Gaming media snookered by viral 360 ad
by Vladimir Cole 
{ Nov 30th 2005 at 1:00AM }
Remember that Xbox 360 viral
advert we linked to a week ago? It's finally made the rounds, with a ton of blogs picking the item
up over the past couple of days.
Yet, somehow, what we called "an untelevised Zero Hour ad" has morphed into a "banned" advertisment, despite complete lack of any evidence that any authority has banned the ad.
Why? Because the viral advert was sufficiently edgy that it fed into a desire on the part of some writers to sensationalize the issue. That's the very definition of viral right there: the meme infection creates in its host a desire to amplify and spread the meme, even if it means stretching the truth a bit.
We were impressed with the ad the first time we saw it. We're even more impressed now by the play it's managed to find thanks to a very simple decision to delay its broadcast.
Yup, "delay." The spot will be played for television audiences before it's all over.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Abby @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
Nah, don't think they will show it on the TV as they are so worried about narrow minded people being offended, especially after the advert that was actually banned last year with the baby hurling through the air. It woudl be cool to see it though on the TV htough.
Jocke @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
It's already been shown on tv.
vc @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
Jocke: in which county, on what channels, and when?
bd (formerly b) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
Source?
Phil @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
You can get the video at gametrailers.com.
http://gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=1589
I'm not sure which ad they're referring to. There is a "Zero hour" ad, but it is different from the picture in the post (the "Banned TV Spot").
Abby @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
WHAT WHAT WHAT!!! IT'S BEEN SHOWN ON TV???? It can't have done, my boyfriend is the main guy in it and microsoft said they aren't using it!!! where was it seen???? Thanks!!!x
Steve @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
Another mirror to see the add is here:
http://www.thecrazywebsite.com/FUN/index.cfm?mediaid=7392
Charlie @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
JOCKE - Come on where did you see it?
Raffi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
I knew it. I think I was one of very few that said right from the start that this was not banned, it was just delayed so that they have enough advertising material to last them through the holidays. They can't just show every ad they have now, that would cost them too much.
sqweak @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
+1 to Jocke.
Abby: I saw it last night here in LA. I'm pretty sure it was either from Court TV last night or Fox on Monday.
Pretty funny, I liked it a lot and didn't realize until finally tracking it down online just now that it was the not-to-be-aired ad everyones talking about. (the original mirror didn't work for me, and I don't torrent from work)
Abby @ Dec 18th 2005 9:06PM
Oh my goodness that is so cool!! i hope it gets played over here and carries on being played in the US as then the actors in it might see some money!! ha ha!!! Thanks Sqweak you've made our Christmas!!!!! if possible could you remember what time it was so we can go back to them with soem evidence?
Raffi - you were right! it was never banned just Microsoft lawyers being big wimps! Can't wait to tell my boyfriend he will be STOKED!