E3 is over and I got more out of it than just a list of game titles to buy over the year. I've found some potential contacts. I also saw 3-D and interactivity up the ante. It gives you an opportunity to get more creative with your ideas. If you are creating a game for any kind of promotion, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Many game promotions will not move product. Games help keep the brand top of mind, so help your clients keep that in mind. You don't want a game that disrupts game play to push products on the player. Keep the brand prominent, but let the player enjoy the moment or they won't be playing at all.

Create a game that ties in with the campaign. A driving simulator for a car brand is a no-brainer, but is there something about the campaign to make it better than your average driving game? Are you a spy on a mission, for example. Make the game an interactive version of the television spot currently running.

Make the game is appropriate for the brand. Don't create a duck hunt game if your client is Aflac, but it's fine for Remington. Even if you are an Aflac competitor, you really don't want a game where the duck is still more prominant than your client. Even by hunting the duck, you still put Aflac top of mind, shooting yourself in the foot, so to speak.

Work the product into the game play. Find a way to create entertaining use of the product (power-ups).

Designing a game can also be an expensive endeavor. That's where it pays to know a few experts in the field, who can help you create something that's engaging and within your budget.

Driving simulator courtesy of stock.xchng not E3.