Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Everybody loves Octodad; here's how the devs made that happen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/everybody-loves-octodad-heres-how-the-devs-made-that-happen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/everybody-loves-octodad-heres-how-the-devs-made-that-happen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/everybody-loves-octodad-heres-how-the-devs-made-that-happen/#comments The path to indie stardom is founded in tenacity, creativity, good timing and a heaping pile of luck. The developers behind Octodad, initially a student project and now the reason for Young Horses' existence as a studio, know all about spreading the word about an indie game (and probably a lot about crossing their fingers and hoping for a hit).

Programmer Kevin Geisler breaks down the Octodad media timeline on the game's official blog, noting that traditional events such as the IGF and GDC aren't huge draws for traffic. Octodad gets a break when other mediums pick up the story: The first major spike was a random note in a Ctrl+Alt+Del comic in 2010, and later from a swath of YouTube "Let's Play" videos. The "other" forms of advertisement even eclipse attention from established news sites, such as this one, at least in terms of traffic to the Octodad site.

The top YouTube videos for Octodad-flavored content come from outside sources, with Cr1tikal's 2011 gameplay video topping the charts at 1.5 million views. The top official Octodad video comes in at 430,000 views. Reddit, Twitter and Facebook are of course important draws, and Octodad finds itself in a lot of forum threads that mention similarly eccentric games, such as QWOP and Surgeon Simulator 2013.

For an overview of how Octodad does it all, complete with graphs and figures, check out the full blog post. Octodad 2: Dadliest Catch is set to launch this year for PC, Mac and Linux.

JoystiqEverybody loves Octodad; here's how the devs made that happen originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Indiemacmarketingoctodad-2octodad-dadliest-catchpcyoung-horsesWed, 30 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[American McGee AMA: EA ads for Alice were a 'trick']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/american-mcgee-ama-ea-ads-for-alice-were-a-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/american-mcgee-ama-ea-ads-for-alice-were-a-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/american-mcgee-ama-ea-ads-for-alice-were-a-trick/#comments
American McGee, the man (and name) behind Alice: Madness Returns and its predecessor, has a lot to say about developing those games, working with EA, and Kickstarting his latest venture, Akaneiro: Demon Hunters. His recent Ask Me Anything thread on Reddit reveals a few gems, including some insight into how EA handled the Alice: Madness Returns trailers with animation company Shy the Sun. Spoiler: McGee isn't a fan of EA marketing.

"What was frustrating was how EA marketing interfered - telling STS from the start that all creative direction and final say would come from them, not from us (the developer/creator of the story/tone)," McGee writes. "That resulted in trailers that were much darker and gorier than the game, and that was a calculated disconnect created by EA. They wanted to 'trick' gamers into believing A:MR was a hardcore horror title, even though we refused to develop it in that tone.

"Their thinking is, even if the game isn't a hardcore horror title, you can market it as one and trick those customers into buying it (while driving away more casual customers, like female gamers, who might be turned off by really dark trailers). It's all a part of the race to the bottom EA, Activision and the other big pubs are engaged in. Expect to see it get worse before it gets better."

How's that for dark? McGee notes that his Spicy Horse studio is the largest Western, independent game development company in China, and he discusses how he ended up there and the stress of maintaining a successful indie studio.

"Working as an indie means having a terrifying amount of freedom," McGee writes. "We make decisions that we know might simply put us out of business 6 months from now."

For more insight into how Alice came about - The Crystal Method's "Trip Like I Do" had something to do with it - and all things McGee, check out the Reddit AMA.

JoystiqAmerican McGee AMA: EA ads for Alice were a 'trick' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alice-2Alice-Madness-Returnsamerican-mcgeeEAElectronic-Artsmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shy-the-sunspicy-horsexboxMon, 21 Jan 2013 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Halo 4 is Microsoft's most expensive game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/spencer-halo-4-is-microsofts-most-expensive-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/spencer-halo-4-is-microsofts-most-expensive-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/spencer-halo-4-is-microsofts-most-expensive-game/#comments Halo 4 is Microsoft's most expensive game everHalo 4 is the most expensive game Microsoft has ever made, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer tells Polygon. It is "absolutely" the most money Microsoft has ever spent developing a game, he says. "Nothing's even close."

Estimates for development costs of Halo 3 average out at $60 million, and that was including a massive marketing budget of about $30 million. Halo 3: ODST ended up bringing in more than $170 million in its first 24 hours on the market. Overall, Halo is a $3 billion franchise, Spencer says.

JoystiqSpencer: Halo 4 is Microsoft's most expensive game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costdevelopmentdevelopment-costshalo-4marketingmicrosoftxboxThu, 25 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored's attempt to Cure Violence with revenge, by Vice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/dishonoreds-attempt-to-cure-violence-with-revenge-by-vice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/dishonoreds-attempt-to-cure-violence-with-revenge-by-vice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/dishonoreds-attempt-to-cure-violence-with-revenge-by-vice/#comments

Vice, founded as a punk zine in 1994, is now a major global brand with a network of television, documentary and digital production studios, an online hub, magazine, record label, publishing house and advertising agency. It's notorious for brash exposition and unapologetic presentation, finding the dark yet honest angle in its productions.

Vice has taken on Bethesda's Dishonored as its first attempt to market a single product, and while it doesn't have to dig far to find the dirt in an assassination video game, it managed to take the "revenge" angle in an unexpected direction, as noted by Gapers Block. Vice filmed Chicago Interrupted, a documentary chronicling the violence-prevention group Cure Violence as its members attempt to diffuse dangerous street situations, ending with a plea for America to not become desensitized.

Chicago Interrupted begins with an advertisement for Dishonored, whose tagline is "Revenge solves everything," and the documentary was featured on Eye for an Eye, Vice's multimedia project to market the game, before being pulled yesterday. Part one is embedded above and still features the Bethesda and Dishonored intro.

One of Dishonored's draws is the ability to play the entire game in stealth mode, without killing anyone, but it is an action assassination game at heart. Perhaps the juxtaposition of real-world violence is supposed to make us think twice about killing people in-game, but that street travels both ways. Showing how fun it is to slit people's throats in the digital realm right before chronicling the grim reality of violence marks the very desensitization Cure Violence stands against.

As gaming becomes an increasingly mainstream endeavor, new companies will handle its subject matter in various ways to find a sweet spot of marketing and social sensitivity. Vice may have just stumbled on one of those thresholds.

JoystiqDishonored's attempt to Cure Violence with revenge, by Vice originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbethesdaBethesda-Softworkschicago-interruptedcure-violencedishonoredmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3VicexboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Koller: 'Almost all' PS Vita owners have a PS3 as well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/sonys-koller-almost-all-ps-vita-owners-have-a-ps3-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/sonys-koller-almost-all-ps-vita-owners-have-a-ps3-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/sonys-koller-almost-all-ps-vita-owners-have-a-ps3-as-well/#comments Our pals over at Engadget recently interviewed John Koller, Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles. Koller revealed that "almost all" PS Vita owners also own a PS3.

"You look at the Vita consumer and a very high percentage - almost all of them - own a PS3," Koller told Engadget. The interview focused on Nintendo's Wii U, which offers functionality similar to the compatibility between PS3 and PS Vita - like using the PS Vita as a tablet controller. Koller said that Sony's not really into offering the functionality stock across all games. It has to be the right content.

"We tell our PlayStation fans all the time that what the Wii U is offering is something that Vita and PS3 can do quite easily," he said. "It's dependent on the content. So we need to make sure the content isn't force fed. And, to us, making sure that the gamer receives the right type of experience is what's most important. So we're gonna pick our spots, but that technology does certainly exist here."

JoystiqSony's Koller: 'Almost all' PS Vita owners have a PS3 as well originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john-kollermarketingplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaMon, 24 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 marketing kicks off with viral 'Epsilon Program' site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/grand-theft-auto-5-marketing-kicks-off-with-viral-epsilon-progr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/grand-theft-auto-5-marketing-kicks-off-with-viral-epsilon-progr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/grand-theft-auto-5-marketing-kicks-off-with-viral-epsilon-progr/#comments Viral GTA 5 site 'Epsilon Program' launchesA Twitter account for something called the "Epsilon Program" has materialized in the past few days, linking off to a freaky (and annoying) website for a pseudo-religion called "KIFFLOM", registered by Take Two Software.

The site features a thinly-veiled parody of the real-life Scientology organization and includes such hilarious "facts" as: "If you have a birth mark, you may be descended from Kraff, the famous Emperor of the 4th Paradigm." Considering that the next iteration of GTA is set in a faux Los Angeles and that the Epsilon Program was featured in a gags found within GTA: San Andreas, odds are good that we're looking at an early viral campaign for Grand Theft Auto 5. Good timing, since only yesterday investors were asking why the hype train for GTA 5 had not yet left the station.

What does it tell us about the game? Nothing at all. But investors were wondering where the marketing was, and Take Two appears to have answered right away.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 marketing kicks off with viral 'Epsilon Program' site originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epsilon-programgrand-theft-auto-5gta5marketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sitetwitterviralxboxWed, 01 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You can almost see Master Chief in this Halo 4 live action teaser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/you-can-almost-see-master-chief-in-this-halo-4-live-action-tease/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/you-can-almost-see-master-chief-in-this-halo-4-live-action-tease/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/you-can-almost-see-master-chief-in-this-halo-4-live-action-tease/#comments You can almost see Master Chief in this Halo 4 live action teaser
The Chief is in there, no doubt, but Halo 4's "Forward Unto Dawn" live action marketing campaign has yet to really kick off. As such, the teaser above offers little more than a brief glimpse at Master Chief's super tall, super armored silhouette.

JoystiqYou can almost see Master Chief in this Halo 4 live action teaser originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forward-unto-dawnhalo-4live-actionmarketingmicrosoftxboxMon, 02 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 heading 'Forward Unto Dawn' with new live-action web series [update: teaser image]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/halo-4-heading-forward-unto-dawn-with-new-live-action-web-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/halo-4-heading-forward-unto-dawn-with-new-live-action-web-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/halo-4-heading-forward-unto-dawn-with-new-live-action-web-seri/#comments ImageIt wouldn't be a Halo launch without a tremendous media campaign, and Halo 4 looks to be no different. The weeks leading up to the Master Chief's return this November will be filled with a new web series entitled "Forward Unto Dawn," according to Variety. Representing Microsoft's "largest investment" in live-action ever, the series will be shown on Machinima and Halo Waypoint.

Details around the series still lie dormant - perhaps buried in a Forerunner facility - with Microsoft aiming to shed more light on the project at the San Diego Comic-Con this July. Using our own pervasive powers of prognostication, we're going to predict that Spartans figure into the series somehow.

Update: Microsoft has passed along an image to promote the series and, sure enough, it looks like the Chief will be making an appearance. Check out the full image in the gallery below.

Gallery: Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn announcement

JoystiqHalo 4 heading 'Forward Unto Dawn' with new live-action web series [update: teaser image] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalohalo-4live-actionmarketingmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kevin Butler is DLC in LittleBigPlanet Karting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/kevin-butler-is-dlc-in-littlebigplanet-karting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/kevin-butler-is-dlc-in-littlebigplanet-karting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/kevin-butler-is-dlc-in-littlebigplanet-karting/#comments ImageAt least a few pre-orders of LittleBigPlanet Karting will include a free DLC pack featuring Kevin Butler, the fictional VP from Sony's promotional campaigns. The pre-order deal is live through Amazon and GameStop and it includes the Kevin Butler Sackboy costume and executive golf cart.

Next step for Sony advertising: The VP: Kevin Butler, King of Shadowfighting: The Game: The Marketing Campaign.

JoystiqKevin Butler is DLC in LittleBigPlanet Karting originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kevin-butlerlittlebigplanet-kartingmarketingplaystationps3SONYVPWed, 18 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: Get your Far Cry 3 themed tattoo right here, right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/seen-pax-east-get-your-far-cry-3-themed-tattoo-right-here-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/seen-pax-east-get-your-far-cry-3-themed-tattoo-right-here-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/seen-pax-east-get-your-far-cry-3-themed-tattoo-right-here-righ/#comments ImageBeing veterans of the game industry's convention season, we're harder to shock when it comes to bizarre stuff seen on show floors. We've seen food trucks, and crazy shoes, and full-on jets, but we've yet to see a live tattoo application, not to mention one based on a video game.

Enter: Far Cry 3.

Ubisoft hired a local tattoo artist to pre-screen attendees for the tattoo you see being applied just above. Rather than a Far Cry 3 logo, tattooees (not tattooines) are getting a tribal tattoo ripped from the game. Maybe a game logo should have been the way to go -- to help you remember when you explain this art's origin by the time you're 80.

Gallery: Far Cry 3 tattoo booth (PAX East 2012)

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: Get your Far Cry 3 themed tattoo right here, right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cry-3madnessmarketingmicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3tattootattoosubisoftxboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Marketing zenith reached: Early copies of Mass Effect 3 on weather balloons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/marketing-zenith-reached-early-copies-of-mass-effect-3-on-weath/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/marketing-zenith-reached-early-copies-of-mass-effect-3-on-weath/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/marketing-zenith-reached-early-copies-of-mass-effect-3-on-weath/#comments You guys know about Mass Effect 3, right? EA really wants you to know that Mass Effect 3 exists. Like, so bad. The publisher's fervor for raising awareness about ME3 is so great that it's strapping six copies of the game to six high-altitude weather balloons spread across the globe, and launching them into the literal stratosphere, which is effectively space when spoken in the same sentence as "balloons" and "video games."

Paris, London, Berlin, New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas will all play host to one of these advertising airships, which are set to launch next week. Eventually though, these puppies are coming back down.

Each copy of the game is equipped with a GPS tracking device, and crazy people will be able to monitor the games' positions on the official Mass Effect website. Once they land, whoever scrambles to a crash site first will get to keep the copy and play the game a week early, assuming the damn thing is still somehow intact. Here's hoping that the balloons are just as involved in the descent as they are in the flight, but just to be safe we're going to calculate the terminal velocity of a 360 case and call our insurance company.

JoystiqMarketing zenith reached: Early copies of Mass Effect 3 on weather balloons originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareEAelectronic-artshigh-altitude-balloonsmarketingmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3weather-balloonsxboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['The World is in Play' kicks off $50 million Vita ad campaign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/the-world-is-in-play-kicks-off-50-million-vita-ad-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/the-world-is-in-play-kicks-off-50-million-vita-ad-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/the-world-is-in-play-kicks-off-50-million-vita-ad-campaign/#comments
Sony plans to spend $50 million on its Vita advertising campaign... and from this "The World is in Play" commercial, most of that budget went toward the fantastic visuals.

Given the accents -- and the soccer -- this would appear to be a European ad. It also doesn't feature the #gamechanger Twitter hashtag, a cornerstone of the North American campaign.

In case you're wondering when the hardware is actually available, the first batches of Vita are available tomorrow, with the official product launch on February 22. Well, somebody had to tell you. Can't expect Sony to do all the heavy lifting.

Joystiq'The World is in Play' kicks off $50 million Vita ad campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingmarketingplaystationplaystation-vitavitaTue, 14 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Legend analytics announced, will assist advertisers in EA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/ea-legend-analytics-announced-will-assist-advertisers-in-ea-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/ea-legend-analytics-announced-will-assist-advertisers-in-ea-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/ea-legend-analytics-announced-will-assist-advertisers-in-ea-gam/#comments EA has announced a new service called EA Legend, designed not for consumers but to provide marketers with information about how players are using and engaging with EA products and their related advertisers. For example, EA would be able to provide advertisers with information about their users on iOS apps, Facebook games, and even online and other console games where advertising takes place, and those advertisers and marketers would then be able to figure out when and where best to reach the audience they want.

EA's Senior VP of Global Media Solutions Dave Madden says that the company has increased its reach by 30% in the past year, and that EA Legend will help advertisers break that audience down, and give them "actionable insights across all of our platforms and a complete view into how their campaigns are driving engagement with consumers."

In other words, EA's got your eyeballs, and EA Legend will help advertisers buy them. EA is premiering the service at next week's Advertising Week conference in New York City.

JoystiqEA Legend analytics announced, will assist advertisers in EA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingaudienceeaea-legendelectronic-artsmarketingmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3xboxFri, 30 Sep 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super-secret public PlayStation commercial teases ... something]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/super-secret-public-playstation-commercial-teases-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/super-secret-public-playstation-commercial-teases-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/super-secret-public-playstation-commercial-teases-something/#comments PS9 boyeeeeee
Kevin Butler is at it again, this time tweeting a mysterious commercial that teases some sort of reveal for October 5. The commercial tells the story of two paratroopers entering a strange nightclub of sorts and is packed with PlayStation references, including Sweet Tooth's van from Twisted Metal, a Metal Gear Mk. II and a photo of Parappa the Rapper. We're also fairly certain we spotted a PlayStation 9 in there.

Game Informer surmises the ad is merely a precursor to Sony's holiday marketing blitz. It's a likely possibility, though the darkest parts of Joystiq's collective psyche fear it may be related to the relaunch of PlayStation Home.

JoystiqSuper-secret public PlayStation commercial teases ... something originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admarketingplaystationps3sonyMon, 26 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 will have 'live' TV ads in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/gears-of-war-3-will-have-live-tv-ads-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/gears-of-war-3-will-have-live-tv-ads-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/gears-of-war-3-will-have-live-tv-ads-in-the-uk/#comments Microsoft must be confident in early Gears of War 3 sales numbers, because the company has announced a new initiative to have "live" TV ads market the game. What this means is that during commercials, Microsoft will display the current number of players online in what we can only assume is an attempt to entice people who only want to play games that a lot of other people are playing.

The ad campaign kicks off on September 23 and will run until October 3 in six different 30-second advertisements. Stephen McGill, Microsoft UK Xbox marketing director, says Microsoft is spending the big bucks to advertise Gears. "It is on the scale of what we did for Halo Reach and Halo 3 -- television is the main centrepiece of the campaign."

Gears of War 3 launches worldwide today.

[Thanks, ugotamesij.]

JoystiqGears of War 3 will have 'live' TV ads in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementepicepic-gamesGears-of-War-3marketingmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosukxboxTue, 20 Sep 2011 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 and the sands of art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/uncharted-3-and-the-sands-of-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/uncharted-3-and-the-sands-of-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/uncharted-3-and-the-sands-of-art/#comments
Artist Natalya Netselya has been creating sand art for almost five years, her talent evident as she recreates scenes from the upcoming Uncharted 3 using the micro-pebbles and a light table. Each piece of art by Netselya, like sandcastles in the sand, is wiped away and replaced with something just as impressive.

Hmmm, sandcastles in the sand.

Actually, forget that "artistic" music Sony decided to put with the above video. Mute that and let's get some Robin Sparkles up in this joint. You can find her chart-topper after the break.

Continue reading Uncharted 3 and the sands of art

JoystiqUncharted 3 and the sands of art originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingmarketingNaughty-Dogplaystationps3Robin-SparklesSandcastles-in-the-Sanduncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionThu, 08 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kevin Butler comes out of 'retirement' for new PlayStation campaign, 'Long Live Play']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/kevin-butler-comes-out-of-retirement-for-new-playstation-campa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/kevin-butler-comes-out-of-retirement-for-new-playstation-campa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/kevin-butler-comes-out-of-retirement-for-new-playstation-campa/#comments
Four bleak days after Sony ad man Kevin Butler publicly resigned, Sony released a new video laying out its new ad campaign and reintroducing us to the VP of ... well, everything. "Long Live Play" is the new motto, replacing "It Only Does Everything" as the phrase we hear interwoven into press conference speeches and sizzle reels for the next year or so.

Always the showman, Butler kicks off the motto with a bang, as you'll see in the video above. On a personal note, allow us to welcome Mr. Butler back, who's always been the VP of our hearts.

JoystiqKevin Butler comes out of 'retirement' for new PlayStation campaign, 'Long Live Play' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad-campaignit-only-does-everythingjack-trettonkevin-butlerlong-live-playmarketingmottoplaystationps3pspsceasonysony-computer-entertainment-americaTue, 30 Aug 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 appearing in online surveys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/rumor-epic-mickey-2-could-exist-eventually-maybe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/rumor-epic-mickey-2-could-exist-eventually-maybe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/rumor-epic-mickey-2-could-exist-eventually-maybe/#comments Epic Mickey 2 is running the rounds of Disney online-marketing tests, complete with box-art and title variations, according to an anonymous source at Destructoid. Disney is apparently getting a feel for the Epic Mickey 2 audience, asking which of the above box arts is most pleasing and which of the following titles most inspires test-takers to open their wallets: Epic Mickey 2: Return of the Mad Doctor, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Epic Mickey 2: Mystery on Mean Street or simply Epic Mickey 2.

The prototype game Disney is marketing features two-player split screen with Mickey and Disney's first cartoon star, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who uses his ears to fly like a helicopter. Mickey and Oswald are thrown back into the annals of Disney classicism, armed with paint and thinner, just as in the previous title. We can't help but imagine what the box art would be if Don Draper was working on this project -- Mickey painting the town with a bottle of whiskey, Minnie in a bikini on one arm and a new title, Simply Mickey.

JoystiqRumor: Epic Mickey 2 appearing in online surveys originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyEpic-Mickey-2MarketingMickey-MousemicrosoftnintendoOswaldplaystationps3wiixboxSun, 28 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception beach stunt, from sand to sculpture]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/uncharted-3-drakes-deception-beach-stunt-from-sand-to-sculptu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/uncharted-3-drakes-deception-beach-stunt-from-sand-to-sculptu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/uncharted-3-drakes-deception-beach-stunt-from-sand-to-sculptu/#comments
The Interactive & Digital Entertainment Festival was held in Cannes in June; a retail-focused festival, publishers bring their games to sunny southern France in the hopes of attracting the attention of Europe's buyers. One way to do that: A sand sculpture!

French marketing crew Urban Act were commissioned to recreate the already iconic image of Drake in front of the crashed plane in the desert to promote Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. Note how they've got the workspace roped off, just in case someone's got a Godzilla game to promote.

JoystiqUncharted 3: Drake's Deception beach stunt, from sand to sculpture originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingmarketingnaughty-dogplaystationps3sceasonyuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionMon, 08 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/#comments THQ announced today that, through its THQ Partners unit, it would be handling the North American distribution of four of Codemasters 2011 releases. In fact, THQ Partners actually began its task today, with the release of Dirt 3 into the retail channel.

The deal also encompasses distribution of Operation Flashpoint: Red River, Bodycount and F1 2011. The new Operation Flashpoint hits June 7, with Bodycount set for "later this summer." Financial details of the deal weren't disclosed, but it has been confirmed that Codies will continue to handle the marketing of all four titles in-house.

JoystiqTHQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersdirt-3distributiondsf1-2011marketingmicrosoftngpnintendooperation-flashpoint-red-riverpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3thqthq-partnersvitaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Last-minute Mother's Day gift idea brought to you by Activision, the makers of Prototype 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/last-minute-mothers-day-gift-idea-brought-to-you-by-activision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/last-minute-mothers-day-gift-idea-brought-to-you-by-activision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/last-minute-mothers-day-gift-idea-brought-to-you-by-activision/#comments Surprise! It's Mother's Day. You forgot -- didn't you? No worries. Activision has you covered.

Just zip this, uh, prototype card over to ma and get back to enjoying your Sunday.

JoystiqLast-minute Mother's Day gift idea brought to you by Activision, the makers of Prototype 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 May 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbaby-hellercardmarketingmicrosoftmothers-daypcplaystationprototype-2ps3radical-entertainmentxboxSun, 08 May 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4 coming in September, dood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/#comments This fall, you can look forward to massive level numbers and dead souls turned into explosive penguins. That's right, Disgaea's coming back. NIS America announced that it's strategically launching Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten on PS3 this September. It's coming to Europe, too, with a less clearly-defined "fall" release window.

In addition to localizing the netherworld strategy game itself, NIS is also importing the naming contest used to market the Japanese release of the game. The "Come up with Dis-name-a" contest seeks new names for a sword, a skill and "a scantily-clad NPC." To see the objects in need of names, and hopefully to find inspiration, check them out here.

Continue reading Disgaea 4 coming in September, dood

JoystiqDisgaea 4 coming in September, dood originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdisgaea-4marketingnis-americaplaystationps3q3-2011release-dateFri, 08 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New SSX drops 'Deadly Descents' subtitle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-ssx-drops-deadly-descents-subtitle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-ssx-drops-deadly-descents-subtitle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-ssx-drops-deadly-descents-subtitle/#comments EA Sports looks to still any bad vibes that have reverberated from negative reaction to the debut teaser for SSX: Deadly Descents by toning down the emphasis on "deadly." The company has officially dropped "Deadly Descents" from the game title, Game Informer confirms, and has begun a marketing campaign that, in part, assures fans that developer EA Canada is not abandoning the series' arcade roots in favor of more realistic gameplay in the reboot.

The cinematic teaser, which portrays a desperate snowboarder skidding down a dark and stormy Himalayan slope -- his last words: "I'm not gonna make it," as he shoots over a cliff side and into the air, deploying his squirrel suit -- seemed to suggest that the new SSX would be "moving away from the bright colors and crazy arcade feel of the early titles in favor of a more realistic tone," as Game Informer observed. "Is this true?" the site asked creative director Todd Batty.

"No, absolutely not," insisted Batty, who described "Deadly Descent" as a "new" event type in the game, "which is all about survival gameplay." SSX will also include "Speed Descent" and "Tricky Descent" events, according to Batty. "We wanted to make sure we hit the over-the-top arcadey gameplay in all of these different gameplay modes. We decided to lead with the new Deadly Descent gameplay in that trailer, but all of the classic SSX style will be there, too."

The image makeover isn't fully complete, however, as the original SSX: Deadly Descents logo and name are still prominent on the EA.com game page (as of publishing); though the new, just SSX logo was used in last week's promotional video and is featured on the game's Facebook page. Of course, as Joystiq commenter "ptcamn" pointed out last week, lost in this little fiasco is the fact that EA tried a very similar, "survive the ride" marketing campaign for 2003's SSX 3 -- skull-face lightning flash and all.

JoystiqNew SSX drops 'Deadly Descents' subtitle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-canadamarketingmicrosoftname-changeplaystationps3ssxssx-2012ssx-deadly-descentsxboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello: Battlefield 3, CoD ad campaigns could easily pass $100 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/riccitiello-battlefield-3-cod-ad-campaigns-could-easily-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/riccitiello-battlefield-3-cod-ad-campaigns-could-easily-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/riccitiello-battlefield-3-cod-ad-campaigns-could-easily-pass/#comments While delivering a keynote speech at the Ad Age Conference in New York, EA CEO John Riccitiello pitched the marketing moguls in attendance on video gaming's increasing prominence in the advertising industry. Not just with regards to in-game ads -- though he did talk up their strength, citing President Obama's use of virtual billboards during his campaign -- but also on the growing market of video game advertisements themselves.

Riccitiello anticipates that Electronic Arts and Activision will drop "a couple hundred million dollars [worth of] marketing" on the next iterations of their respective shooter franchises, Battlefield and Call of Duty. We've got a better idea -- why not distribute that money directly to the fans, which they can then use to buy more copies of your game? Like, that just seems like Marketing 101.

JoystiqRiccitiello: Battlefield 3, CoD ad campaigns could easily pass $100 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3call-of-dutyeajohn-riccitiellomarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony takes Qriocity on tour, hosting concerts with Big Boi, DeVotchKa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/sony-takes-qriocity-on-tour-hosting-concerts-with-big-boi-devo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/sony-takes-qriocity-on-tour-hosting-concerts-with-big-boi-devo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/sony-takes-qriocity-on-tour-hosting-concerts-with-big-boi-devo/#comments Sony's enlisting some heavy hitters to help promote its PSN-integrated music platform, Qriocity -- the company recently announced a list of events across Europe and North America, including two stops that will feature live performances by DeVotchKa and Big Boi. You'll recognize that first name as the artist behind the accompaniment to Gears of War 2's memorable "Last Day" ad. You'll recognize that second name because it's Big Boi. C'mon, everyone on Earth knows who Big Boi is.

Check out the list of events scheduled for the global Qriocity tour after the jump.

Continue reading Sony takes Qriocity on tour, hosting concerts with Big Boi, DeVotchKa

JoystiqSony takes Qriocity on tour, hosting concerts with Big Boi, DeVotchKa originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-boiDevotchkamarketingmusicplaystationps3psnpspqriocitysonytourTue, 29 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 promo puts artificial trust to the test]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/portal-2-promo-puts-artificial-trust-to-the-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/portal-2-promo-puts-artificial-trust-to-the-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/portal-2-promo-puts-artificial-trust-to-the-test/#comments It doesn't take science -- let alone Aperture Science -- to know that people can't be trusted. Thankfully, Cave Johnson and company built some robots, and then some "better robots," in an effort to overcome the unreliability of human companionship.

The result, Atlas and P-body, is the robotic duo best suited to overcome the perilous panels and heaps of deathtraps laid out in the Portal 2 co-op campaign. The only problem? They'll have to be controlled by you and a human "friend."

Continue reading Portal 2 promo puts artificial trust to the test

JoystiqPortal 2 promo puts artificial trust to the test originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperature-sciencecave-johnsonmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3valvexboxMon, 28 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Dille leaves Sony (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/peter-dille-leaves-sony-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/peter-dille-leaves-sony-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/peter-dille-leaves-sony-again/#commentsInitially employed with SCEA from 1991 through 1999, Peter Dille left to take on a marketing position at THQ, only to return to Sony in 2006, eventually rising to the rank of senior VP of marketing. Today, it's reported that he's leaving the company again, for undisclosed reasons.

"The leadership of our marketing effort is a key to the continued growth of the PlayStation brand, and the deep bench of executives and marketing team at SCEA will continue to drive the marketing function in North America until we establish a replacement," a company statement to IGN read. "We wish Peter well in his future endeavors."

So, does this mean KB gets a promotion to -- oh, right.

JoystiqPeter Dille leaves Sony (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marketingpeter-dilleplaystationps3pspsceasonysony-computer-entertainment-americaWed, 09 Mar 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront balloon 'stunt' draws ire from San Francisco community]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-balloon-stunt-draws-ire-from-san-francisco-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-balloon-stunt-draws-ire-from-san-francisco-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-balloon-stunt-draws-ire-from-san-francisco-community/#comments We figured that the fake North Korean protest staged during GDC as part of the Homefront marketing campaign was going to draw controversy -- but we couldn't have predicted this debacle. THQ's staged rally, meant to "decry the North Korean regime and the treatment of its citizens," ended in a symbolic release of ten thousand red GameStop-branded balloons. While majestic at first, bad weather quickly deflated the balloons, causing a downpour of promotional garbage directly into the San Francisco bay.

Environmentalists were not pleased, especially when they discovered that the balloons had advertisements attached to them, highlighting the "resistance multiplayer pack," a pre-order bonus. "Obviously, we have a problem with polluting of the bay and this is just polluting and littering," Amy Ricard, a spokeswoman for the environmental group Save the Bay, told SFGate.

GameStop was quick to issue a statement, distancing itself from the poorly-received event. "The balloon drop stunt in San Francisco was created by THQ ... and GameStop had no prior knowledge of it." THQ later issued a statement, confirming GameStop's non-involvement, adding that the balloons were "100 percent organic product and are 100 percent biodegradable."

Although the company promises to clean up its mess, many are still furious at THQ's tasteless promotion. Perhaps THQ should stick to ... taste-ful stunts.

[Photo credit: Mathew Grimm / Special to The Chronicle; source]

JoystiqHomefront balloon 'stunt' draws ire from San Francisco community originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balloonsgamestophomefrontmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3san-franciscothqxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MI6 marketing firm seeking original Dead Rising 2, Halo: Reach trailers from college students]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/#comments Considering the volume of fan-made game trailers cast onto the YouTubes every day, we're guessing MI6's "Making the Cut" competition will bring in a number of qualified entrants. Here's the deal: Any college student who makes a "non-traditional" trailer for either Halo: Reach or Dead Rising 2 can send said trailer into MI6 (the marketing agency, not the branch of British intelligence services), which could be chosen to receive an award during the annual MI6 Video Game Marketing Conference and Awards Show.

Participants are encouraged to use their imagination, but must also incorporate gameplay footage provided by the games' developers. Interested collegiate filmmakers can check out the rules and regulations or register for the contest on the official site. Then, it's just a matter of brainstorming and filming an eye-catching concept. How about ... backwards pre-teen zombie girls? Those seem to be pretty "in" right now.

JoystiqMI6 marketing firm seeking original Dead Rising 2, Halo: Reach trailers from college students originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdead-rising-2filmmakinghalohalo-reachmarketingmi6mi6-game-marketingmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/#comments THQ's literal Homefront marketing machine, the "Korean taco"-peddling Pyongyang Express, has made its scheduled appearance at GDC 2011. Its "Subsidized Good Food for a Better America" is being (orderly) distributed free of charge -- although consuming it is, technically, eating away at freedom.

Continue reading Seen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch

JoystiqSeen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2011homefrontkaos-studiosmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Pyongyang-ExpressseenTHQxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ planning North Korean protest to promote Homefront]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/thq-planning-north-korean-protest-to-promote-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/thq-planning-north-korean-protest-to-promote-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/thq-planning-north-korean-protest-to-promote-homefront/#comments Surprised? Yeah, we're not either. Turns out that THQ is once again planning a North Korean-themed event , though this time it's GDC that the publisher is invading. As reported by the SF Weekly, anti-North Korean protesters (read: hired actors) will be marching across the Golden Gate bridge, through the streets of SF, and ending across the street from GDC at Yerba Buena Gardens. And as you likely inferred from the headline above, the protest is staged in promotion of the company's next game, Homefront.

This time around, the spectacle intends on decrying "North Korea's human rights violations," and apparently features "speeches by global experts, musical performances, and the launch of 10,000 balloons." We're not sure what the balloons have to do with the forthcoming launch of Homefront, but we're all about decrying human rights violations. So, um, score?

JoystiqTHQ planning North Korean protest to promote Homefront originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fake-protesthomefrontmarketingmicrosoftnorth-koreapcplaystationprotestps3thqxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duty Calls: Bulletstorm spoofs Call of Duty with free game (and we've got the full walkthrough vid)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/duty-calls-bulletstorm-spoofs-call-of-duty-with-free-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/duty-calls-bulletstorm-spoofs-call-of-duty-with-free-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/duty-calls-bulletstorm-spoofs-call-of-duty-with-free-game/#comments If Bulletstorm's ad campaign teaches you one thing, it's this: Someone on development team People Can Fly came up with the term "dick-tits" and they put it in a video game. If it teaches you two things, it's the "dick-tits" thing and the fact that Bulletstorm shouldn't be compared to other popular shooters. Yes, if you're reading the contextual clues (smarty), the inclusion of "dick-tits" in the game may have told you that already, but in case you're really thick, the devs have created another expensive spoof for you.

The first time around, Bulletstorm poked fun at Halo 3's famous "Believe" diorama commercial; this time, it's Activision's Call of Duty series, which is reimagined as a free downloadable game dubbed "Duty Calls." You can download the 758MB game file directly from thedutycalls.com (or from our sister site Big Download, if that's more your speed), but we should warn you: You'll need at least 512MB of RAM, a 2+ Ghz CPU, 8GB of hard drive space, eighteen sound cards, three CD-ROM drives, and a subwoofer to play it. So we've done you a solid: Clamber past the break to watch the full four-minute walkthrough.

Continue reading Duty Calls: Bulletstorm spoofs Call of Duty with free game (and we've got the full walkthrough vid)

JoystiqDuty Calls: Bulletstorm spoofs Call of Duty with free game (and we've got the full walkthrough vid) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormDuty-CallsEpic-GamesmarketingmicrosoftparodypcPeople-Can-Flyplaystationps3xboxWed, 02 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Your Mom Hates Dead Space 2' campaign uncovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/your-mom-hates-dead-space-2-campaign-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/your-mom-hates-dead-space-2-campaign-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/your-mom-hates-dead-space-2-campaign-uncovered/#comments Marketing agencies rarely want to promote their product as "an atrocity." However, a new ad campaign by EA does exactly that. "Your Mom Hates Dead Space 2" subjects focus group participants, comprised entirely of older females, to experience footage from Visceral's upcoming survival horror game.

Continue reading 'Your Mom Hates Dead Space 2' campaign uncovered

Joystiq'Your Mom Hates Dead Space 2' campaign uncovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-2eafocus-groupmarketingmicrosoftmompcplaystationps3xboxyour-momSun, 16 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon to invade your local mall around 'Black and White' release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-to-invade-your-local-mall-around-black-and-white-relea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-to-invade-your-local-mall-around-black-and-white-relea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-to-invade-your-local-mall-around-black-and-white-relea/#comments We knew this day would come -- we just knew it. Fortunately, we've had a contingency plan for years now, on the off chance that wild Pokémon should ever infest our local shopping mall. If you'll turn your attention to Diagram 6C in your Poké-Survival Guide, you'll see where we've marked the locations most safe from these powerful menaces. For instance, that Hot Topic? It's really well-reinforced against some of the larger ones, and the music should scare away any monsters with unobstructed ears. The Orange Julius kiosk? That's what we like to call a "kill zone." Do not, under any circumstances, wander into the Orange Julius.

Oh, wait -- you mean that Nintendo is just demoing Pokémon Black and White at various malls around the games' release date, March 6, a full list and schedule for which is posted after the jump? We suppose that makes a lot more sense.

You'd better stay away from that Orange Julius, though. Just to be safe.

Continue reading Pokemon to invade your local mall around 'Black and White' release

JoystiqPokemon to invade your local mall around 'Black and White' release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakmallmarketingnintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-Whitethe-pokemon-companyWed, 12 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony serves up more Move stats, with spin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/sony-serves-up-more-move-stats-with-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/sony-serves-up-more-move-stats-with-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/sony-serves-up-more-move-stats-with-spin/#comments Microsoft is waging the Great Motion Gaming Wars of Holiday 2010 with a half-billion-dollar war chest -- we're talking Jimmy, Ellen and Oprah money right there. Sony, on the other hand, has taken a more subtle approach: Enter the good ol' fashioned "stats" sheet.

Continue reading Sony serves up more Move stats, with spin

JoystiqSony serves up more Move stats, with spin originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsgameplanhardwaremarketingmoveotx-researchperipheralsplaystationplaystation-moveps3salesstatisticsstatsMon, 08 Nov 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ellen DeGeneres steps up the Kinect marketing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/ellen-degeneres-steps-up-the-kinect-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/ellen-degeneres-steps-up-the-kinect-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/ellen-degeneres-steps-up-the-kinect-marketing/#comments We can't be certain how many more Kinect purchases Microsoft will score by targeting Ellen's demographic. What is certain is that Ellen has scored major props for putting down some "flawless" Dance Central moves. Step your game up, Kietzmann.

While not exactly an Oprah-caliber performance, with the help of Microsoft, Ellen is getting DeGenerous in her own right by offering up a chance to win one of ten Kinect units (personal information required to enter the giveaway) on her site -- where you can also check out her full dance clip (completely anonymously).

JoystiqEllen DeGeneres steps up the Kinect marketing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralellen-degenereskinectmarketingmicrosoftxboxThu, 28 Oct 2010 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Wow, these Saw 3D advertisements sure look familiar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/wow-these-saw-3d-advertisements-sure-look-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/wow-these-saw-3d-advertisements-sure-look-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/wow-these-saw-3d-advertisements-sure-look-familiar/#comments A pair of marketing posters for Saw 3D is under fire for ever so closely resembling PS3 advertisements you may have seen during Sony's "This is Living" campaign. We guess that's appropriate, seeing as how both the new film and the old campaign are designed to unsettle their viewers -- still, it would be difficult to argue that the Saw 3D posters' designs weren't totally yoinked from their PS3-promoting predecessors.

The first comparison shot is posted above, while another, slightly less identical pair of posters can be found after the jump. What do you think? Is this mind-theft? Or extremely coincidental individual creation?

Continue reading Wow, these Saw 3D advertisements sure look familiar

JoystiqWow, these Saw 3D advertisements sure look familiar originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingmarketingplaystationps3sawsaw-3dthis-is-livingWed, 27 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Remedy on Alan Wake: Story went right, marketing went wrong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/remedy-on-alan-wake-story-went-right-marketing-went-wrong/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/remedy-on-alan-wake-story-went-right-marketing-went-wrong/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/remedy-on-alan-wake-story-went-right-marketing-went-wrong/#comments IGN recently visited Remedy's headquarters in Finland to discuss the successes and failures of Alan Wake. According to Remedy's Matias Myllyrine, the team is very happy with the "mood and the story and the setting" of the game. While the project underwent significant changes during development -- it was originally an open world game, for example -- Myllyrine believes it remains "very close" to the original vision "in terms of feel, mood and atmosphere."

As for failure, Myllyrine wished that Alan Wake's marketing would have had "an even crisper communication of what the game does," adding that it could have used "stronger advertising about what's unique about this game." We'd certainly agree that a sequel -- should it see the light of day -- needs stronger marketing, but we have another piece of advice as well: Don't release your game on the same day as Red Dead Redemption.

JoystiqRemedy on Alan Wake: Story went right, marketing went wrong originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-WakemarketingmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRemedyxboxFri, 22 Oct 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Beep beep, who got the keys to the Black Ops Jeep? Vroom!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/jeep-wrangler-call-of-duty-black-ops-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/jeep-wrangler-call-of-duty-black-ops-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/jeep-wrangler-call-of-duty-black-ops-edition/#comments The $33,500 four-door Jeep Wrangler "Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition" comes standard with "aggressive" 32-inch tires, "unique" military style and Call of Duty "graphics." Now, just imagine what happens when you add a "heart-pounding" soundtrack to that.

Continue reading Beep beep, who got the keys to the Black Ops Jeep? Vroom!

JoystiqBeep beep, who got the keys to the Black Ops Jeep? Vroom! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Duty-Black-OpsChryslerJeepJeep-WranglermarketingWranglerWed, 20 Oct 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Melbourne residents ride 25th Anniversary Mario trains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/melbourne-residents-ride-25th-anniversary-mario-trains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/melbourne-residents-ride-25th-anniversary-mario-trains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/melbourne-residents-ride-25th-anniversary-mario-trains/#comments As a celebration of the franchise's newfound ability to rent an automobile, Nintendo recently sprang for a somewhat unfitting present in the city of Melbourne, Australia: A Super Mario-themed train. Certain public trams recently received a bright red paint job, and now detail the timeline of the plumber's major console appearances over the past 25 years. Note the use of the word "major" in that last sentence -- we sincerely doubt Hotel Mario made it on board.

Upon further examination of the image above, the front of the train actually kind of looks like Mario's face, which is ... upsetting. Like, Mario's supposed to be short and squat -- seeing him stretched long and thin, like delicious, mustachioed taffy, is a truly haunting sight.

[Thanks, Dhiram]

JoystiqMelbourne residents ride 25th Anniversary Mario trains originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamariomarketingmelbournepromotionsuper-mario-25th-anniversarytrainWed, 20 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST