Student Edge Strikes Engagement Success with Geo Based Game 'Finding Edgy'

A little entertainment goes a long way as Student Edge found out with the launch of its hugely successful Finding Edgy competitions.

With a long history of hosting competitions and more than $20,000 in prizes given away each month, Student Edge knows a thing or two about running successful online competitions. Always looking for new ways to engage with members and provide a more enjoyable membership experience, Student Edge set out to inject a bit of fun into the competition entry process.

Finding Edgy was inspired by the classic game of 'Hot or Cold' and leverages Google Maps technology to create a geo based treasure hunt game. Members are encouraged to find Edgy, the Student Edge mascot, as his adventures take him around the world. To help them in their quest, clues are hidden across the site with new hints added daily. Every day, members can take another guess and are rewarded with instant feedback on whether they are getting warmer or colder to help them narrow in on Edgy's location.

The game was a runaway success, with tens of thousands of entries in every round. Forum groups quickly established to discuss and share the latest clues (and express some frustration at Edgy's elusiveness) and despite the entire planet being the target, thousands of members followed the clues to track Edgy down to within a few meters.

The game itself is a relatively simple concept, but the mystery, instant feedback and, to some degree, the frustration, saw engagement go through the roof. Coupled with the social aspect of the forums and support network of other members, the game proved to be a phenominal success.

Check out the guesses from 'Game Two', as members tracked down and zeroed in on Edgy:

Photo: Student Edge