News 2002
Virgin Mobile goes footy mad with Subbuteo
06/06/2002
06.06.02: Virgin Mobile, the UK’s fifth network, today kicked off a mobile version of retro classic footy game, Subbuteo. This is the first finger-flicking text game of its kind and offers cash prizes to players. So if you’re on the ball you could be an instant winner!
Virgin Mobile is the first network to launch a mobile phone version of footy fans’ favourite Subbuteo. Players simply answer five questions correctly to qualify and then continue to play for the instant prizes or gamble for a place in the final – where they get a shot at the £20 instant cash prize!
Subbuteo is available to every Virgin Mobile customer and it is a great way to while away those World Cup half-times. This text-based game gives Virgin Mobile customers the chance to win cash; get through to and win the final round and you’ll take home a £20 cash trophy. Virgin Mobile is also offering airtime prizes of £3, £5 and £10 which are added to the winner’s account instantly.
“If you know the answers then you will win the prizes, it’s as simple as that,” said Virgin Mobile’s Alison Bonny.
“We’ve put ourselves at the mercy of footy fanatics everywhere, as the odds on a player winning are totally dependant on their skill. If they have the skill then they’ll score - it’s as simple as that!”
To start playing the game simply text `SB’ to 2250, agree to the terms and conditions of the game and then get ready for the first question. It costs 20p for each text message sent and each reply is free.
Virgin Mobile has scored a hat trick with the launch of Subbuteo, which is its third football-focussed service. It already offers a comprehensive World Cup package, for £4.99, giving the very latest World Cup news, team line-ups, match updates, and live goal updates for the England and Ireland matches. Virgin Mobile has also launched the England Supporter Kit which features a St. George’s Cross fascia, and England-themed ringtones and graphics.
Virgin Mobile also offers a free football text message alert service to customers, as part if its VirginXtras service, which includes free half-time and full-time football results for national and international matches. Similar services are charged for by most of Virgin Mobile’s rivals. However, Virgin Mobile’s portfolio of Premership and Nationwide League football services are free all year round.
* Virgin Mobile’s Subbuteo game was developed by Codetoys, the premier provider of complete mobile entertainment services
