Is Gears of War spamming Xbox Live users?

by Joystiq Staff { Jul 27th 2006 at 6:25PM }

Tipsters bring word that perhaps some people within the Gears of War camp are spamming a few Xbox Live users. We were under the impression that Microsoft frowned upon the use of these kinds of tactics; in fact, the lack of spam is definitely one of the positives of the whole service. Either way, an Xbox Live user named MFenix (Marcus Fenix is the main character in GoW) is messaging users with the following:

We need your help. Can't talk now. Don't know who to trust. Will send more tomorrow.

Then followed up with:

Thank you for your help. Don't trust messages from anyone but myself and Dom. He's using the covert name of LocustHordeH8r. They are everywhere, and even classified information sent here could be compromised. We're working on a code. More tomorrow.

We've contacted Microsoft and they have refused to comment on the rumor or speculation. During the whole MI:3 fiasco, Microsoft's position was this:

The recent communication to the customer was NOT sanctioned by Xbox Live. Microsoft's position is that the community will and should manage itself, through providing gamers with a voice they in turn take ownership and responsibility for their experiences. Supporting this, Xbox Live has a robust feedback system in place for situations exactly like this. If required, gamers can file a complaint in the system to report inappropriate behavior or language, which Microsoft will follow-up and investigate fully.

Have any of you gotten this? Also, what's your take on using Xbox Live as a place for spam or viral marketing?

[Thanks, Paul and Michael Piazza]

Tags: Gears of War, GearsOfWar

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Bilal @ Jul 27th 2006 6:35PM

i recieved the 2nd message and now DOM (LocustHordeH8r) asked us on the Gears forum so submit our ranks.

Katty @ Jul 27th 2006 6:42PM

Eh. I like viral marketing, it's interesting to me as a marketing/communications major... though the question is, are these people getting hit at random, or is there certain attributes (Games) that are being targeted by our good friend MFenix.

Whether it is or not is anyone's guess. CliffyB and Co. did say BIG (gotta have that caps lock) news is coming.

Then again, it could just be some random rabid fanboy prick.

Cherry @ Jul 27th 2006 6:42PM

I think this is great, you see I have no Xbox Live friends.

Comtar @ Jul 27th 2006 6:45PM

Can't we have a game system that doesn't send us spam mail advertising other games?

Yadneb @ Jul 27th 2006 6:47PM

I agree, this seems more fun than harmful to me. Personally, it seems like it is prepping the user for a very immersive experience in Gears. At the same time, I do not want to get text messages for the next gen version of Barbie Horse Adventures, so maybe it microsoft should allow users the option to opt out of these sort of ad campaigns.

Scott @ Jul 27th 2006 7:01PM

It WOULD be cool, though, if MSFT could enable this to support Majestic type gaming on the consoles...that was a great game that happened to get hit with HORRIBLE timing.

S

Mark D. @ Jul 27th 2006 7:01PM

I dunno. Some random bum at MS would probably not know about a viral marketing gig like ilovebees or this(if it is marketing).

The reaction that CliffyB and Mark Rein had on the Epic boards leads me to believe it's legit.

KingOfGods @ Jul 27th 2006 7:02PM

They are probably sending these messages to the users of their forums (maybe it's in the fine print of the EULA)

As long as I don't receive Viagra messages, I specifically agreed to a EULA, and it's only about games I'm interested in, I'm fine with it.

These viral ads could be fun

a Master Ninja @ Jul 27th 2006 7:10PM

Yeah, only members of the official Gears of War message board got the message, so why would anyone complain? This would be the same as being on the official Animal Crossing board and getting a message from Tom Nook. They're sending this teaser to people that WANT it, this is not spam.

Adolescent Don @ Jul 27th 2006 7:16PM

I'd love to get a message like that, SEND ME ONE!!! I WANT ONE!!!!

J.Goodwin @ Jul 27th 2006 7:42PM

Viral marketing sucks.

NightOwl @ Jul 27th 2006 7:51PM

There's a simple solution, create an option in your account settings on whether or not you would like to be included in any Marketing campaigns (viral, etc).

If set to no (which should be the default), you aren't ever included in this type of thing, if yes, then obviously you're fair game.

baberg @ Jul 27th 2006 7:58PM

Viral marketing actually backfires for me. Once I become aware that it's viral marketing (which is usually pretty fast, very few are well done) it completely turns me off to the product they're trying to sell. It just seems so dishonest, and especially when it comes to video games - the game should be the focus, not the marketing.

I was turned off to Halo for the longest time because of the "I Love Bees" website.

T-Bag @ Jul 27th 2006 8:06PM

I think it's pretty sweet. Why, you ask? Well because it's giving me a chance to release my rage at the makers of GOW since no demo has been released yet. Online forums are too messy with fanboys and how they'd put a defensive wall separating me from the devs; but with this I can go straight to the gut.

a Master Ninja @ Jul 27th 2006 8:32PM

"I Love Bees" had a fantastic narrative.

Evan @ Jul 27th 2006 8:33PM

I think its a good way to reach out to the community and start a little buzz. Its not like their spamming everyones xbox or sending a thousand messages to you. I dont see the problem with the messeges at all their short you arent forced to read them and you can delete them by just pressing the x button. This is no big deal. There should be no fuss over a hughe influx of these messages, only a (lucky) few get them anyways. You bought the system to have fun so let it have fun with you.
Thanks

PreZ @ Jul 27th 2006 8:44PM

bad news

broseph @ Jul 27th 2006 9:23PM

No spam on Xbox Live? Then what are all those ads for movies and TV on the Live dashboard?

yardman @ Jul 27th 2006 9:42PM

"No spam on Xbox Live? Then what are all those ads for movies and TV on the Live dashboard?"

dumb ass what other content would you rather see.

Dirk Dorkelson @ Jul 27th 2006 11:30PM

Microsoft should have a page on Xbox.com or in Xbox Live where users can set preferences about whether they want to receive these kinds of viral marketing messages. That said, those messages should be reserved for stuff like this. No spam messages for games that have been out six months, please, unless it's promoting a tournament or something.

Also, there should be a way for users to get alerts in their Xbox Live inboxes whenever new content is added to the Marketplace, if we wish. I don't mind checking Major Nelson's blog when I'm online, but I just don't see why it's so much trouble to create some alerts we can all sign up for. Actually, I do mind checking Major Nelson's blog. The biggest whiners in the world post messages to that. (Yes, I'm aware of the irony of whining about whining, thanks.)

Kokos @ Jul 28th 2006 3:00AM

Hey, I've been on mIRC with Mark Rein and he stated that Epic has nothing to do with this.

ill trooper @ Jul 28th 2006 6:43AM

"18. No spam on Xbox Live? Then what are all those ads for movies and TV on the Live dashboard?

Posted at 9:23PM on Jul 27th 2006 by broseph

19. "No spam on Xbox Live? Then what are all those ads for movies and TV on the Live dashboard?"

dumb ass what other content would you rather see.

Posted at 9:42PM on Jul 27th 2006 by yardman"

BROSEPH FTW! YARDMAN IS TEH SUXX!

Ive Been Jipped @ Jul 28th 2006 7:00AM

It only really occured to me how good Xbox Live has been with regards to spam when I actually received a generic "plz go 2 ma websiet" style message about two months ago. I blocked the user and haven't received anything since from anyone that would be considered spam.

I wouldn't be too pleased if this was viral marketing though. Harmless fun? Sure, for now. It just sets a horrible precedent. It's not too much hassle to block communications and that's a definite plus but I'd still rather not have to deal with it at all. After all, you can block spam on Hotmail, and that doesn't stop inboxes quickly filling up with garbage.

How long before we get our first "ENLARGE YOUR PENIS!" messages, I wonder.

ChaosInTheSnow @ Jul 28th 2006 8:20AM

Well it's fine since it's only directed at people who have actually signed up to the Gears of War forums. As for those people who think it's a good idea in general, think about it for a while. Gears of War is a cool looking, highly anticipated title. Now maybe most users wouldn't mind getting viral messages relating to it. But what about getting messages about something like Barbie's Horse Adventure 360? Not so cool. Especially if it catches on and inboxes become awash with ads for any upcoming release. Of course at that stage it'll probably be hard to notice them among all the "ENLARGE YOUR PENIS!" messages.

Thomas Crymes @ Jul 28th 2006 8:49AM

There is a good litmus test for this sort of thing, and it is wholely subjective. This goes for regular commercials as well. If I like it, it is OK. If I don't like it, it's not.

I like this type of marketing. It is not like anyone who gets it doesn't know that it is about Gears of War.

The TV Show Lost has a similar type of thing that is utterly entertaining and fascinating. I'd love to construct an intricate marketing strategy like that.