MINI USA Brings Pinball Action to Nintendo Wii

Online Wii Gamers Can Download Free Clubmania Pinball Game Starring 2008 MINI Clubman:

MINI USA releases Clubmania Pinball, a free online game for the Nintendo® Wii™ that was inspired by the 2008 MINI Clubman’s unique split-rear barn-style door design and a pinball themed global television spot created by MINI’s agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (BSSP). The game, published by Engage In-Game Advertising, plays to MINI’s free-wheeling style and spirit that appeals to the casual gamer community through the Wii console.

“The MINI brand is all about exhilaration, fun and experiencing the unexpected. We are thrilled to introduce the latest addition to the family, the MINI Clubman, to the world of Wii,” said Kate Alini, Marketing Communications Manager, MINI USA.

“The social environment that Wii invites draws a broader audience of consumers and brings families and friends together,” said David Smith, president and co-founder of Engage In-Game Advertising. “Wii is fun and addicting and it creates a memorable experience in much the same way MINI USA has done with its cars.”

Using the Wii’s onboard browser, online gamers can access MINI USA’s Clubmania Pinball Game at http://www.ClubmanPinball.com. Clubmania Pinball features classic styling, sounds and functionality reminiscent of a real pinball machine. Players use their Wii remotes to quickly control their ball paddles and shake their remotes to simulate classic pinball tilt action. Players can test their accuracy by shooting at a range of targets on the game board. Initiate up to three balls in simultaneous action and quickly earn points to reach the next level of play.

The Clubmania Pinball game for Wii was conceived by Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (BSSP) and published in collaboration with Engage In-Game Advertising. The idea for the game sprang from a fully integrated marketing campaign that uses television, outdoor, online and radio advertising to introduce the new MINI Clubman. One television ad called “Pinball,” features the unique rear barn doors of the Clubman opening outward like pinball flippers, to simulate a pinball game.

In commenting on the game, John Butler, Creative Director of BSSP said, "The media department at BSSP is an extension of our Creative Department. Where we put something, is in many ways as important as what it is. We've always felt that rather than trying to drive consumers to a destination to engage with our brands, it’s far more effective to take that experience to where they currently are. And in this instance, that just happens to be the Wii.”

MINI USA’s Clubmania Pinball game can also be played through a standard Internet browser on the PC platform.

Let us know if you try this on your Wii. We will certainly be trying as soon as we get our Wii browser up an running