Portfolio: Success Stories

Over the years, Howard Horowitz, founder and CEO of WHA Entertainment Inc. has developed or published hundreds of game titles across multiple gaming platforms.

From working with leading entertainment companies such as Nintendo, Codemasters and Sierra on Line, Howard's affiliated companies he worked for, has released hundreds of games over the past number of years.

Client: Lionsgate
Industry: Entertainment
Platform: Sony PlayStation Network (PSN)
Movie: Kick Ass

Overview

Wha Entertainment was tasked with developing a marketing platform for releasing the hit movie Kick-Ass into interactive gaming. Partnering with Lionsgate, NBC Universal Europe, and Marvel Comics, we created a unique, immersive gaming experience that captured the essence of the movie while engaging a young, internet-savvy audience. Our strategy not only delivered a successful launch but also propelled the game's success into multiple upgrades and long-term enhancements, extending its lifecycle and impact in the marketplace.

Campaign Details

The project began with a clear objective: to seamlessly translate the excitement of Kick-Ass into a digital game experience for Sony PSN users, bringing the movie's fanbase into the interactive world of gaming. Wha Entertainment was tasked with executing the entire campaign, which included:

1. Localization: The game was localized into 10 languages to meet the diverse demands of each territory, ensuring its appeal to global audiences.
2. Partnerships: We forged key partnerships with NBC Universal Europe and Marvel Comics, strengthening the game's authenticity and immersing fans in the world of Kick-Ass. This strategic collaboration helped build credibility and reach in critical European markets.
3. Tailored Marketing Strategy: A custom marketing plan targeted the movie's core demographic: young, digital-first consumers. The campaign integrated a range of digital marketing channels, including social media, viral campaigns, and community engagement tactics, ensuring the game reached the right audience in a highly effective manner.

Marketing Success

The campaign's success was measured across several key performance indicators, illustrating the effectiveness of the strategy:

1. Increased European Presence: Our partnership with NBC Universal Europe significantly expanded the game's global footprint. This strategic collaboration boosted visibility and helped the game resonate with a broader, more engaged audience.

2. Avatar Marketing: One of the standout aspects of the campaign was the avatar marketing experience, which saw six-figure downloads of custom avatars based on the movie's characters. This viral initiative effectively captured the attention of gamers and movie fans alike, creating a direct connection between the movie and the interactive experience.

3. Viral Marketing Campaign: Leveraging the power of social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, we designed a viral marketing campaign that sparked word-of-mouth excitement and drove organic awareness. The campaign's success was amplified by the shareability of the avatars and the buzz generated through fan engagement.

4. Multiple Upgrades and Enhancements: Due to the overwhelming success of the initial release, we were able to roll out several upgrades and enhancements to the game, keeping players engaged over time. These updates allowed the game to remain fresh and draw in new users, contributing to its longevity in the marketplace.

Impact and Results

• Avatar Downloads: Six-figure avatar downloads reflected a high level of fan engagement and demonstrated the success of the avatar marketing initiative.
• Viral Reach: Using YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter helped drive viral awareness, significantly increasing the game's exposure and player base.
• Localized Success: By localizing the game into 10 languages, we made it accessible and appealing to a diverse global audience, further driving its success in international markets.
• Long-Term Player Retention: The ability to continuously enhance the game with upgrades and new content contributed to sustained player engagement, ensuring the game's position as a long-term success on the Sony PSN platform.

Conclusion

The Kick-Ass game for Sony PSN, developed and marketed by Wha Entertainment, stands as a prime example of our ability to bring entertainment properties to life in the gaming space. Through strategic partnerships, localized content, and viral marketing tactics, we successfully created a gaming experience that mirrored the excitement of the movie and resonated with players worldwide. This campaign drove impressive engagement metrics and set the stage for future upgrades, cementing the game's place as a successful, enduring title in the digital gaming world.

Comprehensive Portfolio Success Story: 

Clients: Ode Records
Industry: Entertainment / Music
Platform: Facebook

Overview

Wha Entertainment was brought in to develop a social media Facebook game centered around the legendary Cheech and Chong comedy duo. The game was designed as part of a larger strategy to boost brand awareness, engage fans, and help secure a movie distribution deal for their upcoming release. The project posed a unique challenge of combining social media engagement with creative game design, all within a tight 5-month timeline.

Campaign Details

1. Objective: The core objective was to create an engaging social media game on Facebook that would serve as a marketing vehicle for the movie, increasing brand visibility and user engagement. By boosting Facebook likes and user activity, the game would help pave the way for a movie distribution deal.

2. Game Concept: The game was designed to reflect the humorous and iconic style of Cheech and Chong, incorporating the duo’s quirky personalities, comedic style, and pop-culture appeal. The game’s story and mechanics were tailored to align with their brand identity, ensuring that it resonated with both their loyal fan base and new audiences.

3. Short Lead Time: With only 5 months from initial concept to release, Wha Entertainment had to work quickly and efficiently, managing every aspect of the game’s creation:

   • Concept Creation: We crafted a compelling and immersive storyline that captured the essence of Cheech and Chong's comedic style.
   • Immersive Gameplay: The game featured fun, interactive elements that encouraged engagement, including puzzles, challenges, and humorous moments inspired by the duo’s iconic comedy.
   • In-Game Virtual Goods: We strategically placed virtual goods within the game, encouraging microtransactions that were integrated seamlessly into the gameplay, adding value for players and creating a revenue stream.
   • Creative Microtransaction Solutions: To enhance the gameplay experience and boost engagement, we implemented innovative microtransaction solutions that allowed players to personalize their in-game experience.

Marketing Success

1. Brand Awareness Boost: The Cheech and Chong Facebook game quickly became a viral success, attracting both fans of the comedy duo and new players, driving user engagement and Facebook likes. The game’s comedic elements and fun interactions resonated strongly with the audience, amplifying awareness of the duo’s brand in a digital context.

2. Pop Culture Impact: The game's pop culture appeal went beyond the confines of traditional gaming, generating significant attention in the media. It became a topic of conversation among fans of the duo, comedy enthusiasts, and social media influencers, contributing to a pop culture outcry that further boosted its visibility.

3. Increased User Presence: As a direct result of the game's success, the user presence on Facebook skyrocketed. The likes, comments, and shares generated by the game’s interactive content provided a substantial social media footprint, making the duo even more relevant in today’s entertainment landscape.

4. Securing the Movie Deal: The surge in engagement, coupled with the popularity of the game, helped prove to distributors that the Cheech and Chong brand had widespread appeal and substantial fan interest. This direct user engagement played a pivotal role in helping secure a movie distribution deal, aligning with the goal of using the game as a marketing vehicle for the film.

Results

1. User Engagement: The game led to a significant increase in Facebook likes and user interactions, with the game generating buzz across the platform. Fans and players shared their experiences, building momentum for the movie’s promotion.

2. Pop Culture Outcry: The game’s release sparked a pop culture outcry, drawing attention not just within gaming communities but also across social media and entertainment outlets. This success further cemented the duo’s place in modern pop culture.

3. Successful Movie Distribution Deal: The heightened brand awareness, coupled with the increased user engagement and pop culture attention, played a crucial role in securing a distribution deal for the movie, showcasing the power of gaming as a marketing tool in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

The Cheech and Chong Facebook game, developed by Wha Entertainment, serves as a perfect example of how interactive gaming can be leveraged as a powerful marketing tool for entertainment properties. By creatively combining social media, gaming, and pop culture, we were able to generate massive user engagement, secure a movie distribution deal, and contribute to the ongoing relevance of one of comedy’s most beloved duos. This success highlights the potential of innovative game development to drive both entertainment and business outcomes in today’s competitive digital marketplace.