Every now and then, I like to showcase some of the great work the Barrel O’Monkeyz team is doing for our clients. This happens to be one of those times—plus it represents an opportunity for you, my faithful Monkeyz blog readers, to get in on the ground floor of something I happen to think is pretty exciting.

Founded in 2002, Anaheim-based Mobile Edge designs and produces durable and protective laptop cases, messenger bags, backpacks, and more for busy travelers, students, professionals, and gamers. Their team of engineers, product specialists, and R&D types have been working with gamers and gaming enthusiasts to design, develop, prototype, test, and produce a new product specifically for gamers. It’s called the CORE Gaming Backpack, and it’s the first in a planned line of premier gaming products to be designed and produced by Mobile Edge.

Jumpstart with a Kickstart

Mobile Edge is supporting the roll out of the CORE Gaming Backpack with it’s very first Kickstarter campaign. That’s right, with Barrel O’Monkeyz’s help creating messaging, videos, blogs, graphics, and developing communications channels and partnerships with key influencers, Mobile Edge is inviting thousands of gamers and gaming enthusiasts to help support this project. Consider yourself invited!

You might be asking, “Why would an established company with a global reputation like Mobile Edge launch a product via Kickstarter?” The answer is easy. Just as the worlds of gaming and mobility are ever-evolving, so too is the way products are marketed these days. A Kickstarter is a fun and exciting way to engage customers, loyal fans, and customers-to-be in the process of generating positive buzz about a product and building a thriving virtual community around it—not to mention becoming a source of backing to jumpstart production.

Made By Gamers for Gamers

The CORE Gaming Backpack is a full-featured gaming backpack designed to provide easy-access storage, power on-the-go, and transportation for all popular models of gaming laptops (up to 18”), plus dedicated compartments for gaming accessories, such as keyboards, controllers, headphones, and even snacks and drinks!

The backpack is TSA checkpoint-friendly, features a trolley strap for stacking on top of other luggage, and is constructed of rugged ballistic nylon that delivers style, comfort, and reliability for a lifetime of quality, guaranteed by Mobile Edge.

With a successful Kickstarter, Mobile Edge hopes to move from prototype to production quickly, with actual bags in the hands of consumers later this fall in plenty of time for winter holiday gift giving!

Early Birds Get the Edge

The Kickstarter Campaign starts next TUESDAY, AUGUST 8. Early bird supporters can pre-order a brand new CORE Gaming Backpack for just $75—a huge savings of more than 40% off the suggested retail price. They’ll not only be able to get the CORE bag first before anyone else does, but they’ll also be entered automatically into a contest and receive other special offers. Only a limited amount of CORE bags are available at early bird pricing, so Mobile Edge doesn’t expect them to last long. You might want to go to the Mobile Edge Kickstarter page right now to add your name and email to the Kickstarter mailing list!

Other Ways to Help

• Share the link to Mobile Edge’s Kickstarter page on social media (www.mobileedge.com/kick-starter-lander) to get your friends and family involved.
• Join Mobile Edge’s exclusive CORE Influencer Program as a potential industry influencer. Those who qualify get access to free products, content for their blogs/social media, behind the scenes brand access, and opportunities to earn money as affiliates. For details, visit www.mobileedge.com/kick-starter-influencer.

There’s More to Come

Watch this blog for regular updates on contests, Kickstarter status, and other news in the coming days, plus links to a special feature on the Mobile Edge blog where they follow the fictional (but fact-based) exploits of a team of up-and-coming esports participants!

Paul June is King Monkey of BARREL O’MONKEYZ, a San Diego-based strategic marketing agency specializing in Sports and Active Lifestyle markets. We serve as a seasoned, outsourced marketing team for companies looking to ramp up sales and launch new products. Our barrel is full of talent and creative arms ready to prove we don’t just monkey around!