LATHAM, N.Y.-Duck Pirates, the only Android, iPhone and iPad game created by a credit union, has been downloaded about 38,000 times since it was introduced by Sunmark FCU here in May.
Sunmark created the Angry Birds-like app to encourage donations to a local food bank-and to promote the credit union, according to Rich Meddaugh, communications associate for the 46,000-member CU.
Players are giving "mixed responses" to Duck Pirates, rating the game "three stars" out of five at the Apple App Store, said David Weinstein, director of marketing at the $355-million Sunmark.
"People interested in cause affinity have been extremely supportive and given great feedback," he said. "Hardcore gamers are more critical, comparing the game play to similar games like Angry Birds." Duck Pirates didn't attract as many food-bank donations as other channels, said Weinstein. The game drew less than $250 of the $10,000 total in cash gifts (and one ton of food) that Sunmark raised.
But Duck Pirates has been a success from other standpoints, he continued. "We introduced Sunmark as a technology leader for credit unions. We successfully tested the idea of social and viral gaming. We're building awareness for the credit union and using gaming as a philanthropic cause, which is something that hadn't been done."
Duck Pirates' popularity was bolstered by social media and marketing efforts, he added.
Duck Pirates isn't Sunmark's last game, Weinstein suggested. "We're currently looking at educational uses for gaming. We'll promote our games through our mobile banking app, mobile advertising and text-to-phone channels."
