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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Kinect voice and gesture ads present a terrifying future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/kinect-voice-and-gesture-ads-present-a-terrifying-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/kinect-voice-and-gesture-ads-present-a-terrifying-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/kinect-voice-and-gesture-ads-present-a-terrifying-future/#comments Microsoft has officially revealed Nuads, a new advertising platform for the 360 dashboard which allows advertisers to add Kinect functionality to their ads. Here's how Microsoft's Mark Kroese presented it, related in horrifying detail by Edge:
His demonstration contained five suggestions for how advertisers can make use of the technology: social advocacy, in which an advert can be shared by the user simply saying "Xbox tweet"; request for information, where saying "Xbox more" will result in further details or discount codes being emailed to the user; near me, which will send a text message with directions to a nearest retailer when prompted with "Xbox near"; calendar reminders in response to "Xbox schedule"; and gesture-controlled voting. Kroese notes, however, that "the possibilities for advertisers are almost endless."
Alright! Cool tech, guys! But hey, we just want to be super clear about this: The first time the 360 listens to us order dinner and surreptitiously decides we want to tweet about the new "fresher, bolder flavor of Papa John's classic pizza sauce," we're going to smash the Kinect into little pieces and feed it to a goat. Just a heads up, you know, between friends.

JoystiqKinect voice and gesture ads present a terrifying future originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsedgekinectmicrosoftnuadsxboxxbox-360-dashboardWed, 22 Jun 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Chicken's Force Unleashed 2 ad looks to tap the funny side of the Force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/robot-chickens-force-unleashed-2-ad-looks-to-tap-the-funny-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/robot-chickens-force-unleashed-2-ad-looks-to-tap-the-funny-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/robot-chickens-force-unleashed-2-ad-looks-to-tap-the-funny-side/#comments LucasArts has tapped comedy troupe Robot Chicken for this new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 ad. We see right through it though! Clearly, it's a Jedi mind trick employing real laughs to cover up that laughable game plot. You can test your own consumer willpower by taking a closer look just the after the break.

Continue reading Robot Chicken's Force Unleashed 2 ad looks to tap the funny side of the Force

JoystiqRobot Chicken's Force Unleashed 2 ad looks to tap the funny side of the Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adscommercialdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3robot-chickenstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2wiixboxMon, 27 Dec 2010 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB enlists hockey players to attempt punny PSA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/esrb-enlists-hockey-players-to-attempt-punny-psa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/esrb-enlists-hockey-players-to-attempt-punny-psa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/esrb-enlists-hockey-players-to-attempt-punny-psa/#comments Listen here, Entertainment Software Ratings Board, if you're going to create a public service announcement for parents of young gamers starring Chicago Blackhawks players Patrick Sharp and Brian Campbell, you really can't use puns so halfheartedly. This commercial might be a noble attempt, but there are a lot of untapped hockey references you guys left hanging, like:
  • "If you don't do a box check, you could find yourself in a stick-y situation."
  • "Don't skate around your responsibilities as a parent, or you might end up in the penalty box."
  • "Don't puck around with ratings, or else your kid might play an age-inappropriate shoot-er."
  • "The icing on the cake? Something about Zambonis."

Continue reading ESRB enlists hockey players to attempt punny PSA

JoystiqESRB enlists hockey players to attempt punny PSA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adschicago-blackhawkscommericalsesrbhockeynhlThu, 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 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[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[Massive ad tech to be rolled into Microsoft first-party business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/massive-ad-tech-to-be-rolled-into-microsoft-first-party-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/massive-ad-tech-to-be-rolled-into-microsoft-first-party-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/massive-ad-tech-to-be-rolled-into-microsoft-first-party-business/#comments Microsoft has confirmed the reported closure of its Massive in-game ad company and the dissolution of the brand name. Posting on the Microsoft Advertising Blog, corporate ad VP Rik van der Kooi explained that the Massive technology would be integrated into Microsoft's first-party ad business, "focusing initially on gaming," including the Xbox Live and MSN Games properties. He added, "This also means that Microsoft will wind-down Massive's third-party in-game ad business and sunset the Massive brand name at year-end."

Microsoft purchased Massive Inc. in 2006 for between $200 and $400 million. Last year, the business suffered significant layoffs despite recording soaring revenues. Microsoft will retain a Massive skeleton crew to wrap up ad campaigns running through the end of 2010. "We will make the wind-down process as seamless as possible for them," Kooi said -- for the clients, that is. No word yet on whether any Massive employees will be transferred to the first-party ad division.

JoystiqMassive ad tech to be rolled into Microsoft first-party business originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingin-game-advertisinginteractive-entertainment-businessmassivemicrosoftmobilemsn-gamespcxboxxbox-liveFri, 22 Oct 2010 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Medal of Honor Monday Night Football ad is [redacted]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/medal-of-honor-monday-night-football-ad-is-redacted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/medal-of-honor-monday-night-football-ad-is-redacted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/medal-of-honor-monday-night-football-ad-is-redacted/#comments Yesterday's Monday Night Football festivities were sponsored by a comparatively solemn advertisement for EA's Medal of Honor -- one that compiles all the testimonies from the game's anonymous military advisers into a single ad. Check it out after the break, provided you have codeword clearance.

Continue reading Medal of Honor Monday Night Football ad is [redacted]

JoystiqMedal of Honor Monday Night Football ad is [redacted] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingdiceeaMedal-of-HonorMedal-of-Honor-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 05 Oct 2010 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man to appear on Japanese food pac-kages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/pac-man-to-appear-on-japanese-food-packages/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/pac-man-to-appear-on-japanese-food-packages/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/pac-man-to-appear-on-japanese-food-packages/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In honor of Pac-Man's 30th anniversary, Namco Bandai has entered into a co-marketing partnership with Japan's Meiji food corporation to create some very cute packaging for snacks and beverages. Starting next month, cartons of Meiji's coffee and fruit drinks, as well as its line of puddings, will bear Pac-Man imagery.

The enjoyment from these packages won't just be superficial. Each will come with a code allowing Japanese customers to download special Meiji/Pac-Man images for their cell phones. One on hand, we love this, but on the other hand, we can't help but think Namco Bandai's money would have been better spent on Pac-Man Battle Royale machines. For our office.

JoystiqPac-Man to appear on Japanese food pac-kages originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisinganniversaryfoodjapanmeijinamco-bandaipac-manWed, 22 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Colonel Sanders returns from the grave to help you in Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/colonel-sanders-in-phantasy-star-portable-2-infinity/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/colonel-sanders-in-phantasy-star-portable-2-infinity/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/colonel-sanders-in-phantasy-star-portable-2-infinity/#commentsFiled under: , ,

How could Sega top its outrageous ad integration campaign for Phantasy Star Portable 2? What could entice you to buy the upgraded version of the PSP action RPG? The answer to both of those questions is Colonel Sanders.

Famitsu snapped images from a Sega stage presentation during TGS, revealing a Kentucky Fried Chicken partnership for Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity that puts a Colonel Sanders partner character in the game. In addition, more KFC partnerships will be revealed, though we can't imagine how they'll top this. Perhaps you'll get a blend of 11 herbs and spices with which you can attack Rappies.

JoystiqColonel Sanders returns from the grave to help you in Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingcolonel-sanderskfcmarketingphantasy-star-portable-2phantasy-star-portable-2-infinityplaystationpspsonytgs-2010Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: Kevin Butler isn't real, can't give interviews]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/sony-kevin-butler-isnt-real-cant-give-interviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/sony-kevin-butler-isnt-real-cant-give-interviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/sony-kevin-butler-isnt-real-cant-give-interviews/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sadly, Sony pitchman Kevin Butler is not a real person, but SCEA VP Peter Dille says word may not have gotten around. "We've gotten contact from media people that aren't aware that he's a character, asking for an interview!" he told Industry Gamers ... Well, you can't blame us for trying, can you?

JoystiqSony: Kevin Butler isn't real, can't give interviews originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingkevin-butlerpeter-dilleplaystationps3sonyWed, 15 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen: In-game ads increase real-world sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/nielsen-in-game-ads-increase-real-world-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/nielsen-in-game-ads-increase-real-world-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/nielsen-in-game-ads-increase-real-world-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We hate to be the ones to break it to you -- but those in-game advertisements that some of you aren't terribly big fans? Well, they're actually pretty effective at boring into your subconscious and making you want to buy Axe Body Spray or Snickers, or whatever. A recent Nielsen study of six EA Sports titles, including NHL 10 and NBA Live 09, found that in-game ads for Gatorade increased household dollars spent on said beverage by 24 percent.

For more information on how the study was conducted, you can check out Nielsen's press release. We'd normally take the time to summarize that process in this very post, but we've suddenly been struck by the strangest, most powerful urge to go out and just start slamming some sports drinks.

JoystiqNielsen: In-game ads increase real-world sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 04:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingea-sportsgatoradein-game-advertisingmicrosoftnba-live-09NHL-10NHL-2010nielsenplaystationps3xboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 04:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach delivers hope in new live-action short]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/halo-reach-delivers-hope-in-new-live-action-short/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/halo-reach-delivers-hope-in-new-live-action-short/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/halo-reach-delivers-hope-in-new-live-action-short/#comments SCENE Two pals catch the new Halo: Reach ad "Deliver Hope" on CBS, NBC, FOX, MTV, Spike TV, Comedy Central, SyFy, ESPN, F/X, TNT, TBS, Discovery Channel, G4 or another network. One is a gamer; the other clearly not ...

NOT (surprised) Wow! Was that an ad for a video game...?
GAMER (confidently) Uh-huh. The new Halo.
NOT The graphics look incredible! Man, these games really are starting to look real.
GAMER (angrily) That wasn't the game. It was a live-action short by the guy who directed that Smart People movie -- and a buncha other like famous people who helped out.
NOT Oh. That sounds expensive.

Continue reading Halo: Reach delivers hope in new live-action short

JoystiqHalo: Reach delivers hope in new live-action short originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingAgency-215BungieDeliver-HopeHalo-Reachlive-actionmarketingmicrosoftNoam-MurroxboxThu, 26 Aug 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach marketing campaign flexes giant robo-arm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-marketing-campaign-flexes-giant-robo-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-marketing-campaign-flexes-giant-robo-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-marketing-campaign-flexes-giant-robo-arm/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What's gonna give Halo: Reach the best shot at topping Modern Warfare 2's $310 million in day-one sales? Marketing. Much to no one's surprise, Microsoft is splurging on its biggest game campaign to date, according to Advertising Age. While Reach's marketing budget has not been disclosed, it's expected to easily top Halo 3's reported $6.5 million bill.

The ad campaign, which began in earnest with a big-budget plug ... for the multiplayer beta (way back in April), will continue to use live-action segments to attempt to forge an emotional connection with a broad audience across TV and the web. "We're trying to get people to connect back to their lives, not computer graphics or something overly sci-fi," Taylor Smith, director of global marketing communications for Xbox, told Ad Age. "Live action is a way to capture that." In particular, director Noam Murro (Smart People) has created three live-action short films that depict life on planet Reach before the Covenant invasion.

Meanwhile, potential buyers will be urged to "remember Reach" as they consume Pepsi products. A renewed partnership between Microsoft and the snack-time mogul will put Halo branding on some 300 million Mountain Dew bottles and 30 million Doritos bags beginning next month. Of course, to top past efforts, Microsoft will expand the Reach campaign beyond these somewhat pedestrian reminders: Cue massive KUKA KR 140 robotic arm!

The viral site RememberReach.com, which becomes fully operational at 3AM ET tomorrow, features a user-generated light sculpture of Reach's Noble Team, created by the robo-arm and some fancy camera equipment. Typically used to assemble cars, this KUKA bot has been outfitted with an LED and stationed in an undisclosed San Francisco warehouse. As detailed by GameLife, visitors will direct the machine to plot the 54,000 points of light that will form this Noble Team "monument." Bizarre.

Halo: Reach launches on September 14.

JoystiqHalo: Reach marketing campaign flexes giant robo-arm originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbudgetdoritosfacebookHaloHalo-ReachKuka-KR-140marketingmicrosoftmountain-dewNoam-Murropepsiremeber-reachrobotsculptureviralxboxMon, 23 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/metroid-other-m-ads-focus-on-nostalgia-overacting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/metroid-other-m-ads-focus-on-nostalgia-overacting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/metroid-other-m-ads-focus-on-nostalgia-overacting/#commentsA recent Metroid: Other M trailer promoted the game by taking us through the series' history. A Japanese TV commercial ties the game to the past even more directly, showing the original NES game morphing into Other M gameplay footage. The ad even goes so far as to declare this "a Famicom game with the latest technology," a tagline that also came up several times in the last Iwata Asks interview.

Meanwhile, the American commercial focuses on the "other M," as in: melodrama -- total melodrama. See the beautiful slow-motion, live-action TV spot unfold just below the Japanese ad after the break.

Continue reading Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting

JoystiqMetroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adscommercialJapanMetroidMetroid-Other-MnintendoTeam-NinjaTecmotelevisionTVwiiFri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix releases Wii-specific commercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/netflix-releases-wii-specific-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/netflix-releases-wii-specific-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/netflix-releases-wii-specific-commercial/#comments Netflix movie streaming may be available on all the major consoles in the States now, but it's the demographic-busting Wii that most recently got some high-quality ad treatment from the rental service. In the commercial, a gallant knight is off to fulfill his destiny and leaves "a piece" of himself behind for a young maiden. Without getting into the Freudian subtext oozing out of the ad, it's a pretty clever piece of marketing. Check it out after the break.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Netflix releases Wii-specific commercial

JoystiqNetflix releases Wii-specific commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingcommercialnetflixThu, 13 May 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3's 'Believe' and PS2's 'Mountain' make 'epic ad' list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-3s-believe-and-ps2s-mountain-make-epic-ad-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-3s-believe-and-ps2s-mountain-make-epic-ad-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-3s-believe-and-ps2s-mountain-make-epic-ad-list/#comments Halo 3's amazing "Believe" campaign and the less well-known PlayStation "Mountain" ad have found a place on AdFreak's list of "The 25 most epic ads that aren't [Apple's] '1984.'" The Halo 3 campaign made it all the way to the eighth spot, while "Mountain," with its 1,500 extras, climbed to 17th place. The PS2 spot just barely beat out the incredibly memorable US Marine Corp "Chess" ad -- yeah, the one with the wizards and knights.

Halo 3's ad campaign was certainly an achievement, with atmosphere that eclipsed anything the game eventually provided. "Believe" had all those memorable elements: the diorama (wow, that diorama), the old men reminiscing, the History Channel feel of it all. It was the type of pretentious that works -- which is more than we can say for Halo: Reach's Nair boy and his Gatorade injections. Check out the "Believe" campaign and "Mountain" ad after the break.

Continue reading Halo 3's 'Believe' and PS2's 'Mountain' make 'epic ad' list

JoystiqHalo 3's 'Believe' and PS2's 'Mountain' make 'epic ad' list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adfreakadsbelievecommercialcommercialshalo-3microsoftmountainplaystation-2sonyXbox-360Wed, 05 May 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Full Halo: Reach live action short is ... longer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/full-halo-reach-live-action-short-is-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/full-halo-reach-live-action-short-is-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/full-halo-reach-live-action-short-is-longer/#commentsListen, we love atmosphere. Don't get us wrong, if someone was making a list of websites that liked moody, atmospheric advertising, Joystiq would be right there at the top. With a bullet. We watched that Gears of War "Mad World" ad and thought "Hmm, not enough atmosphere and pensive reflection."

That said, the two-minute-and-thirty second version of the live action Halo: Reach short "Birth of a Spartan" is just ... well, it's too much. For future reference: If by the halfway mark we're shouting at the screen, "Just hit Powder with the muscle juice already and let's get to shooting fools!" you know you've overdone it.

JoystiqFull Halo: Reach live action short is ... longer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsbungiehalohalo-reachmicrosoftvideowelcome-to-noble-teamXbox-360Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach live-action short arrives this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/halo-reach-live-action-short-arrives-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/halo-reach-live-action-short-arrives-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/halo-reach-live-action-short-arrives-this-week/#comments The live-action marketing for Halo 3 was top notch, from the stellar Believe campaign to Neill Blomkamp's preview of what could have been in Landfall. So, we're understandably excited for Halo: Reach to get the same treatment in "Birth of a Spartan," a new live-action short directed by Noam Murro, the man behind the underrated 2008 romantic comedy Smart People. Yes, you're right, it sounds like a perfect fit.

Detailing the procedure that takes Carter 259 from zero to Spartan hero, the short will be available online, on US and UK TV, in movie theaters ... well, it's going to be hard not to see it. Let's just put it that way.

Look for a 60-second version to premiere April 27 in the US during V (at 10 p.m. EST) and on the UK's Sky Sports 2 at the full time whistle of the semi-final between Lyon and Bayern Munichand, which kicks off at 7:45 BST. It'll be on the trailer's official site that night and a two-minute-thirty-second version will appear on Xbox Live for Gold members the next day. Like we said: Hard to avoid.

JoystiqHalo: Reach live-action short arrives this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsbirth-of-a-spartanhalohalo-reachmarketingmicrosoftXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 26 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kevin Butler gets his mustache on for ModNation Racers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/kevin-butler-gets-his-mustache-on-for-modnation-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/kevin-butler-gets-his-mustache-on-for-modnation-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/kevin-butler-gets-his-mustache-on-for-modnation-racers/#commentsIt's official: Kevin Butler is the worst-case scenario for advertisements. Not only do we enjoy the pseudo-spokesman's pitches for Sony products, not only are we completely swayed by his visage, but now we actually care more about the ads than the products they're trying to sell us. Take this ad for ModNation Racersomethingsomething -- oh, who cares what it's called, Kevin Butler has a mustache!

Please, Kevin, if you care about us at all, just hurry up and jump the shark so we can go back to respecting ourselves.

JoystiqKevin Butler gets his mustache on for ModNation Racers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adskevin-butlermodnation-racerssonyWed, 21 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 advertising keeps it juvenile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/modern-warfare-2-advertising-keeps-it-juvenile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/modern-warfare-2-advertising-keeps-it-juvenile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/modern-warfare-2-advertising-keeps-it-juvenile/#commentsWe thought Activision had learned its lesson about manufactured controversy in the Modern Warfare 2 ad campaign after Infinity Ward's "Grenade Spam" video. Unfortunately, it would appear that the lesson learned was that manufactured controversy is awesome. So here's a YouTube-only ad (after the break; via Game Informer) featuring an older gentleman talking with disgust about what sounds like sexual behavior -- but what's actually Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer.

A shortened, milder version is currently appearing on broadcast television.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 2 advertising keeps it juvenile

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 advertising keeps it juvenile originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadsadvertisingCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2fpsinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Xbox-360Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kmart selling Just Cause 2, not just another discount]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kmart-selling-just-cause-2-not-just-another-discount/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kmart-selling-just-cause-2-not-just-another-discount/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kmart-selling-just-cause-2-not-just-another-discount/#comments Reader Glenn just noticed that Kmart's Sunday ad has the just-about-released Just Cause 2 listed for the low price of just $44.99. The offer is just available for the dates of March 23-27, so just as soon as the game releases, you can just run on over to the store and just walk away with the game after paying just $45. The police can't even stop you -- your actions will be just.

Just saying -- it's just a really good deal. Even if you pick the game up just for kicks, a price like that is just wonderful. We're not sure why Kmart is selling the game so cheap, but why question it? Just consider this your just deserts.

JoystiqKmart selling Just Cause 2, not just another discount originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsAvalanchedealsdiscountjustjust-causejust-cause-2kmartMicrosoftsalessquare-enixXbox-360Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA shifting ad sales in-house starting with Madden NFL 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ea-shifting-ad-sales-in-house-starting-with-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ea-shifting-ad-sales-in-house-starting-with-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ea-shifting-ad-sales-in-house-starting-with-madden-nfl-11/#comments EA's been keen on in-game advertising since 2006, and, two years ago, signed a pretty big deal with in-game ad provider Massive. Apparently, though, EA won't be re-upping that agreement. As Mediaweek reports, the publisher has instead decided to take it upon itself to coordinate in-game ad sales starting with Madden NFL 11.

Elizabeth Harz from EA's global media sales division says it's basically a situation in which EA is cutting out the middle man. "Fundamentally, [EA sales execs] are talking about these gaming audiences everyday already," meaning that EA is already discussing who's playing and what products would best target those audiences.On its own, EA can create more diverse and specific advertising packages, with increased ability to personalize packages based on the potential advertisers' targeted demographic. Exciting stuff, we know.

[Via Game Politics]

JoystiqEA shifting ad sales in-house starting with Madden NFL 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingeaelectronic-artsin-game-adsin-game-advertisingmaddenmadden-11massiveThu, 11 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Visceral begins shift from Dante's Inferno to Dead Space 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/visceral-begins-shift-from-dantes-inferno-to-dead-space-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/visceral-begins-shift-from-dantes-inferno-to-dead-space-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/visceral-begins-shift-from-dantes-inferno-to-dead-space-2/#comments
[Pictured: Isaac Clarke in Dead Space 2; adaptation]
A week from the launch of Dante's Inferno, no one would expect Visceral Games' Nick Earl to reveal any uncertainty about sales, but Industry Gamers did attempt to elicit a reaction from the senior VP -- by reminding Earl that his studio's new game will share a release date with BioShock 2 (never mind that it's surrounded on either month by other big-name releases). "In life, there's the things you can control and things you can't control," Earl said somewhat poetically. "I can't be too concerned with our competitive slate; our team has put so much time into Dante's Inferno, and I have a lot of faith in it."

Perhaps "faith" is a natural result of working with the source material, but more likely Earl can sleep at night because he knows he has the support of a strong marketing budget. As a work of public domain, Dante's Inferno is that rare double-bonus for EA: a recognizable property and free to adapt -- no strings attached. In turn, EA has invested in a resounding "buzz" that targeted game outlets early with memorable stunts and will culminate in an unprecedented Super Bowl spot. "There may have been [a Super Bowl ad] from Atari years ago, but it has not been done in recent memory, and it shows the confidence we have in Dante's Inferno," Earl said of the publisher's first Super Bowl commercial, which will air on Sunday.

With Dante's Inferno out of his hands, Earl confirmed that the majority of Visceral's staff is shifting to Dead Space 2 (while a small team continues to work on Dante's DLC). "We're more focused on the action than the horror this time," Earl said of the apparent ACTION-horror sequel. "We're more empowering to the player."

JoystiqVisceral begins shift from Dante's Inferno to Dead Space 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingdantes-infernodead-space-2eaElectronic-ArtshorrormarketingMicrosoftnick-earlvisceral-gamesXbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War III Slurpee tastes like Kratos' fury; it's delicious]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/god-of-war-3-slurpee-tastes-like-kratos-fury/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/god-of-war-3-slurpee-tastes-like-kratos-fury/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/god-of-war-3-slurpee-tastes-like-kratos-fury/#comments When playing the God of War games, we've often wondered, "If Kratos' unflagging rage could be assigned a flavor, what flavor would it be?" Finally, that question will be answered by Mountain Dew and 7-Eleven, which are collaborating on the next advancement in frozen sugar-drink technology: The Kratos Fury Slurpee. We know that sounds like the kind of thing we'd make up for comedic effect, but we assure you, it's berry real.

You can pick up a tall, refreshing cup of Fury (which includes nonconsumable codes for DLC armor and other content) starting February 1, at which point you'll learn that Kratos' anger actually tastes like a pleasant mix of blackberries and lime -- and the blood of a freshly-slain Gorgon. But, yeah, mostly just blackberries and lime.

JoystiqGod of War III Slurpee tastes like Kratos' fury; it's delicious originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-elevenadsadvertisingdlcgod-of-wargod-of-war-iiikratoskratos-fury-slurpeemorpheus-armormountain-dewslurpeeFri, 29 Jan 2010 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox 360 Japan ads are ... interesting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/new-xbox-360-japan-ads-are-interesting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/new-xbox-360-japan-ads-are-interesting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/new-xbox-360-japan-ads-are-interesting/#comments Microsoft is rolling out some new ads for the Xbox 360 in Japan. Spotted on the Japanese Xbox.com and featuring a trio of businessmen, the ads certainly represent a big departure from the "Do!Do!Do!" ads of yesteryear. The three suits include "Sanrokumaru" (translated 3-6-0) a man with an Xbox 360 sphere for a head. Together, the group forms the Xbox Special Division, which goes forth in order to obtain big name titles for the Xbox 360. One such title is Monster Hunter, which has already been announced by Capcom for the console.

In fact, at end of the Monster Hunter ad -- embedded after the break -- the text translates as "XXXX is next!" and then fills in "XXXX" with "Monster Hunter." As noted by Andriasang.com, the promotional site has several spaces filled with Xs, implying that Microsoft has some other game announcements up its sleeve.

[Via Andriasang.com]

Continue reading New Xbox 360 Japan ads are ... interesting

JoystiqNew Xbox 360 Japan ads are ... interesting originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingcommercialsjapanmicrosoftmonster-huntermonster-hunter-frontierxbox-360Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[British Intelligence recruiting Xbox gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/british-intelligence-recruiting-xbox-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/british-intelligence-recruiting-xbox-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/british-intelligence-recruiting-xbox-gamers/#comments
The Guardian reports that British Intelligence is looking for a few good men. Specifically, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is running ads on the Xbox 360 dashboard and within Xbox games to recruit new members. The GCHQ, which works with both MI5 and MI6 (yes, that MI6), seeks to recruit young people with an affinity for "quick thinking, problem solving and team work." GCHQ believes that these criteria are "reflected in game-play experiences on Xbox."

We're expecting a new generation of foul-mouthed, teabagging James Bonds any day now.

JoystiqBritish Intelligence recruiting Xbox gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbritish-intelligencegchqin-game-advertisingMicrosoftXbox-360Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Super Mario Bros. Wii advertised in Japan with less-than-super play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/new-super-mario-bros-wii-advertised-in-japan-with-less-than-sup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/new-super-mario-bros-wii-advertised-in-japan-with-less-than-sup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/new-super-mario-bros-wii-advertised-in-japan-with-less-than-sup/#commentsWhile we're all playing New Super Mario Bros. Wii, tossing our friends into bottomless pits and reacquainting ourselves with the Koopalings, Japanese Wii owners are still waiting for the game's December 3 release date. For now, instead of the game, they get ... these commercials, featuring people dressed in inexplicable, matching bohemian outfits, playing NSMB Wii with a lot of excitement and not too much skill.

Siliconera notes that the game's ostensible banner feature -- multiplayer -- is totally missing from these ads, in favor of presenting the experience as something that's easy to get into. We suppose if you're really terrible at Mario games (a plight with which we sympathize), you don't want to be reminded that other people have an easy way to witness your terribleness. Still, we think the tentative play emphasizes the sense of discovery that is so wonderful about the first trip through any Mario level.

[Via Siliconera]

Continue reading New Super Mario Bros. Wii advertised in Japan with less-than-super play

JoystiqNew Super Mario Bros. Wii advertised in Japan with less-than-super play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adscommercialjapannew-super-mario-bros-wiiMon, 16 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands gameplay ad flaunts art style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/borderlands-ad-flaunts-art-style-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/borderlands-ad-flaunts-art-style-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/borderlands-ad-flaunts-art-style-gameplay/#commentsBorderlands is working its art style to the max -- so strange to look back at the original design now -- in this TV spot for the FPS-RPG lovechild. And how about all that actual gamepley footage, huh? Imagine selling a game based on that ... How risqué!

With five days to go until launch, the game's success is one of the bigger question marks this holiday season. Thankfully, for Borderlands' sake, so many big games have left the arena that a new IP (no, not internet protocol) just might stand a better-than-average chance in the marketplace. At the very least, the box art is sure to grab attention on retail shelves. Go on, Claptrap, we believe in you.

Gallery: Borderlands (8/19/09)

JoystiqBorderlands gameplay ad flaunts art style originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsborderlandscommercialgearboxgearbox-softwareMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantasy Star Portable 2 product placement is getting ridiculous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/phantasy-star-portable-2-product-placement-is-getting-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/phantasy-star-portable-2-product-placement-is-getting-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/phantasy-star-portable-2-product-placement-is-getting-ridiculous/#comments Oh, come on. Come on.

The incorporation of Fanta products into Phantasy Star Portable 2 was bad enough; though we could almost excuse it for its appropriately futuristic-sounding name. There's little we can do to reconcile the addition of Pizza Hut branding into the title, though -- especially when said addition includes a pizza box shield and pizza peel sword (seen above; no photoshopping necessary). Other in-game products include literal pizza huts, dolls of the company's Japanese mascot, Mr. Cheese, and an epic boss encounter against the Noid, who attempts to ruin delicious pizza pies regardless of their corporate affiliation.

Okay, so we made up that part about the boss fight -- sorta -- but the rest is totally for real!

JoystiqPhantasy Star Portable 2 product placement is getting ridiculous originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingin-game-advertisingphantasy-starphantasy-star-portable-2pizzapizza-hutproduct-placementsegayo-noidTue, 13 Oct 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chilean PS3 ad depicts gamer giving blood to Nazi officer [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/chilean-ps3-ad-depicts-gamer-giving-blood-to-nazi-officer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/chilean-ps3-ad-depicts-gamer-giving-blood-to-nazi-officer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/chilean-ps3-ad-depicts-gamer-giving-blood-to-nazi-officer/#comments [Update: Apparently, BBDO Chile created these ads to submit to a number of ad design competitions and festivals, and received no official endorsement or approval from Sony. BBDO Chile's president has issued an apology for the use of Sony's branding without its permission. His full statement can be found after the jump.]

Original: Here we go again: A Chilean advertisement for PS3, created by major ad firm BBDO, has become the source of a great deal of controversy for showing a modern day gamer giving a blood transfusion ... to a Nazi! The National Socialist in question is intended to be Erwin Rommel, a German field marshal whose humane treatment of captive soldiers and refusal to kill Jewish civilians made him a fairly respected military figure -- but we doubt the casual observer's initial reaction to the ad goes much further than, "Oh gawd, is that a ... swastika!"

Then again, after being accused of promoting racism and endorsing, nay, providing instructions on suicide, accusations of harboring Nazi sympathies is kind of par for the course for Sony's PlayStation advertising. Check out the full advertisement -- as well as a similar, equally perplexing ad depicting a gamer giving his still-beating heart to Joan of Arc -- after the jump.

(By the way, we'll be patrolling comments on this post for any invocation of Godwin's Law. Keep it civil, gang.)

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Chilean PS3 ad depicts gamer giving blood to Nazi officer [update]

JoystiqChilean PS3 ad depicts gamer giving blood to Nazi officer [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbbdochileerwin-rommelnazisonyTue, 29 Sep 2009 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[As advertised: Dead to Rights targets 17-and-ups]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/as-advertised-dead-to-rights-targets-17-and-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/as-advertised-dead-to-rights-targets-17-and-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/as-advertised-dead-to-rights-targets-17-and-ups/#comments
Namco Bandai has tapped in-game ad agency Double Fusion to inject alluring elements into the game world of its upcoming release Dead to Rights: Retribution. It's apparently Namco Bandai's first in-game advertising deal, so we'd like to take a moment to congratulate the publisher on joining us here in 2006 ...

[Dramatic pause.]

... Nothing's gonna make Grant City come alive more than billboards for $5 footlongs and "Are you gellin'?" We repeat: Nothing.

JoystiqAs advertised: Dead to Rights targets 17-and-ups originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsdead-to-rightsdead-to-rights-retributiondouble-fusionin-game-adsMicrosoftnamconamco-bandaivolatile-gamesXbox-360Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Best Buy ad fuels the $50 Wii price drop fire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/rumor-best-buy-ad-fuels-the-50-wii-price-drop-fire/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/rumor-best-buy-ad-fuels-the-50-wii-price-drop-fire/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/rumor-best-buy-ad-fuels-the-50-wii-price-drop-fire/#comments
What you see above is the third circular image we've spotted in just five days advertising a Nintendo Wii price cut to $199.99. At this point, though the image that a Kotaku tipster sent in could very well be made of fancy pixel work by someone with too few extracurriculars on their schedule, we're fairly confident in a forthcoming price cut reveal.

Considering the impending holiday season and those other consoles getting recent price drops, it seems likely something will occur with the big N in the upcoming months. If Miss Cleo's Michael Pachter's predictions based on slowing sales are any indication though, we'll know soon enough.

JoystiqRumor: Best Buy ad fuels the $50 Wii price drop fire originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbest-buybusinessmichael-pachterNintendoprice-cutretailrumorWiiFri, 18 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Target circular advertises $199 Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/rumor-target-circular-advertises-199-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/rumor-target-circular-advertises-199-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/rumor-target-circular-advertises-199-wii/#commentsThe image above, posted by Kotaku, appears to be a Target ad for the week of September 27, featuring a $50 price drop on Wii hardware. This ad would further corroborate the Toys R Us ad we saw that also showed the same price cut -- if we knew either ad was real. Us? We're hoping for a drastic price cut on cameras so tipsters can get better pictures of these advance ads.

The DVD at the right side of the Target ad is Monsters vs. Aliens, which comes out on September 29. That at least shows that if this ad is a fake, it's a somewhat clever one. As always, we're not going to take this as confirmation of a price drop, but we will take it as confirmation that it would be smart to wait a couple of weeks before going to buy a Wii.

JoystiqRumor: Target circular advertises $199 Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingNintendoprice-cutretailrumortargetWiiThu, 17 Sep 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony wipes out interfering ad from WipEout HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/sony-wipes-out-interfering-ad-from-wipeout-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/sony-wipes-out-interfering-ad-from-wipeout-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/sony-wipes-out-interfering-ad-from-wipeout-hd/#comments
Sony has removed a controversial in-game ad from WipEout HD, which slammed the hover brakes on the futuristic racer by increasing load times. A Sony representative informed GI.biz that the commercial was removed while the company attempts to make sure that ads do not affect gameplay. The obtrusive commercial was part of a new deal between Sony and Double Fusion, an in-game advertising firm. It's definitely not a good sign when the first ad out of the gate ends up being a picture-perfect example of consumers' worst fears about in-game advertising.

JoystiqSony wipes out interfering ad from WipEout HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingcommercialsdouble-fusionsonywipeout-hdTue, 04 Aug 2009 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fusion slows down WipEout HD with ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/double-fusion-slows-down-wipeout-hd-with-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/double-fusion-slows-down-wipeout-hd-with-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/double-fusion-slows-down-wipeout-hd-with-ads/#comments
The latest WipEout HD patch did more than just add Fury content to the game. No, it also introduced advertising courtesy of Double Fusion, "the leading in- and around-game advertising and gaming audience network." While in-game ads are nothing new, the implementation of WipEout's ads are causing quite a bit of grief for PS3 owners. Why? They slow down the game significantly.

Players have become accustomed to load screens, but now they must also wait for an advertisement to play before beginning a new race. As demonstrated by a user-captured video, the standard load time for WipEout HD is about eight seconds long. If an advertisement plays, the load time increases more than twofold: to nineteen seconds.

Most in-game advertisements appear as unobtrusive and non-interactive billboards. However, slowing down a game's performance to present ads in a program gamers have already paid for is far too intrusive. Jonathan Epstein, CEO of Double Fusion, stated that "Double Fusion is responding to advertiser demand and offering an engaging ad format while pushing in-game ad innovation to a new level." It's unfortunate that we have to wait while that new level loads.

[Thanks, Chris!]

JoystiqDouble Fusion slows down WipEout HD with ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsdouble-fusionin-game-advertisingwipeoutwipeout-hdMon, 03 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson: Don't sweat Xbox Live Silverlight ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/major-nelson-dont-sweat-xbox-live-silverlight-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/major-nelson-dont-sweat-xbox-live-silverlight-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/major-nelson-dont-sweat-xbox-live-silverlight-ads/#commentsJust when we were starting to get all excited about Silverlight-powered ads for Mountain Dew and Axe Body Spray littering the Xbox Dashboard, Xbox Live spokesman Major Nelson rains on our parade, telling readers that they don't need to sweat.

The Major recently posted, "One of our core principles is to enhance, not interfere with the gaming experience, and we work directly with our partners to only deliver experiences that are relevant to the LIVE community. Silverlight will help make those ads a more organic part of the dashboard, like we've done with some of the NXE slots in the past."

Aww, come on. Maybe just one "Get Totally Crunchatized With Doritos" ad? Something?

JoystiqMajor Nelson: Don't sweat Xbox Live Silverlight ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingmajor-nelsonmicrosoftsilverlightXbox-360xbox-360-dashboardxbox-liveThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: January 20-27, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/the-best-of-wow-insider-january-20-27-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/the-best-of-wow-insider-january-20-27-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/the-best-of-wow-insider-january-20-27-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


What a week in the World of Warcraft. We've had game-breaking bugs, gold ads on the official forums, and there's a rumor going around that the official WoW mouse might be broken, too. But don't worry -- when things break in Azeroth, as they definitely have this past week, WoW Insider is there to pick up the pieces. Check out our top stories of the past week below.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: January 20-27, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsarenasazerothblizzardbugsforumsgold-adsjoystiqpatch-3.0.8popularrounduptwo-bosses-enterwintergraspworld-of-warcraftWed, 28 Jan 2009 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA caught, hand slapped for using Xbox 360 footage in Wii commercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/ea-caught-hand-slapped-for-using-xbox-360-footage-in-wii-commer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/ea-caught-hand-slapped-for-using-xbox-360-footage-in-wii-commer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/ea-caught-hand-slapped-for-using-xbox-360-footage-in-wii-commer/#commentsFiled under:


EA has been asked to pull advertisements for the Nintendo Wii version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 by UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for images the agency claim are "misleading" to consumers. The ad in question showcases Tiger Woods swinging a Wii Remote (WiiMote?) against game footage complaints to the ASA allege are from the Xbox 360 version of the game.

EA has since admitted the ad does include Xbox 360 footage instead of visuals from the Nintendo Wii but claim the decision was made because the Wii footage wouldn't be of "broadcast quality." Unfortunately for EA that excuse didn't make it to the green. "Because viewers would not be able to achieve the graphical quality shown in the ad on a Wii console, we concluded that the ad was misleading," the ASA commented. Strike three, you're outta here EA! Wait, that wasn't a Golf term. Was it?

[via Joystiq]

JoystiqEA caught, hand slapped for using Xbox 360 footage in Wii commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertismentscontroversyeaea-sportstiger-woods-09Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New American PS3 ads are very impressive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/new-american-ps3-ads-are-very-impressive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/new-american-ps3-ads-are-very-impressive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/new-american-ps3-ads-are-very-impressive/#commentsFiled under:

Impressive. That pretty much sums up how we feel after watching this new collection of PlayStation adverts for holiday season 2008. The three commercials you are about to watch are all very different, but they have one unifying theme (well, other than PlayStation duh). They all utilize holographic images to show off PS3-exclusive titles. Our favorite one is posted above, which shows off some exclusive action titles: Resistance 2, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, and the Dark Knight film on Blu-ray.

Another commercial touts the PlayStation Network. It clearly promotes lively, social gaming as you'll notice the happy people going about their daily business. It's interesting to note that each person has their own holographic game image imposed on their bodies giving a hint at saying, "hey, we've got a little something for everyone." A sharp contrast to this one is the next, somewhat dark series of adverts. It's sort of eerie with its slow-motion and starry-eyed actors. It's an interesting piece that asks you "have you made your wish list yet?" We wonder if you have?

Check out the other two vids after the break, or, get ready to see them on TV very soon.

Continue reading New American PS3 ads are very impressive

JoystiqNew American PS3 ads are very impressive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsplaystationps3pspsonyThu, 20 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New PS3 ads pop up all over Tokyo train stations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/new-ps3-ads-pop-up-all-over-tokyo-train-stations/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/new-ps3-ads-pop-up-all-over-tokyo-train-stations/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/new-ps3-ads-pop-up-all-over-tokyo-train-stations/#commentsFiled under:

It's not surprising to see Sony placing PS3 advertisements in a place like Shibuya Station for the company has been making the Tokyo metro station tours for a long time now. Shibuya, a high traffic destination with ties to trendy youth culture, seems to be a plausible locale for such advertisements. IGN's Anoop Gantayat, who took the recent photos of the ads, has translated the slogans and posted them on a personal blog.

Here's a breakdown of what each one says. The all-caps words represent the over-sized characters in each poster. Clockwise from the top left:
  • PS3 Console: "Everyone awakens here."
  • MGS4: "Finish the MISSION to completion."
  • LBP: "IMAGINATION that's learned from play."
  • Blue Shirt Guy: N/A
  • Lady Hugging PS3: N/A
  • Girl with Blu-ray Disc: "Beauty like a DREAM."
  • Guy with Controller: "The PRIDE of exceeding super realism."
It's an interesting campaign to get people to buy PS3s. There was also a PS poster with Final Fantasy XIII's "Lightning" on it. The slogan on that ad reads: "The COURAGE to seek truth." Check that one out after the break.

[via N4G]

Continue reading New PS3 ads pop up all over Tokyo train stations

JoystiqNew PS3 ads pop up all over Tokyo train stations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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