the game couldn’t be ignored,” commented Dirk Weyel, COO at Frogster. “Having sponsored tournaments and branded skins renders the game more realistic. Matches take place in huge and highly-stylized 3D arenas replete with contextual pitch-side advertising – just like real life.”
He added: “We chose IGA not just for their proven technology but also because the company understood the game and the significance of the game play experience. Together, we’ll create the context and relevance of the adverts to achieve maximum impact – particularly for technology, gadget and men’s lifestyle brands.”
“Speedball was of one of the industry’s first mega-hit franchises, selling over two million units across more than ten different platforms,” said Justin Townsend, CEO and co-founder of IGA. “Advertising within the new game offers a cutting edge opportunity for brands aiming to reach a loyal and media-savvy gaming demographic. Their dynamic nature means the adverts stay fresh and on-message.”
“Speedball 2: Tournament will offer brands two bites of the cherry, reaching those who remember the game first time around – as well as the new younger male gamer demographic.”
Speedball 2 spread like a wildfire in 1990. With its unique mix of future sports, uncompromising action, and riveting gameplay, the product became a legend in its own time: over two million gamers enjoyed it across all platforms.
Owing to the metallic graphic elements and a TV-style presentation, Speedball 2 created a grippingly futuristic setting. Heavily armoured and prepared for the worst, modern gladiators entered the arena to fight fierce battles to the death. Regularly, all hell would break loose when the steel ball was catapulted onto the field from the kick-off point. In the rush for the ball, brutal melees would ensue. Those who had captured the ball commanded their teams in a mad charge towards the opposing team’s goal, smashing through the defenders and suffering their head-on body checks. With uncompromising resilience, players drove their teams upwards in the league. With implemented team management, a two-player-mode and a ranking and championship system, Speedball 2 proved a milestone for the modern multiplayer scene. The press recognised the title’s groundbreaking achievement and showered the game with praise and awards.
In 2326, rival gangs form an ultra-violent action-sports league called Speedball to settle their deadly disputes. Two teams face each other in bloody battles for a steel ball. Nine on nine – in an all-out rush on the opponent’s goal; almost any malicious move is permitted. The highly anticipated sequel to the Amiga classic for the PC platform transforms the futuristic game setting with state-of-the-art technology into a high-speed online sports spectacle. Offering international leagues, a worldwide ranking system and matchmaking function, Speedball 2: Tournament pulls all registers of modern multiplayer gaming action. Fully customisable male, female and cyborg characters, dynamic sports battles, and a unique online community platform with online player and clan profiles will convince sports simulation enthusiasts, action fans, and e-sports experts likewise.
The true rock stars of the scene, the Bitmap Brothers, were responsible for the development of Speedball 2. Apart from this title, the British game manufacturer, founded in 1987, was behind such classics as Xenon Megablast, The Chaos Engine, Gods, Magic Pockets and Z.
Speedball 2: Tournament transforms the futuristic game setting with the help of state-of-the-art technology into a high-speed online sports spectacle. Offering international leagues, a large-scale ranking system and a virtual marketplace, Speedball 2 pulls all the registers of modern multiplayer gaming action. Fully customisable characters from cyborg to amazon, dynamic sports battles, and continuous community support will convince sports simulation enthusiasts, action fans, and e-sports cracks likewise.