Foursquare/SCVNGR
Foursquare and SCVNGR today both launched new tools that encourage on-the-ground activities that go beyond simply checking in as “present” at a specific geographic location. This could be good news for local media.
Foursquare has announced a partnership with fitness site RunKeeper.com to reward users with a variety of badges for completing various running events, including training runs, a 5K and a marathon. In a blog post, the company stated that it intends to roll out badges for more “real-world experiences” with selected partners soon.
And, SCVNGR has launched a new app on Facebook that will let businesses feature location-based challenges and rewards on their own Facebook Places page. SCVNGR has recently worked with partners such as The Boston Globe to offer mobile scavenger hunts with rewards such as Red Sox tickets and movie passes for readers who complete challenges around the city.
As location games mature and focus on action instead of simple geography, new opportunities are created for media companies that want to become more involved in the location-based-services trend.
Media organizations that promote or produce annual community events should look toward becoming the hub for location-game activities centered on those events. Interest in location games and rewards is still limited to an adventurous few, but Facebook Places is increasing public awareness. And the costs of involvement remain low.
