The Pistons have unveiled a new "interactive live-action video game called 'One-on-One with the Detroit Pistons,'" according to Bill Shea of CRAIN's DETROIT BUSINESS. The game, created by N.Y.-based Interlude Ltd., has users represented by a "real human avatar on screen going against one of the actual Pistons starting five, using their touchscreens or keyboard to control the action." Interlude "filmed the players over a couple of days in June, and its proprietary Eko platform allows the one-on-one style half-court game action to respond like users are watching a live broadcast." The game can be "accessed on a mobile device, tablet or desktop computer at pistons.com/1on1." No app is necessary. Palace Sports & Entertainment VP/Brand Networks Mike Donnay said that the game is "free and has no premium component." It does allow users to "unlock achievement badges and post accomplishments online." The game's digital infrastructure "allows the Pistons to add or remove players if circumstances necessitate it, such as a player being traded." Each of the Pistons featured in the game -- Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope -- will "push unique links to their social media followers." The Pistons and Interlude are "monetizing the game via an eight-second 'spark' advertisement before the game begins." The first ad is from Dodge, and the team and Interlude "share the revenue from sales via an undisclosed split." PS&E CMO, Chief Communications Officer and Exec VP Charlie Metzger said that the Pistons are in "talks with other potential advertisers, but didn't disclose names" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 12/5).
