Mobile App Sale Turns the Game of "Tag" into a Marketing Tool
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) November 27, 2013 -- Mobile development firm Picture Assasin, LLC, headed by serial entrepreneur Johnny de la Valdene, has sold their latest app, DashTAGG, to technology and marketing innovators Blue Calypso. The app, which combines traditional play with digital gamification concepts, presents an exciting new opportunity for companies looking to integrate more interactive tactics into their branding and engagement strategies.
The idea behind DashTAGG stemmed from a conversation between de la Valdene and several college students about their participation in a game called "Assassin" - a prolonged, grown-up version of the game "tag" that was frequently attached to monetary stakes. As the players lamented the ease involved in cheating or manipulating the outcome of the game, de la Valdene started looking for ways to drive accountability and transparency by leveraging mobile technology.
"In the beginning, the functionality of the app was pretty basic. It allowed you to centralize and track information about who was playing the game, while documenting outcomes with geotagged and time-stamped photographs and allowing players to place their bets," explains de la Valdene. "Over time, additional features were introduced to make the app more engaging, competitive, and dynamic, taking game play to a whole new level."
As development continued, de la Valdene recognized that the app had far greater potential than being a mere base of operations for collegiate hijinx. It was expanded to facilitate branded use of the app, including infrastructure that would allow for brand-centric scavenger hunts and reward systems. After a year and half of build-out, the capabilities of the platform caught the eye of Blue Calypso executives, prompting the talks that would lead to the app's acquisition.
"It really does provide boundless opportunities for brands of every shape and size," continues de la Valdene. "Whether you're looking to introduce gamification concepts to your company culture or are seeking out new ways to really engage and interact with your target demographic, DashTAGG gives you the tools you need to succeed."
After an overwhelmingly positive reception at the San Diego ComicCon and New York's ad:tech conference, it seems as though gamers and experts alike couldn't agree more. The Picture Assassin team feels confident that the app's value will only increase in the hands of Blue Calypso.
"We feel really good about the team taking over," de la Valdene says. "If there's any group that can realize the full potential of DashTAGG, it's Blue Calypso. We're excited to see where they take things from here. The sky's the limit."
For more information on DashTAGG and Blue Calypso, click here.
Johnny de la Valdene is a successful entrepreneur and angel investor located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A co-owner of Marshmallow Fun Co., Jukz Shoes, Muddeez, Toy Vey!, and a seasoned Executive Producer on films such as the The Hornets Nest and TV shows like MTV's Bully Beat Down, he leverages his business acumen and experience to help start-ups achieve operational efficiency and relevance in their marketplace.
Brooks Johnson, Aesthetic Cogency, http://www.AestheticCogency.com, +1 (469) 207-1217, [email protected]
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