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[Bobby Kotick joins Coca-Cola board, will advise on digital media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bobby-kotick-joins-coca-cola-board-will-advise-on-digital-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bobby-kotick-joins-coca-cola-board-will-advise-on-digital-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bobby-kotick-joins-coca-cola-board-will-advise-on-digital-media/#comments Shortly after appearing in a cameo for Moneyball, Activision Blizzard CEO has picked up another choice role: He's joined The Coca Cola Company's board of directors. Kotick will help oversee the classic sugar water giant, and advise the company on its entries into digital media. Kotick also serves on a few educational institution boards, the board of directors at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and as the founder of the Call of Duty Endowment, Activision's nonprofit arm, built to support US armed forces veterans and their families. Kotick also served on Yahoo!'s board of directors previously.

In completely unrelated news, Coca Cola also announced an "online pass" for its sodas going forward: You'll get all the water and carbonation of your soda with the initial purchase, but the actual syrup flavoring will require an extra charge. Ice will require a complete subscription.

JoystiqBobby Kotick joins Coca-Cola board, will advise on digital media originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadministrationboardboard-of-directorsbobby-kotickcoca-colacokecompanydirectorsSat, 18 Feb 2012 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap severs ties with Derek Smart's Galactic Command]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/gametap-severs-ties-with-derek-smarts-galactic-command/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/gametap-severs-ties-with-derek-smarts-galactic-command/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/gametap-severs-ties-with-derek-smarts-galactic-command/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Derek Smart. It's a name resigned by many to whispers in quiet corners for fear of incurring the vocal wrath of one of the most eccentric, dare we say manic game developers this side of a coke machine. The man behind such nefarious titles as Universal Combat and the Battlecruiser series has made a name for himself by beating up vending machines and releasing buggy, open world-style space titles, though Smart's latest endeavor, Galactic Command - Echo Squad, was poised to be his first take on the growing episodic game market. That is, however, if it is ever released.

The game, first announced last year by GameTap, has been dropped by the would-be online publisher, as GameTap content VP Ricardo Sanchez told Gamasutra that the four-part space shooter "wouldn't resonate too strongly with our audience." He does compliment Galactic Command, however, calling it "one of Derek's strongest games," thought to be honest that's a bit like rating splinters based on depth and propensity to bleed. Smart has said that he's looking to bring the 16-player online shooter to Xbox Live as well, so we may someday see if Galactic Command lives up to Smart's existing triumphs, or if it's actually, you know, playable.

JoystiqGameTap severs ties with Derek Smart's Galactic Command originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecruisercokederek-smartdereksmartgalactic-commandgalacticcommandgametapPCuniversal-combatuniversalcombatXbox-360Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wanna Wii-a, for free-a, don't you wanna?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/wanna-wii-a-for-free-a-dont-you-wanna/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/wanna-wii-a-for-free-a-dont-you-wanna/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/wanna-wii-a-for-free-a-dont-you-wanna/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Coca-Cola's Nintendo love is spreading across the pond this summer. Beginning May 20th, soda guzzlers in the UK will have a chance to win an "Ultimate Wii Games Room," and one of over 1,800 DS Lites. All you have to do is enter codes from specially marked (we've always wanted to say that phrase) bottles or cans of Fanta, Dr. Pepper, or Sprite, and cross your fingers.

The only sad thing to us is the the "Ultimate Wii Games Room" consists of a Wii (woot!), a 26" LCD tv (eh), Wii Sports (only one game?!), a mini-fridge (now we're talking), and three cases of soda. That's ultimate? We expected at least some Wario Ware: Smooth Moves in there and more soda for our gaming marathons. But if it means less dancing Fanta girls, then we're willing to compromise.

Of course, to really hit a home-run in the product promotion field, they should also partner with a toothpaste company. We keed, we keed. A little bit. Good luck UK sugar fiends!

JoystiqWanna Wii-a, for free-a, don't you wanna? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Coca-ColaCokeDSNintendoWiiFri, 04 May 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Coke runs out of DS, Wii rewards in four days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/coke-runs-out-of-ds-wii-rewards-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/coke-runs-out-of-ds-wii-rewards-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/coke-runs-out-of-ds-wii-rewards-in-four-days/#commentsFiled under: ,

Coke drinkers love them some Nintendo, it seems. The newest phase of the My Coke Rewards customer loyalty program, which began on April 16, was sold out of all available Nintendo merchandise by April 20, according to the deal-watchers on slickdeals.net.

Yes, that means that at least a few people managed to redeem the 3250 reward points needed for a Nintendo DS and the 6250 points for a Wii in less than four days. For those keeping score at home, that translates to 1084 bottles of Coke for the DS or 2084 bottles for the Wii. In four days. Are these people buying drinks for Army battalions or something?

Slower drinkers needn't worry, though -- the DS and Wii reappeared on the rewards site yesterday afternoon, meaning that more people can pursue obesity and tooth decay as they pursue their Nintendo system of choice. God bless America.

JoystiqCoke runs out of DS, Wii rewards in four days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cocacolacokedsfreepointspromorewardssystemswiiWed, 25 Apr 2007 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Drink enough Coke, get Wii for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/drink-enough-coke-get-wii-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/drink-enough-coke-get-wii-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/drink-enough-coke-get-wii-for-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're looking for another possible avenue for Wii ownership, and you have a very loose definition of "possible," may we suggest the MyCokeRewards store? Coca-Cola has been including codes on their products that correspond to points; these points can be redeemed for items on their website. Thanks to a tip from reader Sam, we can alert you to the fact that they've added Wiis to their selection-- for 6,250 points, which comes out to 625 cases of Coke, or 2084 20-ounce bottles. Better start raiding dumpsters for those reward codes!*

We've used MyCokeRewards quite a bit and love it: among our purchases are the custom-printed 20"x28" Katamari Damacy poster seen above, and one Playstation 2 game with free bonus controversy! It's nice to get free merchandise for something we'd be doing anyway-- drinking delicious, chilled beverages.

*Wii Fanboy does not encourage the raiding of dumpsters.

[Thanks, Sam!]

JoystiqDrink enough Coke, get Wii for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cocacolacokenintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirewardsstorewiiWed, 25 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Banking and insurance adverts show gamer demo growing up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/24/banking-and-insurance-adverts-show-gamer-demo-growing-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/24/banking-and-insurance-adverts-show-gamer-demo-growing-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/24/banking-and-insurance-adverts-show-gamer-demo-growing-up/#commentsFiled under: ,


Our ever vigilant tipsters on the lookout for GTA IV news let us know about the latest commercial for HSBC bank. The GTA inspired advertisement is the latest in HSBC's campaign touting their understanding of customers locally, even though they are global mega-bank. We doubt the commercial is showing footage from GTA IV, but it is worth noting that this is the latest in a string of advertisements speaking to the aging gamer demographic, notice how the dad is playing the game. However, unlike the ad for Coca-Cola, these commercials are for insurance and banking -- that ain't kids stuff.

Although the Katamari Damacy Traveler's Insurance ad allegedly was not inspired by the video game, any gamer who saw the commercial immediately linked the two things together. Then again, the same could be said about the very similar AIDS-based commercial. Most automotive commercials in prime-time heavily use game-inspired marketing now, particularly Toyota's Scion division. As "adult" services begin to gear their marketing toward the new generation, who knows what video game inspired advertisements we'll see next. But so help us, if we see Ensure or AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) based ads we'll find a dark corner to cry in.

[Thanks Icates, no it's not GTA IV]

JoystiqBanking and insurance adverts show gamer demo growing up originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidscokegtahsbcinsurancekatamary damacytraveler'sSat, 24 Mar 2007 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Pepsi taps into today's culture with ... pinball?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/pepsi-taps-into-todays-culture-with-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/pepsi-taps-into-todays-culture-with-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/pepsi-taps-into-todays-culture-with-pinball/#commentsFiled under: ,



So let's get this straight. Coca-cola, looking for inspiration for a high-profile ad, apes Grand Theft Auto, a best-selling series that has inspired countless knock-offs and holds incredible relevance in today's pop culture landscape. Pepsi, on the other hand, creates a TV ad based on pinball, a once-popular arcade staple that has declined over the decades to the point where only one company in the world is still making tables. At this rate, we can expect RC Cola to come out with an ad based on bagatelle any day now.

Continue reading Pepsi taps into today's culture with ... pinball?

JoystiqPepsi taps into today's culture with ... pinball? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Mar 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcokeGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutopepsipinballTVSun, 04 Mar 2007 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[It's time for Super Bowl commercials!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/its-time-for-super-bowl-commercials/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/its-time-for-super-bowl-commercials/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/its-time-for-super-bowl-commercials/#commentsFiled under:

In roughly an hour the world's most watched television broadcast will begin. Super Bowl XLI will kick off in Florida tonight with the Colts pitted against the Bears (that's American football for those of you who don't know). But why do we bring up a sports event on an Xbox 360 fansite? Well, there is a very good reason for that ... commercials! Tonight, during the game, watch for any video game related commercials. Rumor has it that Coke will be airing their GTA inspired commercial during the football game. And although not video game related, the guys over at Digg just might be in GoDaddy's commercial. Just keep your eyes peeled and feel free to discuss your favorite commercials ... let the pizza eating begin!

JoystiqIt's time for Super Bowl commercials! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cokecommercialsgrand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtasuper bowlsuper bowl xliSuperBowlSuperBowlXliSun, 04 Feb 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA Coke (the drink) ad in Super Bowl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/gta-coke-the-drink-ad-in-super-bowl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/gta-coke-the-drink-ad-in-super-bowl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/gta-coke-the-drink-ad-in-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: ,

Don't be surprised when you're treated to the Grand Theft Auto inspired Coca-Cola ad today during the Super Bowl. According to CNN/Money, Coke is returning to the Super Bowl after being on break since 1998. Apparently Coca-Cola believes they found a culturally relevant way to promote to the demographic.

Susan McDermott, a spokesperson for Coca-Cola North America, said, "We wanted to kick things off big in 2007. We've been a partner with 'American Idol' since the beginning so the strategy was to debut new ads on the Super Bowl and 'Idol' in order to hit the biggest entertainment and sports programming within two weeks." She also notes that this "old" GTA coke ad (found after the break) now has a chance to reach a much larger audience. And they better get some bang for their buck, the price for a 30-second spot during the Super Bowl is $2.6 million -- the commercial, in its original format, runs a full minute.

[Via GamePolitics]

Continue reading GTA Coke (the drink) ad in Super Bowl

JoystiqGTA Coke (the drink) ad in Super Bowl originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementcokegrand theft autogtaSun, 04 Feb 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Hot Shots Golf: Coca-Cola special edition PSP at eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/get-your-hot-shots-golf-coca-cola-special-edition-psp-at-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/get-your-hot-shots-golf-coca-cola-special-edition-psp-at-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/get-your-hot-shots-golf-coca-cola-special-edition-psp-at-ebay/#commentsFiled under:

Get your Hot Shots Golf: Coca-Cola special edition PSP at eBay
I'm sure you're all aware of the Signature PSP lineup by now, but did you know Sony teamed up with Coca Cola to manufacture 1,300 Hot Shots Golf: Coca Cola Special Edition PSP bundles in Japan last year? The bundled Hot Shots game, which Coca Cola gave away in contests, was basically a big commercial for the company as it featured Coca Cola advertising, clothing and even bottle-shaped golf clubs.

Unfortunately, the contests are all over and you can't win one anymore. However, if you have about $660 burning a hole in your pocket, the bundle can be all yours via an eBay auction here. You even get the prize letter from Coca Cola to make you feel like you've won something.

JoystiqGet your Hot Shots Golf: Coca-Cola special edition PSP at eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncoca colaCocaColacokeebayhot shots golfHotShotsGolfsignaturespecial editionSpecialEditionMon, 23 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arabic product placement in COD2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/arabic-product-placement-cod2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/arabic-product-placement-cod2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/arabic-product-placement-cod2/#commentsFiled under:


Is there anything more symbolic of our age than gunning down foreign peoples under the banner of the homeland's favorite carbonated beverage? Not in Call of Duty 2. Reader Rick sent in this in-game shot from COD2 and an inset picture of an Arabic Coca-Cola can. Points for authenticity and multi-lingual product placement. Enjoy.

JoystiqArabic product placement in COD2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adscall of dutyCallOfDutycod2cokeproduct placementProductPlacementThu, 31 Aug 2006 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@Develop: Mark Rein - "I need a stiff drink"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/overheard-develop-mark-rein-i-need-a-stiff-drink/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/overheard-develop-mark-rein-i-need-a-stiff-drink/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/overheard-develop-mark-rein-i-need-a-stiff-drink/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mark Rein is currently sitting 3 feet away from me, and is heavily immersed in an interview with a journalist. Only five minutes ago I heard him saying "I need a stiff drink" in not-too-subtle tones as he walked past the press area. The reason? Most likely his supposed "heckling" from developers over his strong opinions cited in the opening keynote of the Develop Conference this morning (UK time). One developer went as far as calling Mark "a dinosaur" regarding his views about the industry's direction.

In the keynote this morning he called episodic content a "broken business" and stated that "Episodic games that offer faster turnaround will inevitably be using a lot of recycled content, walking through the same environments and shooting the same enemies with the same weapons." So that's opposed to the refreshing experience that we get from walking through Unreal game after Unreal game?

At least one thing's on the up: Mark seems to have got something to drink, as the picture above illustrates.

JoystiqOverheard@Develop: Mark Rein - "I need a stiff drink" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrightonCokeDevelopdevelop06J.D.Mark ReinMarkReinWed, 12 Jul 2006 10:45:00 EST