Codemasters pulls McRae ads

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 20th 2007 at 6:21PM }

Following the death of rally car driver Colin McRae last weekend in a helicopter crash, Codemasters has decided to pull advertising for the PS3 version of Colin McRae: DiRT out of respect. Codemasters says that the ads are being stopped "with consideration to and in agreement with McRae's family." The helicopter crash in which McRae died also claimed the life of his five-year-old son.

We're curious to see how McRae's death will impact the future of the series. Considering the American version of DiRT didn't really have McRae's name attached to it, it's more of a question about the European versions.

Tags: colinmcrae, commercial, dirt, tragedy

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Zaphod Beeblebrox @ Sep 20th 2007 6:26PM

If that is what the family requested then good for them. I dont understand why they would but I am not in their situation. Death is an inevitable part of life, why do we hold such a stigma to death? He had a good life, and it should be celebrated. His likeness spawned a game franchise that I would imagine he would want to continue.

Vegnagun @ Sep 20th 2007 6:36PM

This is probably a lot worse of a death than your thinking because he took his child and two of the kid's friends to the grave with him. Not to mention he was young and didn't need to die.

Victor @ Sep 20th 2007 6:33PM

Man...
I still can't believe he's dead, you know?

Mr Khan @ Sep 20th 2007 6:35PM

Seems appropriate, for the time being

time for those dear to him to mourn, not to memorialize, not yet

Ihya @ Sep 20th 2007 6:38PM

I bet all this is good for sales. Certainly got the game in the media spotlight...

Kyle @ Sep 20th 2007 6:57PM

it was already in the spotlight because it was a quality series. I doubt anyone would trade the contributions he has made for the sport and it's videogame incarnations for a little publicity.
The mere suggestion of which is truly saddening.

Fox318 @ Sep 20th 2007 6:49PM

I actually hope the keep the series named in his honor out of respect, although I can understand why they took down the ads and may not keep the series in his name.

ThornedVenom @ Sep 20th 2007 7:09PM

Keeping a name as tribute is one thing, but if this gets out of hand, man will it suck (I'm talking about milking a franchise "in honor" of a dead guy).

Mason @ Sep 20th 2007 7:35PM

It seems appropriate to pull the advertising to me, not a time to be promoting a game.

I'm willing to bet the next Game will be "Dirt 2: Featuring Travis Pastrana." In the US version he's already all over it and is a great face for the franchise since his popularity is high in every sport he participates in.

Mike @ Sep 20th 2007 7:57PM

The series will continue, in his name or not, it still will. But IMO, they should have a tribute dedicated to Colin in future games, and more importantly on their website.

I still cannot beleive the legend passed away... *sigh*

waynski1457 @ Sep 21st 2007 1:23AM

i dont know why but this celebrity death is the only one in recent years that makes me truly feel sad. maybe its because he was such an awesome person and a great driver. also, it seems everyone who has something to do with him now is doing everything so tastefully. and thank god for that.

Gareth @ Sep 21st 2007 4:31AM

The helicopter crash in which McRae died also claimed the life of his five-year-old son.

Yeah, and his 6 year old friend, and a friend of Colin's too. I'm sure their families would appreciate them not being wiped from the history books because they weren't famous. Their lives were just as important.

James @ Sep 21st 2007 7:02AM

Amen.

Thing is we know nothing about them 2. They haven't even been on the news here (England). If it was just them 2 they would be known but since 2 famous people died alongside them they're just forgotten about.

T3H WICKERMAN @ Sep 21st 2007 9:17AM

Parents can appreciate the horror and loss of this sad event. I am truly sad for all of the famalies involved and my thoughts are with anyone who has had such loss. I am glad the ads are being pulled not only because it is appropriate, it is nice not to see the poorly done and over played advert. They should have pulled them the moment this tragedy occured though.