Intel Unleashed Their Own MMO Game

November 24, 2007 by Chapree

Intel has recently launched a Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) game called Silicon Commander. Created to promote their vPro and Centrino Pro technology, the game is targeted to IT professionals especially the decision makers and managers. The game simulates the general job of an IT manager - protecting and managing PCs under his/her control.

Why the electronics giants suddenly came out with a game? Rupal Shah, Intel’s Marketing Director for Asia Pacific explained that, “While IT decision makers and influencers are aware of Intel vPro processor technology and Intel Centrino Pro processor technology brands, they may not have a complete picture of the technology and its benefits. Our approach is simple: if we entertain our audience, they’ll get the message and virtually experience the benefits through playing the game,“.

The game went live on 24 September 2007 and now boast over 7000 players that are playing for the chance to win an alluring Dell XPS laptop. That’s not all, top players for each week will receive the new Apple Ipod Touch! Eight top players have received the Ipod so far, what are you waiting for? You got till 31 December to pull out your micro into action!

Full press release available after the jump.

Silicon Commander | Developer’s Diary

Intel vPro and Intel Centrino Pro Official Website

INTEL SEEKS TO ENTERTAIN BUSINESS CUSTOMERS

Mixing Serious Business with Serious Play With Silicon Commander, the World’s First MMORTS Game for I.T. Professionals

Kuala Lumpur, Nov.21, 2007 - Intel has launched Silicon Commander, the world’s first Massively Multiplayer Online Real-time Strategy (MMORTS) game for IT decision makers, IT managers and Network Managers in Asia. This “advergaming” initiative mixes serious business with all-out play to promote Intel(R) vPro(T) processor technology and Intel(R) Centrino(R) Pro processor technology.

Silicon Commander mirrors the daily routine of an IT Manager, where game players are confronted with viruses and other business challenges that need to be overcome as they command fleets of stationary and mobile robots, which represent desktop and notebook PCs. Players start off with “Basic” PCs and must control resources wisely to upgrade to “Pro” PCs that prove easier to manage, offer better security, and higher performance - the three core benefits of Intel vPro processor technology and Intel Centrino Pro processor technology.

In both scale and strategic approach, Intel’s Silicon Commander brings the emerging category of advergaming - a creative means to reach customers online - to new, innovative levels. Unlike in-game product placements or single player “mini-games” typically deployed by advertisers, Silicon Commander pits thousands of players against each other in a massive game world where they compete through battle, trade and alliances.

“While IT decision makers and influencers are aware of Intel vPro processor technology and Intel Centrino Pro processor technology brands, they may not have a complete picture of the technology and its benefits. Our approach is simple: if we entertain our audience, they’ll get the message and virtually experience the benefits through playing the game,” said Rupal Shah, Intel’s Marketing Director for Asia Pacific.

“Our two products offer advantages that impact an IT department’s entire fleet of PCs, both desktops and notebooks, so it’s a complicated dynamic to communicate to our audience. With Silicon Commander, we don’t just tell IT managers our story, we let them experience it for themselves,” said Shah. “It’s like letting them take a test drive.“

Offering entertainment on a massive scale for IT decision makers, Silicon Commander is open for players from around the world to participate at no charge. For every week for 14 consecutive weeks, the top player from 12 APAC regions will be awarded an Apple iPod Touch. At the campaign’s completion on December 31, 2007, an ultimate “Superuser” will win a Dell XPS notebook PC powered by Intel(R) Centrino(R) Duo processor technology.

Registered users and media are also invited to go behind the scenes to explore the Developer’s Diary, which features insights into the game’s creation as well as conceptual artwork at apacappzone.intel.com/apac/silicongame/devdiary.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

1. Participants of the Contest must be legal residents in the following countries/regions: Australia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Posted in Commercial, New Releases, Online Games