Start with Strategy, Not Novelty

If you’re a marketing pro or promotional products buyer, you already know this truth: an experience is only memorable if it feels authentic. So when you’re pitching or planning to purchase branded games for an event, the question becomes: how do you avoid turning a fun idea into a forced moment?

In today’s event marketing climate, engagement isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about intentional interaction. Let’s break down how to introduce games in a way that feels organic, strategic, and exciting—with a few unexpected ideas thrown in.

1. Build Games Into the Flow—Not on the Side

One of the biggest mistakes marketers make is treating games like decoration—off to the side, away from the main action. Instead, integrate them into the core experience of the booth, campaign, or event.

• At a tradeshow? Use a painted Topple Tower to manage your giveaway line.
• Running a street team activation? Carry a hook and ring game that’s mounted to your branded backdrop.
• At an open house or dealership? Run a branded prize wheel at check-in and reward curiosity.

Games shouldn’t be optional side quests—they should be anchors in your engagement strategy.

2. Make the Game Part of the Brand Story

People love clever storytelling. That’s where branded games come alive.

Are you working with a wellness brand? A tabletop curling game can be a fun metaphor for “staying on track.” For a performance beverage company? Use a freestanding mini basketball hoop to show you “never miss your shot.”

Think metaphorically. A game doesn’t just need to be an activity—it can be a message. That’s where real creativity starts.

3. Give People a Reason to Care (and Share)

People love a challenge, especially if there’s a simple reward attached. Think in terms of branded competitions, streaks, or quick wins with giveaways or incentives.

• “Score 10 in a row and win a hoodie.”
• “Play with a friend, both win a sample.”
• “Tag us with your high score for a surprise.”

Using games like the Chiphole or Drop-to-Win turns passive spectators into active brand advocates. Bonus: this also sparks more organic photo ops and user-generated content—without anyone having to ask for it.

4. Customize It So It’s Worth Talking About

Customization is the key to avoiding that generic, “we’ve-seen-this-before” feeling. That’s why Promotoss offers full customization with free proofing, mockups, and no setup fees.

Want a white plastic cornhole set with a neon logo for a summer campaign? Done. A can-shaped cornhole board for a beverage launch? Easy.

Customization isn’t just about branding—it’s about making the game feel native to the experience. That’s what elevates it beyond cheesy or forgettable.

5. Use Games as a Sales Enablement Tool

Games don’t just attract foot traffic—they can educate and qualify leads. Event staff can prompt conversations while attendees play. A branded putting mat or pickleball demo can be the perfect pause for a quick pitch.

Marketing teams can pre-plan talking points or QR code stations nearby, pointing to landing pages or downloadable sales flyers. It’s subtle. It’s effective. It’s lead-gen without the awkward pitch.

6. Let Games Solve a Problem

Here’s the thing—games are more than fun. They can be functional. Need to kill dwell time in a long line? Use a game. Need to keep people lingering longer at your booth? Set up a mini table tennis match.

When you position games as solutions instead of novelties, they gain purpose—and respect. And that’s when they stop feeling forced.

7. Reframe “Cheesy” as “Creative”

Most of the time, when a client says “this isn’t for my customers,” what they really mean is, “I haven’t seen this used creatively for my market.” And that’s the opportunity.

For a finance client? Use a dartboard to “target your savings goals.” For tech? A ring race game becomes a metaphor for cross-platform competition. Think in themes. Then pitch with confidence.

If you’re not sure what direction to take, contact our team and request a mockup. Sometimes all it takes is seeing the logo on a game to get the wheels turning.

Final Thoughts: Introduce Games With Purpose

The real difference between cheesy and clever? Intent. When games are used thoughtfully—to reinforce a story, solve a problem, or support your goals—they become a marketing asset, not a distraction.

Whether you’re sourcing for a new client campaign or building out an event activation toolkit, Promotoss has dozens of fresh options ready to go—complete with fast shipping, no hidden fees, and full support from our design team.

So don’t wait until the last minute to figure out how to incorporate games—start with them. Let them lead the way.

Submit a logo and request your free mockup today »