In-venue sports video provider FanVision has dramatically restructured its mobile gaming company PrePlay, turning it from a consumer-facing venture into an enterprise-level digital agency called Crossfield Digital.
The New York-based Crossfield Digital will be a business-to-business agency aiding sports and entertainment properties on mobile application and Web development, digital rights management and other similar functions.
FanVision and Crossfield Digital are both part of RSE Ventures, the portfolio of companies led by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and former New York Jets executive Matt Higgins. Early clients and projects for the fledgling Crossfield Digital operation have included bracket game development for Bleacher Report, Apple iOS app creation for daily fantasy operation Draft, prediction-based games for the U.S. Open tennis tournament, and website development for the International Champions Cup, another RSE property.
“RSE Ventures is committed to companies that have deep expertise in sports and technology, and Crossfield embodies those goals perfectly,” Higgins said. “Crossfield’s unique position in the RSE family enables it to not only build elegant tech solutions for the sports and entertainment industry, but fill the void that currently exists for 360-degree Web and mobile development.”
As part of the shift, the PrePlay brand name and suite of products have been shut down. FanVision acquired PrePlay in September 2014 in a stock-for-stock merger. Before that acquisition, PrePlay had raised $7.8 million in venture capital financing.
“We wanted our games to reach massive audiences, and we had a very satisfying run building what we did. But when we looked around, we saw a real need for a shop with our kind of skills and background, particularly in New York,” said Andrew Daines, FanVision chief executive. “We’re going to be able to leverage a lot of our learnings and technology and be able to reach an even larger audience.”
Said Daines: “And since RSE is involved in so many other facets of the business ourselves, we believe we have a unique perspective on the kinds of issues our clients face.”
Crossfield Digital will be led by Ben Fairclough, previously PrePlay director of partnerships.
Crossfield will encounter a range of competitors, all of whom approach the space from slightly different angles. They include YinzCam, MLB Advanced Media, NeuLion, WillowTree Apps and Adept Mobile.
