We guess a lot of sneaker lovers also enjoy racing games, because Microsoft has announced that Puma will be an exclusive marketing partner for Forza 3. The result of this partnership ensures you'll be gawking at Puma ads throughout Forza 3 and guarantees Puma driver Natacha Gachnang will be the face of the game across Europe.
The partnership will even extend beyond the game, helping to create a Forza 3-branded Puma shoe and enveloping employees who are demonstrating Forza 3 at special promotional events leading up until its October 27 release in – you guessed it! – Puma gear. We think that's kind of good thing though, because the last time we saw the game it was tough to understand the publicists through those big driving helmets they all had on.
Reader Comments (43)
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:04PM The Wicker Man said
God I can not stand in-game adverts. I guess it fits the racing environment though. Still, I wish Forza could have some Top Gear love like GT was (did?) get. Forza 2 was actually pretty fun. Love all the custom cars people make.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:05PM Shadowbender said
Well, I must say, I love my Puma shirt. Pure comfort right there. PURE COMFORT.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:05PM 343 Guilty Fart said
Wouldn't car ads be a bit more appropriate?
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:20PM Shadowbender said
Subliminal messaging. That's what there trying to get at with this. You're really getting into the game, you're driving, you're crashing, and all the while, Puma ads are in the background, messing with your mind. The next thing you know, you're at the mall and buying massive amounts of their shoes and shirts and everything. It's all part of the plan. It's all a conspiracy.
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:26PM (Unverified) said
A lot of cars are already being advertised in the game by being in the game. If Audi has 3 models in the game, having a 2-d billboard wouldn't do as much good as people seeing their sexy 3-d models in-game. Puma is capitalizing on the video game medium and getting their advertisements in the game in a mostly unobtrusive way. As long as it doesn't interfere with the game and it isn't so over the top and obnoxious, I'm fine with Puma throwing in a few advertisements on the boards that line tracks and on billboards.
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 7:14PM 343 Guilty Fart said
@shadowbender - it's like flouride in the tapwater, right?
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:05PM Rooshma said
I've always wanted a pair of shoes that says "I like to pretend to drive on my TV."
Great looking game, but still: shoes?
Great looking game, but still: shoes?
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:38PM awesome indeed said
Lots of driving shoes are made by Puma, and it's not at all uncommon for a clothing company to sponsor racing games or leagues. Someone has to make all of the stuff the drivers wear....
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:48PM Rooshma said
True, I guess I'm just worried about something like this:
http://www.softsailor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/xbox-shoes.jpg
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http://www.softsailor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/xbox-shoes.jpg
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:06PM Dextro said
GAHHH Rocktober can't come soon enought... I already pre-ordered the game and you just show me a pic of one of my favourite cars currently (the Alfa MiTo)? DAMN YOU JOYSTIQ for making me want to play the game even more!
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:09PM fredgaso said
i like their shoes
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:18PM Look At This Suit said
In-game adverts I can stand.
But when it's ALL FOR ONE PRODUCT? That's when the line is crossed, and when the immersion factor is pretty much zero.
But when it's ALL FOR ONE PRODUCT? That's when the line is crossed, and when the immersion factor is pretty much zero.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 8:35PM Puertoricarious said
That's the most retarded thing I've ever heard.
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:19PM (Unverified) said
I has http://gpf1shop.com/images/FR8651-Puma_Ferrari_White_Red_Team_Leather%20Shoes.jpg
damn fine shoes.
damn fine shoes.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:32PM (Unverified) said
I prefer my Puma Hooper NM's, especially in the winter. They feel so good in the cold weather.
http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/prod_lrg_images/363/209117363.jpg
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http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/prod_lrg_images/363/209117363.jpg
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:22PM Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi said
Forza 3 Pumas??
So I take it they will have even CRAZIER colors than current Puma shoes?? is that possible!??!
So I take it they will have even CRAZIER colors than current Puma shoes?? is that possible!??!
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:49PM (Unverified) said
Chris D., your excessive use of punctuation never fails to amuse me.
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 7:44PM Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi said
yea thats me....I don't do it to be funny tho...lol
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 11:00PM Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi said
nah...I think I'd not type at all if I was retarded
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:29PM leobebes said
Sweet! So now this means Microsoft just took the Chav demographic away from Gran Turismo in England.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:29PM andysexton said
Puma makes a lot of wild driving shoes, some even worn by pros. Guess it makes sense?
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:32PM oOWallaceOo said
Usain Bolt as a playable vehicle
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:33PM (Unverified) said
Check rear view......downshift.....ease into the corner......a little brake....floor it! Good thing I have my Puma sneaks on! I am gonna win this freakin race!
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 6:37PM Pure Black World Tendency said
Puma actually had their own downloadable vehicle in Wipeout Pure (PSP) so I guess they see a big shoe market in gamers.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 7:03PM (Unverified) said
That is just disgusting! Isn't enough to pay for the actual game without objection to advertisements? Now excuse me but I suddenly have this urge to run to the mall and pick up some sneakers.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 7:04PM kevin949 said
Uh, puma actually makes a very predominant line of racing apparel, including shoes and gloves for auto racing. This makes perfect sense considering the other companies that advertise in racing games like this. Hey, at least it's in the game instead of at the load screen (or before the load screen) at least.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 7:04PM hey buddy said
As a self-professed sneaker freak (rap lyrics like "I'm a Nike head, I wear chains that excite the feds" and "My Adidas cuts the sand of a foreign land" are so, so deep to my heart) I must draw the line at Puma.
The only Pumas most sneaker lovers would have tolerance for are the Puma Clydes, named after and endorsed by Walt "Clyde" Frazier, a low suede court shoe finally available again in a wide variety of colors...
Otherwise, Puma is dead to me.
The only Pumas most sneaker lovers would have tolerance for are the Puma Clydes, named after and endorsed by Walt "Clyde" Frazier, a low suede court shoe finally available again in a wide variety of colors...
Otherwise, Puma is dead to me.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 7:31PM (Unverified) said
I appreciate shoes too and have a wide range of them. Nike Air Max Wrights, Puma Hooper NMs, and Adidas Originals (from Ciero Mids to Instinct His to Attitude Lows and ZX2s) to name a few. I like a lot of shoes and I think Puma has a few nice pairs. I know Puma has some wonky styles and chooses some iffy color schemes occasionally, but I appreciate what they make sometimes.
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Posted: Aug 26th 2009 10:31PM logicmeme said
I question your sneaker freakishness if you are dissing on puma. Puma is one of the most innovative companies out there, and not just in their shoe lines. They have tons of sick shoes from the old platinum line to 96 hours, rudolf dassler, and mihara yasuhiro. Of course, they go for a very modern styling, and this doesn't fit the ethos of all sneaker freaks (i.e. hip-hop heads).
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Posted: Aug 27th 2009 3:09AM hey buddy said
"I question your sneaker freakishness if you are dissing on puma."
I know, and I don't mind you saying that, as it really is a personal thing with me. I just don't like the majority of Pumas, and here in NYC, they sell to any sneaker/shoe store that asks, so they tend not to be in good shops, so I associate them with Sketchers, Diesel sneakers, and the like. I especially abhor those white "stylist" Puma/Goodyear shoes that form-fit the foot, and have a black nylon strap going across them. Tourists rocking True Religion jeans and Gotti sons' hair styles come to mind. I hope they have a fun time and get laid, but I just don't like the dress code.
I just can't support that, but the Puma Clydes are the exception - truly a great shoe. My personal faves are the Nike AirMax 95, the Adidas Superstar (aka "Shelltoe"), Nike AirMax 90s, Nike Dunks, and the Nike Blazer.
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I know, and I don't mind you saying that, as it really is a personal thing with me. I just don't like the majority of Pumas, and here in NYC, they sell to any sneaker/shoe store that asks, so they tend not to be in good shops, so I associate them with Sketchers, Diesel sneakers, and the like. I especially abhor those white "stylist" Puma/Goodyear shoes that form-fit the foot, and have a black nylon strap going across them. Tourists rocking True Religion jeans and Gotti sons' hair styles come to mind. I hope they have a fun time and get laid, but I just don't like the dress code.
I just can't support that, but the Puma Clydes are the exception - truly a great shoe. My personal faves are the Nike AirMax 95, the Adidas Superstar (aka "Shelltoe"), Nike AirMax 90s, Nike Dunks, and the Nike Blazer.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 7:48PM JRMG said
I wish there were an adblocker for games...
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 8:36PM Puertoricarious said
I'll only take this if one of the playable cars is a shoe.
Posted: Aug 26th 2009 10:32PM logicmeme said
I question your sneaker freakishness if you are dissing on puma. Puma is one of the most innovative companies out there, and not just in their shoe lines. They have tons of sick shoes from the old platinum line to 96 hours, rudolf dassler, and mihara yasuhiro. Of course, they go for a very modern styling, and this doesn't fit the ethos of all sneaker freaks (i.e. hip-hop heads).
Posted: Aug 27th 2009 12:39AM (Unverified) said
Wow! Who would've thought MS came up with the totally original concept of special Forza 3 Puma gears..... Guess I just have to put up with my Gran Turismo 4 Nike sneakers & jackets, which have been around for years!!!
Posted: Aug 27th 2009 7:17AM (Unverified) said
I think this is a great partnership ever i have seen as these companies are highly reputed in the market and has left its foot mark in the field of success...I think this game never wants any advertisement as these both companies have a reputation of making great stuff for its customers...one thing needs this game is just a introduction to the market that these great companies are making a master piece.......................
http://www.electrocomputerwarehouse.com
http://www.electrocomputerwarehouse.com
Posted: Aug 27th 2009 9:12AM NOOK360 said
Seriously? Natacha? She really isn't one of the best drivers in the world and she almost exclusively took part in Formula championships which, as far as I'm concerned, won't be in FM3 o.O
If they wanted a girl to promote the game, which I can understand, they should've picked Susie Stoddart. At least she's more famous and closer to Touring Cars.
If they wanted a girl to promote the game, which I can understand, they should've picked Susie Stoddart. At least she's more famous and closer to Touring Cars.
Posted: Aug 27th 2009 9:49PM Sepirioth said
Puma not only sells several racing shoes they sponsor F1 drivers and teams. THey have a line of fireproof shoes, jackets, suits etc. This is not a random advertisement. Besides, if you focus on your driving does it really matter whats on the billboard you pass?







