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[Sega responds to its SOPA non-response with a joke video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/sega-responds-to-its-sopa-non-response-with-a-joke-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/sega-responds-to-its-sopa-non-response-with-a-joke-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/sega-responds-to-its-sopa-non-response-with-a-joke-video/#comments
In what appears to have been an automated response, Sega customer support told a concerned gamer to try performing a "hard reset on the device," or, failing that, uninstall and reinstall the app. Unfortunately, that automated response was to a question about Sega's support of the SOPA bill through the ESA, and not about a crashing app at all.

Instead of an apology -- or a real clarification about their stance on the controversial bill, Sega PR made this video making fun of themselves.

Of course, under SOPA, if anyone claims a copyright violation on Sega's little video here, even if it's unfounded, then YouTube (not just Sega) would risk having the IPs of any ad servers and payment processing companies associated with it blocked, cutting off its funding.

It would have five days to appeal this, regardless of whether or not it had violated any copyright. Following that, the complaining party could then seek a court order to block other parties, including DNS servers, from working with the "infringer."

If anything, that bill is what needs a "hard reset." Perhaps that's what Sega was telling us all along.

JoystiqSega responds to its SOPA non-response with a joke video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>prsegasopaFri, 13 Jan 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic wins Guinness award for most voice acting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/#comments Star Wars: The Old Republic might not have picked up too many "Game of the Year" awards in 2011 (due mostly to the fact that it was out for about 10 days when the year ended), but that hasn't stopped EA from getting some awards declared for the game anyway.

First, the company declared its own title the "fastest-growing subscription MMO" around, and now it's worked with the Guinness Book of World Records to declare SW:TOR the "Largest Entertainment Voice Over Project" of all time. The 2012 Gamers' Edition of the famous world record publication has a whole guide to Star Wars video games over the years, and also heralds BioWare's Knights of the Old Republic as the best game with Jedis ever made.

True, KotOR is great, and the MMO has over 200,000 lines of quest dialogue spoken by a couple hundred voice actors, so Guinness hasn't missed its mark. But it sure seems like EA's fishing a little far out in the bay for compliments on this one. How about giving us a call when the game is ready to win the Guinness award for most polished Mac release, guys?

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic wins Guinness award for most voice acting originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbiowareeaelectronic-artsguinnesspcprStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSat, 07 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[N-Control makes good after PR meltdown, donates to Child's Play [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/n-control-makes-good-after-pr-meltdown-donates-to-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/n-control-makes-good-after-pr-meltdown-donates-to-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/n-control-makes-good-after-pr-meltdown-donates-to-childs-play/#comments Something good has come out of the PR nightmare faced by N-Control (when its PR turned out to be a nightmare). In a successful effort to buy good press, the company announced today that it's donated $10,000 to Child's Play, along with a pledge of $50,000 worth of Avenger products, which currently includes the "Avenger" controller attachment (a device designed both for "hardcore" gamers and those with disabilities). Now that's classy PR.

There is some bad news, which shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, given the issue that touched off the drama in the first place: late shipping. N-Control has decided to suspend new orders of the freaky-looking Avenger contraption, in the interest of filling backorders.

Update: N-Control let us know that, while it's not taking orders on its own site right now, Buy.com has plenty of Xbox 360 Avengers for sale.

Continue reading N-Control makes good after PR meltdown, donates to Child's Play [update]

JoystiqN-Control makes good after PR meltdown, donates to Child's Play [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avengerchilds-playmicrosoftn-controlplaystationprps3xboxFri, 06 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamasutra examines a PlayStation brand in crisis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/gamasutra-examines-a-playstation-brand-in-crisis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/gamasutra-examines-a-playstation-brand-in-crisis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/gamasutra-examines-a-playstation-brand-in-crisis/#comments Hard as it may be to recall, at the turn of the century, "PlayStation" had replaced "Nintendo" as the colloquialism for "video game," and the PS2 was beginning its unprecedented run of 150 million units shipped. The brand was nothing short of "awe-inspiring," as Gamasutra business editor Colin Campbell recounts in a recent editorial. But a decade later, "the PlayStation brand is in gentle decline," observes Campbell. "And the events of the past week could accelerate that decline into something more serious."

In his thorough assessment of Sony's "predictably pitiful" response to the current crisis, Campbell poses a most distressing possibility. Imagine if, in a year's time, we were to look back and reflect: "'It just kinda went away, didn't it? Sony entirely laid the blame on the hackers, launched a lot of legal flak, refused to take any responsibility, offered the minimum clarity and token recompense. But no-one cares any more. At least they've encrypted my personal data now.'" Could we really settle for that?

While Campbell lays out an otherwise convincing ideal game plan for Sony to follow -- where is KB on this one, really? -- he's also suggesting that, aside from unavoidable short-term costs, the crisis could blow over for the company. It would seem, then, that in order to prevent such a sorry (non) response from Sony, video game media and consumers alike will have to act and not just react. Now that we've changed our passwords and checked our credit reports, what next? Do we just sit back and hope a freebie is coming our way? Is that how little it takes for us to forgive and forget? Or can we continue to push Sony for a respectful response -- and, if that fails, take our business elsewhere?

The video game community at large doesn't have to clean up Sony's mess, but we owe it to ourselves and each other to ensure Sony does the job right. Otherwise, we risk continuing to be treated as uninvolved, adolescent basement-dwellers. The hackers among us shouldn't be the only ones to teach Sony a lesson.

JoystiqGamasutra examines a PlayStation brand in crisis originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandoutageplaystationprps3psnpsn-outage-2011pspsonyFri, 29 Apr 2011 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kevin Butler account accidentally retweets PS3 exploit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/kevin-butler-account-accidentally-retweets-ps3-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/kevin-butler-account-accidentally-retweets-ps3-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/kevin-butler-account-accidentally-retweets-ps3-exploit/#comments Oh, Kevin Butler. You seemed so perfect -- exactly the kind of PR icon that Sony needed, always saying and doing exactly the right thing for the company's image. You were always so in the know, always on top of the public pulse. Until Tuesday night, that is, when the Kevin Butler account on Twitter replied to what it thought was a random series of letters and numbers with a Battleship joke. Unfortunately, that code turned out to be the key once used to hack the PS3 through a USB dongle. In essence, the great KB helped to spread exactly the sort of information his company's been fighting to keep secret in court.

Of course, the tweet was quickly deleted. It wasn't that severe a leak anyway, since Sony's already fixed the exploit that it used and that key isn't the one being contested in the ongoing lawsuit. The real damage here is to KB's reputation. After deleting the tweet, whichever PR person runs the account quickly dived into a relatively harmless attempt to start a "#gamingis" trend. What, no snarky comeback or humorous braggadocio, KB? And here we thought he was the Vice President of Knowing What's Up.

JoystiqKevin Butler account accidentally retweets PS3 exploit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackskevin-butlerplaystationplaystation-3prps3sonytwitterThu, 10 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Mafia 2 and get ... a haircut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/see-mafia-2-and-get-a-haircut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/see-mafia-2-and-get-a-haircut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/see-mafia-2-and-get-a-haircut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We, as it turns out, are in a race with PR to the end of civilization. It goes a little like this: they keep coming up with more obstinately dumb ways to promote games and, since we too are dumb, we fall for it and write about it. Then they get dumber and we have to write about it harder. And so on.

So we're going to do our part and tell you that 2K Games is offering free haircuts to gamers in the UK to entice them to check out Mafia II (full details after the jump). But we do so with the understanding that we're propagating a cycle that terminates with "Hurl Your Feces at Halo 4 as You Screech in Delight" in the not-too-distant future.

So, sorry. For that.

(P.S. The title of the press release literally includes the phrase "Invite You To Become A Mane Man." We didn't add that.)

Continue reading See Mafia 2 and get ... a haircut

JoystiqSee Mafia 2 and get ... a haircut originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Czech2K-GamesMafia-2microsoftpcplaystationprps3xboxFri, 27 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey determines average U.S. game developer income]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/survey-determines-average-u-s-game-developer-income/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/survey-determines-average-u-s-game-developer-income/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/survey-determines-average-u-s-game-developer-income/#comments
[Flickr user AMagill]
The results of Game Developer Research's ninth annual Game Developer Salary Survey recently surfaced, giving us our yearly reminder that we're totally on the wrong side of this industry. According to the survey, the average "American mainstream videogame industry salary" is $75,573. Over here at Joystiq Inc., we're only pulling in $75,571.42. We're thinking about going on strike until parity is achieved.

The survey also breaks down average salaries for the different disciplines which compose our beloved industry. The highest-paid gaming professionals are PR and marketing executives, earning $129,167 a year on average. The lowest head on the totem pole is that of the QA tester, whose average annual income is $37,905. We're betting the recent winner of The Tester wishes he had chosen to participate in The Public Relations Professional instead.

JoystiqSurvey determines average U.S. game developer income originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-developer-researchgame-developer-salary-surveyincomeindustrymarketingmoneyprqasalarysurveyTue, 13 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sends glorious papercraft with Glory of Heracles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/nintendo-sends-glorious-papercraft-with-glory-of-heracles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/nintendo-sends-glorious-papercraft-with-glory-of-heracles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/nintendo-sends-glorious-papercraft-with-glory-of-heracles/#commentsNintendo got Paon's Glory of Heracles into my house the same way the Greeks got soldiers into Troy: with a Trojan Horse. Although this horse was in a box, so the elaborate ruse really didn't play into my acceptance of the item. And thankfully, the cartridge didn't murder me after emerging. As has become the company's custom of late, Nintendo cutely packaged its review copy of Glory of Heracles with the cartridge hidden away inside the papercraft horse.

Along with the horse and the empty game case, Nintendo sent a scroll -- a letter from the immortal Greek demigod himself, exhorting us to retrieve the cartridge and help him regain his memories.

Embark upon a grand looking-at-pictures adventure in our gallery. Does anyone else find it hilarious and kind of adorable to imagine Nintendo PR staff carefully cutting, folding and gluing a bunch of papercraft horses?

Gallery: Glory of Heracles items

JoystiqNintendo sends glorious papercraft with Glory of Heracles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glory-of-heraclespaonpapercraftprrpgtrojan-horseThu, 14 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Blog: now with more Spanish!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/playstation-blog-now-with-more-spanish/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/playstation-blog-now-with-more-spanish/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/playstation-blog-now-with-more-spanish/#comments Announced via the European PlayStation Blog, today marks el primer dia of the Spanish language PlayStation Blog. Sony has been expanding its reach of PlayStation-centric blogs from the original US one for months now, first branching into the UK and establishing a European base, then localizing that blog for Italy and Germany, and now Spanish.

The PlayStation Blog in Spanish will focus on Europe-specific events rather than Latin American, and is said to feature localized news in addition to Spanish language versions of the EU blog's posts. The blog's first post introduces us to Mónica Revilla - one half of the team running the site - and, well, there's an adorable picture of a dog. We're not sure of everything Mónica says in her first post, but we sure do like cute doggies.

JoystiqPlayStation Blog: now with more Spanish! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eu-ps-blogeuropemonica-revillaprps-blogspainspanishspanish-ps-blogMon, 23 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Ward's fourzerotwo thinks devs should 'take control' of marketing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/infinity-wards-fourzerotwo-thinks-devs-should-take-control-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/infinity-wards-fourzerotwo-thinks-devs-should-take-control-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/infinity-wards-fourzerotwo-thinks-devs-should-take-control-of/#comments
 With the release of the highly anticipated Modern Warfare 2 just over two weeks away, Infinity Ward's Robert "fourzerotwo" Bowling has been quite vocal with the press. Speaking with MCV, Bowling unequivocally states his opinion that game developers should retain control of marketing and PR for their own games. "I don't think any developer should not have control of how their game is presented or marketed or communicated," Bowling said. "And they should take control of that a lot, lot more."

Using his own Twitter account as an example, he points out that he has a "direct line to our audience and the press," cutting out the "middleman" of a publisher handling marketing/PR duties. "Not only do we know the game but we know the gamer," he continues. Then he must know about the 160,000 or so people and nearly 600 Diggers upset over his studio's decision to not support dedicated servers on the PC, right? Ahh, the double-edged sword of control: while IW may be the one making vital decisions on its own game, the blame falls squarely on its shoulders when things go wrong.

Gallery: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

JoystiqInfinity Ward's fourzerotwo thinks devs should 'take control' of marketing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dantes-infernofourzerotwoinfinity-wardmarketingmcvmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2prrobert-bowlingtwitterMon, 26 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sends us odd Fossil Fighters package]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/nintendo-sends-us-odd-fossil-fighters-package/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/nintendo-sends-us-odd-fossil-fighters-package/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/nintendo-sends-us-odd-fossil-fighters-package/#comments
No time for archaeology, Dr. Jones
Nintendo has been known to pull off odd PR stunts, whether it's filling Times Square with truckloads of sand or, in this case, sending out gigantic pieces of plaster to promote Fossil Fighters, We guess Nintendo has no problem throwing around some of its cash. Just, uh, maybe send us a trash bag next time so we have somewhere to put all of this mess, 'kay?

Gallery: Fossil Fighters PR Stunt

A big rockPeek-a-booThe final, messy product

JoystiqNintendo sends us odd Fossil Fighters package originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fossil-fightersprpublic-relationsFri, 07 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo hits the road to promote Wii Sports Resort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/nintendo-hits-the-road-to-promote-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/nintendo-hits-the-road-to-promote-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/nintendo-hits-the-road-to-promote-wii-sports-resort/#comments
The Nintendo DSi isn't the only thing getting out and about, as Nintendo has announced a tour to promote the recently released (and recently reviewed!) Wii Sports Resort. The event in Times Square is just the beginning and marks the start of a nationwide tour that will see Nintendo attending various fairs and festivals throughout the rest of summer. For the full list of where and when Nintendo will be making stops, head past the break.

Continue reading Nintendo hits the road to promote Wii Sports Resort

JoystiqNintendo hits the road to promote Wii Sports Resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>prpromowii-sports-resortThu, 23 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA confirms Dante's Inferno protest was staged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/ea-confirms-dantes-inferno-protest-was-staged/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/ea-confirms-dantes-inferno-protest-was-staged/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/ea-confirms-dantes-inferno-protest-was-staged/#comments
Electronic Arts has admitted that the Dante's Inferno protest during E3 was staged by a guerrilla marketing agency. The publisher confirmed to the AP that the firm hired 20 people to hold signs like "Just say Infer-NO" and "Trade in your PlayStation for a PrayStation." There's got to be a better way to promote the game.

JoystiqEA confirms Dante's Inferno protest was staged originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantes-infernoe3-2009eaelectronic-artsmarketingprstuntFri, 05 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[D'oh!: Sony uses Zelda theme at PS3 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/doh-sony-uses-zelda-theme-at-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/doh-sony-uses-zelda-theme-at-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/doh-sony-uses-zelda-theme-at-ps3-launch/#commentsFiled under:



This brought us some welcome weekend lulz. Sony recently held a launch event to mark this month's release of the PlayStation 3 in Malaysia, and obviously decided it needed just the right soundtrack to tie in with the event: something epic, memorable, and majestic.

Their final choice was all of these things, but also hugely inappropriate: as Sony Malaysia MD Naoi Sudo ascended the stairs to the stage, the famous Legend of Zelda theme began to pour from the speakers, and YouTube user marauderz was there to capture the glorious event first-hand. Talk about dealing your own company massive damage, eh?

Gallery: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess


[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqD'oh!: Sony uses Zelda theme at PS3 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humorlegend-of-zeldamusicprps3sonyzeldaSun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former GameSpot reviewer sheds light on more PR hijinx]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/former-gamespot-reviewer-sheds-light-on-pr-hijinx/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/former-gamespot-reviewer-sheds-light-on-pr-hijinx/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/former-gamespot-reviewer-sheds-light-on-pr-hijinx/#commentsFiled under:

In an interview with former GameSpot reviewer, Alex Navarro, MTV Multiplayer Blog was able to extract a telling tale from the newly appointed community team member at Harmonix regarding the oil-to-water relationship public relations practitioners have with the press.

When tasked to review an unnamed Wii launch title, Navarro was sent a note along with his copy of the game--which he provided as evidence to Steven Totilo.

The note read: If the review is 9.0 or higher you can post immediately. Lower than 9.0, could you please hold until launch day, November 19th? Thanks.

"And that's not the first time I got something like that," Navarro told MTV. Navarro, who left GameSpot after the public and controversial firing of then-reviews editor Jeff Gerstmann, said GameSpot ran their review for this game based on a copy bought in a store and they panned it for what it was.

JoystiqFormer GameSpot reviewer sheds light on more PR hijinx originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-navarrocontroversyfiascogamespotjeff-gerstmannprpublic-relationsThu, 29 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony places twice in list of business blunders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/sony-places-twice-in-list-of-business-blunders/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/sony-places-twice-in-list-of-business-blunders/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/sony-places-twice-in-list-of-business-blunders/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Given the PS3's precipitous fall from presumed console war winner to a seemingly perpetual runner-up status in domestic and foreign sales, we could probably fill a list of 101 dumb business moments using Sony alone. While Fortune's list of 101 dumb business moments of 2007 isn't so narrowly focused, Sony still manages to show up twice for two separate PR blunders.

Fortune gives the 61st position on the list to Sony's over-the-top God of War II launch party and the furor it drew from animal rights groups. Never mind that the reality of the event was much tamer than the media sensationalism -- in public relations, perception quickly becomes reality (In fact, even now Fortune repeats the Sony-denied claim that journalists were invited to "reach inside the still-warm carcass of a freshly slaughtered goat to eat offal from its stomach.")

Trailing right behind at No. 63 on the list is the Church of England's vocal objections to the use of Manchester Cathedral in Sony's Resistance: Fall of Man. Again, it doesn't really matter that Sony apologized twice or that the cathedral's use wasn't any worse than that seen in popular movies. Once the story is out there, the PR damage is hard to undo. Dumb, but true.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

JoystiqSony places twice in list of business blunders originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscontroversydumbPRPS2PS3PSPpublic relationsPublicRelationssnafusonystupidTue, 18 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo denies PR-ing Wii shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/nintendo-denies-pr-ing-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/nintendo-denies-pr-ing-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/nintendo-denies-pr-ing-wii-shortages/#commentsFiled under:



When two identically worded stories regarding Wii shortages popped up on the internets yesterday, suspicious types dared to suggest that Nintendo's PR department may have had a hand in cynically milking the Wii drought.

The articles in question, located here and here, appeared on the sites of two UK newspapers, national tabloid The Sun and London daily The Evening Standard. Different titles aside, both are indeed exactly the same. So, what's going on? Ninty explained all in an email to the chaps at Maxconsole, which y'all can find after the break. We like to think that the grammatical error early on is simply down to Nintendo being so damn mad that it punched out its response while in a blind, frothy fit of rage.

Continue reading Nintendo denies PR-ing Wii shortages

JoystiqNintendo denies PR-ing Wii shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PRshortagesspinukTue, 27 Nov 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Ware specifics unrevealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/wii-ware-specifics-unrevealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/wii-ware-specifics-unrevealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/wii-ware-specifics-unrevealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Wii Ware file size cap discussed by IGN is inaccurate, according to a statement made to Eurogamer by Nintendo. The Nintendo spokesperson chose not to offer details, but provided much less clearly-defined file size rules: "I can confirm as we originally said at the announcement of the Wii Ware service earlier in the year that Wii Ware games will come in a range of sizes but we will encourage smaller, more compact games for the service." Does "a range of sizes" mean "up to 40 MB?" Probably, just as "encourage" is likely to mean "enforce."

Nintendo also motivated the one-title-per-month limit, and put a rough time limit on it. The limit is in place during the launch window, and will allow Nintendo to "address potential volume issues."

JoystiqWii Ware specifics unrevealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>file-sizelimitsprWed, 14 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kaplan hits the road, Jack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/kaplan-hits-the-road-jack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/kaplan-hits-the-road-jack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/kaplan-hits-the-road-jack/#commentsFiled under:

Following in the footsteps of George Harrison, Nintendo's top PR person (and the apple of Matt C's eye) Perrin Kaplan has decided to call it quits with Nintendo. She didn't state any reason why she was departing in her correspondence with Reuters, but we're sure she just doesn't want to relocate. Leaving her home of 15 years to follow her job to a new city just probably isn't a life choice she's comfortable with.

Oh well, at least she'll have Matt to help her through the tough times when she departs at the end of the year.

JoystiqKaplan hits the road, Jack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harrisonkaplanmarketingperrinperrinkaplanprThu, 11 Oct 2007 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Chibi-Robo: PR Stunt Patrol]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/chibi-robo-pr-stunt-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/chibi-robo-pr-stunt-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/chibi-robo-pr-stunt-patrol/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo has announced another out-of-the-box promotional effort for Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol, this time focusing on the environmental theme. The game is about improving parks, and what improves outdoor areas more than a nice tree?

To that end, Nintendo will send out 500 trees to a random selection of Chibi-Robo registrants who sign up between now and November 9th. The saplings will be mailed out just in time for America Recycles Day, which is apparently a real thing. We wonder if they're the same kind of trees that were pulped for the Chibi-Robo bookmarks.

Cynics may wonder why, if Nintendo is so concerned about the environment, they're associating this game with ginormous Earth-killer Wal-Mart. Those of you with advanced degrees in cynicism may be thinking that these shows of environmentalism may be an effort to offset the association with Wal-Mart. Whatever the reason, seeing a big company like Nintendo do anything environmentally conscious at all is nice. Check the press release after the break for a little more information about Nintendo's green practices.

Continue reading Chibi-Robo: PR Stunt Patrol

JoystiqChibi-Robo: PR Stunt Patrol originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chibi-robochibiroboprtreesThu, 04 Oct 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony unveils hardware marketing boss Scott Steinberg [Updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/sony-unveils-karraker-replacement-scott-steinberg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/sony-unveils-karraker-replacement-scott-steinberg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/sony-unveils-karraker-replacement-scott-steinberg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: Sony has written to clarify that Steinberg is not taking over Karraker's PR duties. He is, instead, handling marketing for Sony's hardware. We're sorry about the miscommunication.

When Sony's Dave Karraker left the company for the greener, more distilled pastures of vodka marketing, the company was temporarily left without a mouthpiece for PlayStation 3 and PSP issues. That gap has now been filled by Scott A. Steinberg. Steinberg seems to have the right sort of resume for the job, after working with Sega during the Genesis days. Since then, he's worked with Crystal Dynamics, Eidos and at the (legitimate, but less cool) Napster. He'll take over as Vice President of Product Marketing for SCEA on October 1.

Though not quite the maelstrom that Karraker walked into, we doubt Steinberg's in for anything close to a cakewalk. That said, this is a man who probably, at some point, had to justify the existence of the 32X ("The polygons are gouraud shaded!"), so it's not exactly his first time at the rodeo.

JoystiqSony unveils hardware marketing boss Scott Steinberg [Updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>prPS2PS3PSPscottsteinbergsegasonyMon, 17 Sep 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PR director Dave Karraker leaving Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/pr-director-dave-karraker-leaving-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/pr-director-dave-karraker-leaving-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/pr-director-dave-karraker-leaving-sony/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dave Karraker, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications for Sony Computer Entertainment America, has announced that he'll be leaving the company on Friday to take a position with Skyy Spirits. In an email to Joystiq and other media outlets, Karraker wrote, "I imagine you media sleuths will be unearthing this news soon, so I wanted to send you a personal email to let you know I have made the very difficult decision to leave Sony. I am saddened to leave such a great group of people, but I have been presented a global opportunity near my home in an industry where I have previous experience that I feel I must pursue."

Karraker has been our go-to guy on Sony stuff since last September. Entering into some less than optimal circumstances, he's always managed to answer our questions while sailing the previously iceberg-bound Sony PR ship to calmer waters. We'll miss you, Dave.

JoystiqPR director Dave Karraker leaving Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdavekarrakerprPS2PS3PSPsonyWed, 05 Sep 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wonders never cease]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/wonders-never-cease/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/wonders-never-cease/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/wonders-never-cease/#commentsFiled under:

Truly amazing.
The above picture shows one Stephen Fischbach, who suffers from cerebral palsy and is unable to walk or speak, enjoying a game of Wii Sports baseball with his family. It's a wonderful image, and one that we hope everyone, no matter their console allegiances, can fully appreciate.

[via Digg]

JoystiqWonders never cease originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerebraldreamfischbachinspirationlovepalsyPRstephenMon, 18 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The challenges of being Sony's PR man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/the-challenges-of-being-sonys-pr-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/the-challenges-of-being-sonys-pr-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/the-challenges-of-being-sonys-pr-man/#commentsDave Karraker has quite possibly the roughest job of any PR director in SCEA history. Having come to the company only two months before the tumultuous PS3 launch, Karraker had quite an insurmountable task to face: combat the growing negativity surrounding the PlayStation brand and convince a questioning populace the value of an expensive $600 console. In an interview with GamePro, Karraker admits the job isn't easy. However, he thinks that the console's future success is nearly guaranteed: "I am pretty sure if you asked just about any real gamer out there if they would like to have a PS3, their answer would be a resounding 'Yes!'"

Negative perceptions of PS3 can be seen within our own comments section, where Xbox advocates preach about the so-called downfall of Sony. This kind of attitude seems self-perpetuating on the internet, especially when internet media incorporates the negative spin into their reporting: "I think a lot of this goes back to the proliferation of the Internet, where a very vocal minority can make a lot of noise and potentially alter perceptions of the masses, whether they are accurate or not. A lot of this, naturally, is driven by the media who seem focused on taking swipes at us lately, without taking in the full picture."

So what can Sony and Karraker do to help gamers start understanding Sony's approach to the next generation of gaming? The games and hardware should speak for themselves. "A lot of the perceptions are not justified and seem fueled by people who don't have all the facts or have some kind of axe to grind. I think you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who wouldn't say PS3 is an amazing piece of technology."

JoystiqThe challenges of being Sony's PR man originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave karrakerDaveKarrakergameprokarrakerplaystationprps3Tue, 22 May 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Min-E3: Even the PR guys don't have a clue what's happening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/min-e3-even-the-pr-guys-dont-have-a-clue-whats-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/min-e3-even-the-pr-guys-dont-have-a-clue-whats-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/min-e3-even-the-pr-guys-dont-have-a-clue-whats-happening/#commentsFiled under:

Min-E3 is a conundrum, wrapped in an enigma, with little to no information getting out at the moment. The approx. 4,000 journalists invited to the event -- a secret selection process made entirely by publishers and not the ESA -- know the general location of where to go in Santa Monica those days in July, but that's it, no further information. That story will come out soon enough, but this is about the PR agencies.

Tom Ohle of Evolve PR has written in his personal blog about the legitimate issues faced by smaller companies in this post -"real" -E3 landscape. Without delving into "inside baseball" territory, the old E3 was a general free for all, for better and for worse, but it did get a lot of attention. Reports about Min-E3's shrinkage have a certain level of spin to them, it's not that exhibitors don't want to go -- the new Min-E3 is designed more or less to keep them out. The same scenario that happened to the invite-only journalists is being played out with the exhibitors.

Ohle writes, "The event will still allow the industry's biggest publishers to showcase their wares, while effectively cutting the legs out from the rest of the industry ... think of every small company that spent a massive portion of their marketing and PR budget on a booth in Kentia, just so they could get to the one event that allowed them to show their products to a ton of media and retail buyers."

Continue reading Min-E3: Even the PR guys don't have a clue what's happening

JoystiqMin-E3: Even the PR guys don't have a clue what's happening originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3esakentiamin-E3prsanta monicaSun, 29 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pack your bags! Australian game reviewers offered hookers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/pack-your-bags-australian-game-reviewers-offered-hookers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/pack-your-bags-australian-game-reviewers-offered-hookers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/pack-your-bags-australian-game-reviewers-offered-hookers/#commentsFiled under: ,

When hookers are offered to game reviewers for better scores ... well, the game industry just got a whole lot more interesting! Official Australian PlayStation 2 Magazine's former editor Richie Young says he was offered sex, money, gifts, overseas trips and advertising support to influence game review scores.

Well, let's see, the advertising support is a common practice. So are the trips and gifts (those are just called junkets). The money is interesting -- but hookers? In Australia? Imagine what the American game reviewers get offered. EGM Editor Dan Hsu's now classic editorial spoke to this issue, but to this day he hasn't stepped up to the plate with a follow-through.

A lot of issues dredged up in Young's post are just the truth of what happens. It's dirty and it's sad. None of it is anything the magazines and review sites don't have to deal with every single day ... it's just the hookers that make this story over the top.

[via ScreenPlay, thanks Flyingdoormat]

JoystiqPack your bags! Australian game reviewers offered hookers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiagame reviewshookersjunketsnumbersprscoresWed, 28 Mar 2007 21:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony picks party promoters, fashion insiders to aid PS3 UK launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/sony-picks-party-promoters-fashion-insiders-to-aid-ps3-uk-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/sony-picks-party-promoters-fashion-insiders-to-aid-ps3-uk-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/sony-picks-party-promoters-fashion-insiders-to-aid-ps3-uk-launc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ps3 mascots?
Sony has partnered with 12 personalities and organizations to promote the PlayStation 3 launch in the UK. The strategy, not unlike the 'All I Want for Xmas is a PSP' fiasco, is to encourage the promoters to distribute content "inspired by PS3" across their own digital social networks, including personal and company websites, blogs, and MySpace. The key difference between this new initiative and the botched PSP marketing effort is an apparent transparency. "We've been transparent throughout that at the end of the day this is about shifting units," claimed Rana Reeves, a director of Shine Communications, which helped to develop Sony's latest marketing strategy.

Shine has dubbed the process the "digital echo." Basically, it's craftier and cheaper for Sony to advertise under the guise of user-generated content than to invest solely in traditional means (television, radio, etc.). Participants agree because it gives these individuals and companies an opportunity to cross-promote their own products and brands. It works something like this: design and fashion magazine KCTV hosts a PS3-inspired fashion show at the Sony-owned '3 Rooms' venue in London's East End. Afterward, guest attendees (roughly 120 in all) each blog about or distribute content pertaining to the event. In addition, KCTV posts a highlight video across its digital network, which includes MySpace and YouTube. The result: Sony extends its 'PlayStation' brand to further reaches of the intertubes. Spooky.

Source: Media Guardian [registration required]

JoystiqSony picks party promoters, fashion insiders to aid PS3 UK launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LaunchMySpacePRPS3UKUninted KingdomUnintedKingdomYouTubeTue, 30 Jan 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Where's Sony's 'Major Nelson?']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/05/wheres-sonys-major-nelson/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/05/wheres-sonys-major-nelson/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/05/wheres-sonys-major-nelson/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

WRU?Sony lacks a community man, a public personality who is more than just a mouth. Sony lacks a Major Nelson.

Microsoft's Larry Hryb has emerged as a personality capable of transforming the Xbox image from a cold, black box into a lively community of gamers, both hardcore and casual. What's more, he's built his celebrity on trust, successfully balancing his employer's expectations with honest commentary produced for the consumer's sake. In other words, he's likeable -- and he's selling the brand. Does Sony need that guy to succeed?

[Thanks, Joe]

JoystiqWhere's Sony's 'Major Nelson?' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Major NelsonMajorNelsonPRPS2PS3PSPXboxXbox-360Thu, 05 Oct 2006 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii60 combo no longer "officially" supported]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/wii60-combo-no-longer-officially-supported/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/wii60-combo-no-longer-officially-supported/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/21/wii60-combo-no-longer-officially-supported/#commentsFiled under:

We love you, Reggie.Back at E3, it seemed as though Microsoft and Nintendo united against the big dog, Sony. Peter Moore, one of the big faces in the Xbox world, had lovely heaping praise for Nintendo's machine, recommending that players could get the high power of the 360 and the originality of the Wii for the same cost as a single PS3 (note: this is no longer true, unless you use the $300 core 360 and the $600 PS3 model). Nintendo also commented on the bundle, saying that it was a great idea.

Did anyone really expect it to last? Recent comments by both Peter Moore and Reggie indicate that the companies have returned to their icy status-quo relationship. In a recent interview, Moore stated that he was worried that the Wii would only be fun for "a few minutes"...that punk! Reggie, when asked about the Wii60 combo, admitted that he thought that if gamers want to have another system to complement their Wii, it should be a Nintendo DS Lite. He then explained this comment with a very simple statement: "I'm greedy."

Honest to a fault! We love ya, Reggie. Who here is going to let this travesty of public relations deter them from their beloved Wii60 combo?

JoystiqWii60 combo no longer "officially" supported originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Peter MoorePeterMoorePRReggieWii60Xbox 360Xbox360Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Has American McGee earned the right to present anything?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/16/has-american-mcgee-earned-the-right-to-present-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/16/has-american-mcgee-earned-the-right-to-present-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/16/has-american-mcgee-earned-the-right-to-present-anything/#commentsFiled under:

Gamasutra's running an interview with game designer American McGee. The man's name is a marketing tool in its own right. McGee recognizes it saying, "Certainly it helps in branding the games. With today's game market, building proper awareness is as important as building a good game."

So, what does he think his name means to gamers?

"I've seen positive and negative responses. For the 'fans,' I think they have come to expect something a little different from the mainstream. That's my hope anyway. For the detractors, I get the sense they feel I haven't earned the name-above-the-title right. In either case, it does seem that it brings some awareness, and all PR, good or bad, is a good thing."

When Alice came out, many moons ago, we had only known American McGee as a level designer for Doom II and Quake, and let's be honest, he hasn't done much for gamers since. Yes, American McGee Presents Bad Day L.A. ships this month, but two games in how many years? Will Wright seems to get more done on his coffee break and he doesn't slap his name on the top of every game. Can you imagine a title like David Jaffe Presents God of War 2?

When is it appropriate to slap the developer's name on the title of a game? How many game developers are at the level where it matters to the consumer?

JoystiqHas American McGee earned the right to present anything? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Sep 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american mcgeeAmericanMcgeegamasutramarketingPRpresentsSat, 16 Sep 2006 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEA announces new communications director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/scea-announces-new-communications-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/scea-announces-new-communications-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/scea-announces-new-communications-director/#commentsFiled under:

SCEA announces new communications directorIt's been widely speculated that the resignation of Molly Smith, SCEA senior director of communications and brand development, in June was due to Sony's horrid showing at E3.

What ever the case may be, Sony has appointed her replacement, Dave Karraker, former public relations chief for brands including Stolichnaya, Maker's Mark, Kahlua, Beefeater, and Courvoisier.

According to Gamasutra, Karraker will report directly to Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and will manage the SCEA's communications team responsible for PlayStation products in the North America, including the original PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and all first-party PlayStation software.

"Dave has the ideal blend of videogame, large consumer brand and retail experience to help us meet our goals with the PlayStation brand," said Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "SCEA's communications team will play a key role in the successful launch of the PlayStation 3, focusing on driving not only consumer demand, but also retailer excitement and synergies across the Sony family of companies."

We'll see Mr. Dille, we'll see.

(Via Gamasutra)

JoystiqSCEA announces new communications director originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communicationsMarketingPRSCEASony marketingSony public relationsSonyPublicRelationsThu, 07 Sep 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interviews Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/joystiq-interviews-peter-molyneux-of-lionhead-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/joystiq-interviews-peter-molyneux-of-lionhead-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/joystiq-interviews-peter-molyneux-of-lionhead-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yesterday at the Develop Conference in Brighton, Jennie and I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with the founder of Lionhead Studios, Peter Molyneux. We chatted about the issue of hype, frustrations surrounding PC gaming and Peter's early days in the industry, amongst other topics.

Fable was pretty much portrayed as one of the most open games of all time, but in terms of hype, it failed to meet the high expectations that you gave the game. There was even a forum post where you apologized about this: why did it get to that level?

Well, it started with this fatal line that I made and that was that I wanted to make Fable the greatest role playing game of all time. I kinda still defend that because I honestly don't see the point in making a game that you don't honestly believe has a chance of being the greatest game of all time. I meet the press quite a lot, every 6-8 weeks there's some sort of press interview. The way I work then is to get a system in, play around with it, polish it, make it better. Sometimes I leave it as it is and sometimes I throw it away.

Continue reading Joystiq interviews Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios

JoystiqJoystiq interviews Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jul 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BastionBrightonDevelopDevelop Conferencedevelop06DevelopConferenceFansGamingMacMac gamingMacGamingPC gamingPcGamingPeter MolyneuxPeterMolyneuxPRFri, 14 Jul 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Phil Harrison: "I don't think we're arrogant"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/sonys-phil-harrison-i-dont-think-were-arrogant/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/sonys-phil-harrison-i-dont-think-were-arrogant/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/sonys-phil-harrison-i-dont-think-were-arrogant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At the end of the final keynote of the Develop Conference in Brighton, Jennie and I walked up to Sony Computer Entertainment big boss Phil Harrison, with the intention of a) thrusting a Joystiq t-shirt into his hands and b), asking him two questions on the topic of the company's perceived arrogance. What he said is below, but the most interesting part for me was what he said off-tape.

What would you say to the suggestion that Sony is being arrogant?

There's always going to be a risk when you are market leader for ten years that we start to lose perspective; and we have to make sure that we don't lose perspective. But I don't think we're arrogant, I think we have to recognize that we're in a highly competitive industry and that anything that we say will be eternally editorialized by professionals and consumers alike. So we're always in the spotlight.

Continue reading Sony's Phil Harrison: "I don't think we're arrogant"

JoystiqSony's Phil Harrison: "I don't think we're arrogant" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Developdevelop06MarketingPhilPhil HarrisonPhilHarrisonPlaystationPRPS3SontSonyThu, 13 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer of XBLA hits San Fran]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/summer-of-xbla-hits-san-fran/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/summer-of-xbla-hits-san-fran/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/summer-of-xbla-hits-san-fran/#commentsFiled under:

John Porcaro of GamerScoreBlog is doling out the last few tickets to tonight's Xbox Live Gold Experience event in San Fancisco. Unfortunately he doesn't give an exact location for this particular "lifestyle initiative."If you're in the Bay Area, try wandering around until you find a bunch of people enjoying hi-def versions of Frogger and Pac-Man. Of course, most fanboys would trade their cheese cubes and free booze for some exciting XBLA news -- say a title or two from Rare. Notice I said "most."

JoystiqSummer of XBLA hits San Fran originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeeventspartiesprpromotionsxblaTue, 11 Jul 2006 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft launches Japanese PR Blog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/microsoft-launches-japanese-pr-blog/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/microsoft-launches-japanese-pr-blog/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/microsoft-launches-japanese-pr-blog/#commentsFiled under:


Here's a thankless way to make Microsoft's payroll: running the equivalent of GamerScoreBlog for Xbox Japan. Undeterred, Shigeo Tatsumi and the marketing team in the Land of Low Expectations recently launched a new employee blog and a community site called Xbox Friends. Here's hoping they find a few.

JoystiqMicrosoft launches Japanese PR Blog originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>employee blogEmployeeBlogjapanjapanesemarketingmicrosoftprpublic relationsPublicRelationsTue, 11 Jul 2006 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kaz sez: "MS copies Sony!"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/kaz-sez-ms-copies-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/kaz-sez-ms-copies-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/kaz-sez-ms-copies-sony/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sony's Kaz Hirai has let his inner stroppiness out in an interview with PlayStation Magazine, where he moans at Microsoft for copying Sony's strategies and disses Microsoft's plan for an HD-DVD add-on whilst simultaneously bigging up his own company's Blu-ray plan.

In a response to the interviewer's leading question/statement "Sony and Microsoft seem to be taking the exact same path...", Kaz responds by saying that "Every time we go down a path, we look behind and they're right there - we just can't shake these guys. I wish that they would come up with some strategies of their own..." It's possible that we'd be more likely to agree with this statement if we knew exactly what he meant, because as it stands this is the PR equivalent of trash talk.

This childish display of "Miss! That kid's copying me!" reminds me of one of my favorite poems as a child called Please Mrs Butler by Allan Ahlberg, summmarized thusly: moan all you want, but don't expect sympathy from anyone. Especially when your complaint sits on very shaky ground.

JoystiqKaz sez: "MS copies Sony!" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boxing matchBoxingMatchKaz HiraiKazHiraiMarketingMiyamotoNext GenerationNextGenerationPeter MoorePeterMoorePlaystationPRPS3Smack talkSmackTalktrash talkTrashTalkThu, 29 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony gets realistic, but remains confusing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sony-gets-realistic-but-remains-confusing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sony-gets-realistic-but-remains-confusing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sony-gets-realistic-but-remains-confusing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

More PR strangeness from Sony: Niall O'Hanrahan, a representative of Sony Computer Entertainment in Ireland has added his words to the boiling pot of Sony sound bites. Speaking to the Irish Times, his words offer a slightly more pessimistic tone. Regarding tasks that Sony has set itself with the PS3, O'Hanrahan said "we have a marketing challenge from now until launch. This is not a done deal. It will require a lot of effort from us." He also referred to the extra competition that the PS3 has to face due to its role as more than just a game console: "Competition is now not limited to direct competition. We compete with MP3 players. We noticed at E3 that games for PCs are back."

It's nice to see someone from Sony remaining realistic about the challenges the company faces as it tries to sell the PS3 to early adopters, especially considering the jolt that the value of the PlayStation brand must have taken after the console's price was announced. However, we have to point out an obvious contradiction in his words. Wasn't it Phil Harrison that said a few days ago that the PS3 will make the PC irrelevant? Who are we supposed to believe: Phil's harsh words for the PC, or O'Hanrahan's word of warning about PCs being "back" (in town)?

JoystiqSony gets realistic, but remains confusing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Early adoptingEarlyAdoptingIrelandMarketingPCPhil HarrisonPhilHarrisonPRPS3Wed, 07 Jun 2006 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation PR chief jumps ship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/playstation-pr-chief-jumps-ship/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/playstation-pr-chief-jumps-ship/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/playstation-pr-chief-jumps-ship/#commentsAccording to Next-Gen.biz, SCEA's PR chief, Molly Smith, resigned yesterday after leading the operation from the PlayStation 1 until now, a ten-year tenure. Sony has yet to make an official announcement.

While it's easy (and fun) to chalk this up to throwing in the old PR towel amidst a recent spate of spin-proof doozies, the burn out rate in the PR industry is high.  After working for one company in one position for ten years, when Sony does comment on her departure, she'll have left to spend more time with her family, or pursue other avenues. The real question is, will her replacement help Sony out of this rut they're in?

[Thanks, David]

JoystiqPlayStation PR chief jumps ship originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Molly SmithMollySmithPRSonyFri, 02 Jun 2006 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard on the Blogger Bus: "Maybe it over-heated"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/overheard-on-the-blogger-bus-maybe-it-over-heated/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/overheard-on-the-blogger-bus-maybe-it-over-heated/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/overheard-on-the-blogger-bus-maybe-it-over-heated/#commentsFiled under: ,


Microsoft's friendly PR staff was briefly chagrined when the Xbox 360 on their E3 Blogger Bus locked up while playing Tony Hawk. Perhaps forgetting he was surrounded by blogger nerds, Online Community Group Manager John Porcaro (who runs GamerScoreBlog) wondered aloud if the unit had over-heated since it was enclosed in a tight space -- the opposite of what tech support recommends. Fortunately for the MS Candy Crew, it appeared to be a false alarm. A reset quickly returned the 360 to playable condition. Moral of the story: Always ensure proper console ventilation before offering free junkfood to the alternative media.

JoystiqOverheard on the Blogger Bus: "Maybe it over-heated" originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogger busBloggerBusblogsE3E32006MarketingPRXbox-360Sat, 13 May 2006 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Photoblog: Inside the Xbox 360 Blogger Bus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/photoblog-insided-the-xbox-360-blogger-bus/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/photoblog-insided-the-xbox-360-blogger-bus/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/photoblog-insided-the-xbox-360-blogger-bus/#commentsFiled under:


No matter what your opinion is of Microsoft's E3 performance, there is no doubt that the evil monopolists from Redmond have blown away Sony and Nintendo when it comes to reaching out to alternative media. Sitting on a leather couch, in the comfortable air-conditioned confines of the Xbox 360 Blogger Bus (formerly leased by Def Jam Records), I'm starting to wonder why I spent yesterday cramped in sweaty show floor cubicle with 20 people complaining about connection speeds. It's a lovely respite from getting jostled by the unwashed masses in South Hall. Unlike the competition, Microsoft's PR staff is nice and helpful to bloggers almost to a fault. As I type, Geometry Wars is playing on four HD displays and jar of Twizzlers the size of a mop bucket sits on my lap. Of course, we at Joystiq and Xbox360Fanboy would never allow such blatant star treatment to sway our coverage of E3. (I'm spitting out the Twizzlers right now). All jokes aside, why is Microsoft the only one of the big three making an effort to specifically reach out to blogs?

Take the tour after the jump.

Continue reading Photoblog: Inside the Xbox 360 Blogger Bus

JoystiqPhotoblog: Inside the Xbox 360 Blogger Bus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 May 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3mediaphotoblogPRThu, 11 May 2006 13:30:00 EST