In the world driven by innovation, it takes sheer dedication and undying efforts to convert an idea into a seamless, yet engaging mobile application that is loved and celebrated by the users. Here’s the success story behind TipOff, the revolutionary African-American focused mobile game app that strives to be a source of laughter and entertainment for black people and those who love them.
TEAMWORK TO DREAM-WORK:
TipOff is the brainchild of Astin Hayes, a Chicago-based marketing manager and entrepreneur who envisioned the concept nearly a decade ago when she was having a game night with some friends. Soon after, she realized that they all kept running into the same problem: None of them were familiar with the words listed in the card game. Taking the matter into her own hands, Astin manually created a physical replica of the guessing game with words everyone knew and recognized. But this was just the beginning!
In an endeavor to offer the game on a global scale to an assortment of different audiences, cultures, and ethnicities, Astin teamed up with Amanda, a technology consultant who was not only well versed in the tech arena but also promised to bring her vision to life. What’s even better? Amanda also heads a start-up studio called Happi where she partners with aspiring and emerging founders to oversee the design, development, and management of new app businesses. So, it comes as no surprise that the duo’s first foray into the market piqued the interest of people from all walks of life.
CELEBRATING THE BLACK AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
TipOff is a fun-packed, word guessing game that will not only have people cracking up but it also fosters happy experiences and the strengthening of bonds between friends and family. An urban Taboo styled game that rejoices Blackness through culturally relevant word guessing themes, ‘TipOff’ presents a whole new perspective and speaks specifically to the dynamics of the unique Black culture in an engaging manner.
Participants separate into teams then input a game room code to take turns. They tip other plays off to the main word without articulating any words written on the card. Team members will play at times as the Player and as the Hater. The player creatively explains the keyword and the hater stands guard nearby to keep the player from breaking rules.
What’s more? The cards in the game travels to each player’s phone. Players can engage remotely on video chat or face to face. The game provides a customized experience; simply select from different free and paid word packs. The proceeds of many will go to HBCU scholarship endowments and STEM nonprofits.
Co-founder Amanda quotes, “The game is not only a lot of fun but also a great learning opportunity. It features a plethora of historical facts, figures, and references in each of the word packs. We call out people from all walks of life to try it.”
SETTING THE BAR HIGH ON CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT
After rolling the app out of beta and making it available on both the App and Play stores, Astin and Amanda plan to expand its assortment of word packs monthly to give your game nights a custom feel. In addition, they also plan to offer in-person TipOff meetups early this year.
While word of mouth is still the most effective way to spread the news of the game, the duo is also using a marketing mix of social media, PR and brand activation mainly through game nights to encourage people to get involved.
What’s more? Having emerged as a staple in the gaming world for the black community and beyond, TipOff continues to grow as an internationally appealing game that can truly be played anywhere, with anyone at any time. After all, it is all about bridging the cultural gap.
PRIMARY ADVANTAGES OF WORKING FROM HOME
While an ordinary job is most likely to keep one confined to the 9-to-5 workday, working from home allowed both Astin and Amanda to gain control over their lives. As home business entrepreneurs, they had the leverage to shape their work life depending on their goals and environment. And because there is no corporate culture to follow, no bosses to abide by, and no rigid work schedules, they had the freedom to work in the comfort and convenience of their own homes, which played an invaluable role in the success of their game app. For more information visit www.tipoffgame.com.
