The Background
Vernons is one of the UK’s leading gaming operators based in Liverpool. In summer 2002 they commissioned us to develop their online gaming website with approximately 8 lottery based games and develop and maintain their online presence and games portfolio.
The Challenge
In 2006 the Instant Games initiative was a huge project that saw the site change unrecognisably within the space of a year. The website was to offer all of the existing games in addition to the exciting new instant win games such as roulette, bingo and the ever popular sports-themed games. The project was also to include the creation of a fresh new look and feel.
Ladbrokes, Vernons’ parent company, provided the tried and tested new instant game engines that have proven so successful on their site. It was Technophobia’s task to integrate them seamlessly into the existing Vernons site.
The Response
The original Vernons gaming engine, designed and built by Technophobia, had to be rebuilt from scratch in order to integrate with the new games. In addition to this, a number of extensive technical changes were also commissioned in order to upgrade and streamline the existing system.
Another important aspect of the project was the aesthetic redesign. Technophobia worked closely with design agency Redman Jones in order to produce a framework and graphical approach that promoted the Vernons brand, emphasised the exciting new products and made the entire proposition readily accessible and appealing. The home page was given a fresh, new Flash interface, the key to which is its user-focused approach. The presentation of the games, both old and new, was also spiced up and made more attractive. Flash designers worked around the clock to ensure that all this was delivered on time.
To complement the offline marketing strategy, which saw a massive, concerted drive to entice existing and potential customers, a viral email marketing campaign was also instigated. Thousands of emails branded in the new style were issued informing users of the new games and the exciting prizes on offer.
The Result
Martin Williams, Marketing Manager at Vernons said of the project, “The project was intended to cater for two main requirements; to give the user more choice in their online gaming and to make this choice as readily accessible and as attractive as possible. We feel that the redevelopment has achieved this and more. Vernons looks set to hit its projected yearly profit forecast within the first quarter and the new site has taken over one million pounds in its first five weeks. A magnificent achievement for all concerned!”
“Over the last four years we have developed a very good working relationship with Technophobia. I look upon them as being a part of my team.”Roger Southerland, IT Manager - Vernons
Following a takeover by Sportech Plc the Vernons website was migrated to within the existing Sportech stable mid 2009 and we bid a fond farewell to an extremely successful 7 year partnership.