By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/25/16
Epoch Lacrosse founder and owner James Miceli says gaming is a major part of our younger culture.
Then why not combine the thrill of a lacrosse video game with Epoch products?
“”Gaming is large part of our culture for millennials and Gen-Zers,” said Miceli. “Gamers represent our target audience so supporting a game and getting our products in front of kids provides intrinsic value.”
Miceli was speaking about the Casey Powell Lacrosse 16, a lacrosse simulation video game released on March 9. The game, developed by Big Ant Studios and published by Crosse Studios for Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and on Steam for Microsoft Windows, is not only sponsored by Epoch but also allows for users to improve their performance by upgrading to Epoch products.
“We felt the sport needed a video game,” said Miceli. “I remember when I was in college I thought it would be great if we had a lacrosse game and to see one come out on the biggest platform is exciting, putting Epoch aside.”
The game, which costs $50, was created by longtime game developer Carlo Sunseri, of Crosse Studios. Sunseri is a volunteer coach at Robert Morris.
The game has many options. Users can create a digital version of themselves and play 1-on-1 with friends or play online against anybody in the world. Users also can integrate their team uniforms and enter team names that can be uploaded so others on the team can download for use.
“It’s good for our sport,” said Miceli. “I’m an older guy,but younger guys are all gamers; they come into work Mondays with war stories, about how they ended up at someone’s house gaming.
Miceli is proud that users can improve their play-ability by earning points to upgrade with Epoch products such as the Sequel and Dragonfly sticks as well as Otter Mesh.
“We didn’t want to be just a sponsor on a billboard,” said Miceli. “It puts our products in your hands and improves play-ability and maximizes performance.
“We worked with Carlo so that players can earn credits and points to upgrade and buy Epoch equipment. Every player has certain attributes; some are bigger or stronger or more accurate shooters. Now you can improve your accuracy or shot speed with Epoch products.
“It’s the same in real life that if you purchase Epoch products you can improve your game.”
Miceli said Epoch’s goal is always to appeal to the love of the game of lacrosse.
“I always tell people that we are a technology-based company,” said Miceli. “We are also lacrosse players and we want to play as much as the next person so if we can get involved in cool stuff that’s all the better.”
“The feedback for the game has been so positive. I have watched a lot of social media and the kids seem excited. Finally, lacrosse players have their own option.”
Miceli said Powell plans to have Casey Powell 16 tournaments at his camps and tournaments.
“To have Casey Powell as the face of the game is great,” said Miceli. “Games are integrated into the American culture and to have the sport we love in a game like this is really cool. We are happy to be a part of it.”
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