In-game product placement and location-based activation merge in the new partnership.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ePlay Digital Inc. (CSE:EPY) and Datable Technology Corp. (TSXV: DAC), developers of consumer marketing platform PLATFORM³ and soon to be launched Flexxi Rewards Network announces they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a Joint Venture Agreement and Software Licensing Agreement. A comprehensive news release will be issued upon the signing of definitive agreements.

Under the terms of the agreement, ePlay will utilize PLATFORM³’s Influencer Marketing and AI-based Retargeting components to drive membership and awareness for its augmented reality eSports game Big Shot™ available in the Apple App Store. Datable will integrate ePlay’s augmented reality engine and game mechanics with PLATFORM³ to develop consumer engagement, product placement, and interactive applications with its global brand clients and the Flexxi Rewards Network. Additionally, the companies will pursue larger market opportunities related to esports.

Both companies will leverage Datable’s PLATFORM³ that has been utilized to drive consumer registration, engagement, and sales for global consumer brands including the second-largest gaming company in the Americas and Europe (by revenue and market capitalization).

The interoperability of the ePlay AR Ad Kit^TM, Big Shot^TM mobile games, and Datable platforms advances state-of-the-art augmented reality marketing/advertising including data-driven product placement and location-based calls to action. The partnership works to ensure bricks and mortar retail is a significant part of mobile games, esports, and apps. According to PQ Media, product placement advertising grew “13.7% to USD $8.78 billion in 2017 and is surging toward a ninth consecutive year of double-digit growth in 2018”. The location-based advertising global market was USD $16B in 2016 and expected to grow to $32B in 2021.

"ePlay Digital is one of the leaders in the rapidly growing eSports industry with one of the most respected teams and a track record launching game titles for Time Warner Cable, ESPN, Sony Pictures, CBS, and others. A Joint Venture Agreement and Software Licensing Agreement have the potential to accelerate membership and license subscriptions for both organizations and their respective consumer properties – Flexxi Rewards Network and Big Shot™," said Rob Craig, CEO of Datable Technology.

Trevor Doerksen, CEO of ePlay Digital said, "Datable’s PLATFORM³ has been battle-tested by some of the largest brands in the world and millions of consumers. Their Influencer Marketing and AI-based Retargeting technology have proven to be successful growing consumer membership and engagement for diverse brands including Universal Pictures, Kellogg’s, Mars Chocolate and Toro. We believe Datable’s technology and experience growing consumer memberships and engagement for global brands will help us scale membership for Big Shot™."

The forces of mobile gaming, esports streaming, augmented reality, product placement, and location-based advertising converge as mobile game playing audiences are multiplied many times over through advanced engagement with increasing esports viewing audiences. According to a recent Newzoo report, in 2018, the global esports economy will grow to USD $905.6 million, up 38% YoY. Brands, through innovative forms of product placements, location-based, and other forms of advertising, will contribute to 77% of the 2018 increase, or USD $694 million, an overall 48% increase since last year. Newzoo projects the global esports audience will reach 380 million this year, made up of 165 million esports enthusiasts and 215 million occasional viewers. Newzoo estimates the esports industry will reach $1.4 billion by 2020. At the same time, China Daily recently reported the 2018 Chinese esports market will reach USD $18 billion with over 430 million players and viewers.

About Datable Technology Corp. (DTC)
DTC has developed a proprietary, mobile-based consumer marketing platform – PLATFORM³ – that is sold to global Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies and consumer brands. PLATFORM³ is delivered as a subscription service (Software as a Service model) and used by CPG companies to engage consumers, reward purchases and collect valuable consumer data. PLATFORM³ incorporates Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to monetize consumer data, including demographics and purchasing behaviour, by sending consumers targeted offers by email and text messages. For more information, visit datablecorp.com.

About ePlay
ePlay Digital Inc. is a mobile game creator and publisher specializing in sports, esports and entertainment augmented reality titles, including their new flagship title Big Shot Basketball. ePlay is operated by an award-winning team of sports, gaming and esports leaders as well as broadcast and digital technology industry experts, software engineers and athletes who have brought dozens of game titles to market for companies including Time Warner Cable, ESPN, Sony Pictures, AXS TV, Intel, AXN, Fiat, CBS, and others.

ePlay’s wholly owned subsidiary, Mobovivo esports specializes in augmented reality, mobile game development and mobile esports streaming.

Further Information
Further details are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and the Company’s profile on the CSE’s website at www.thecse.com/

Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE): Symbol EPY
Deutsche Boerse Xetra - Frankfurt Stock Exchange: Symbol 2NY2; WKN: A2AN4D; ISIN CA26885W1041

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