#5 Splinter Cell: Conviction
Getting an innocent fan of a series killed is certainly not something a publisher has in mind to promote a video game title, but that was almost the case for Splinter Cell: Conviction. This title was being promoted in New Zealand and the marketing team behind it had the idea of getting a fan to roleplay a character from it. One person was selected to be the enemy and was dressed up and given a fake gun where their location was to reach a store. Well, it didn’t take long before folks got freaked out and dialed emergency services. Police arrived and the suspect was almost shot.
#4 Sony Advertisements
Wow, we can’t even pick just one ad but Sony sure loves to make some really off the wall advertisements for their consoles. At the very least they keep your attention and you’ll remember it so I guess it works but we’re still not sure who comes up with them.
#3 Watch Dogs
Video game publishers love crafting up something unique to deliver publications when it comes to reviewing or covering their video game titles. You’ll get the standard edition of the game and maybe a few little items or packaging that is made to resemble the game or setting. So when Ubisoft sent out promotional copies of their Watch Dogs video game, they decided to lock it in a black briefcase. They sent out messages to the publications that were receiving this edition of the marketing bundle but one publication failed to get the message. Ninemsn is a publication based in Australia when they received the black briefcase with a note saying to check their voicemail.
Failing to check the voicemail, the publication started to try different combinations to open the briefcase when it started to beep. This lead to a panic which ultimately resulted in the building to be evacuated and a bomb squad to deal with the package. When it was forced open they discovered a copy of Watch Dogs. Ubisoft apologized for the misunderstanding especially since the publication doesn’t even cover video games.
#2 Xbox One
Oh man, what a dumpster fire Microsoft made when it was revealing the Xbox One. Before this console released, there was a wide range of problems gamers had with the system and it was just simple little things that Microsoft could have done away with. There were so many restrictions that made the Xbox One just a paperweight, an expensive one as well. Not only did you have to throw down $500 but you would lose the ability to play video games while not being connected to the internet. Gamers couldn’t play pre-owned games without throwing down some money and you were forced to use a Kinect which had to be connected. It was like a Big Brother machine, peering in and watching you. Furthermore, there was a big move to make an Xbox One a media console rather than just focusing on video games. A series of bad movements that created a whirlwind of hate towards Microsoft. It didn’t take Microsoft very long to back down and make these changes prior to the console release, but we’ll never forget the E3 that Sony capitalized on just how ridiculous Microsoft was being.
#1 Shadowman 2
Shadowman: 2econd Coming had a rather tasteless promotion to help market the game and wouldn’t you know it, Acclaim Entertainment was behind this one too. This company had no shortages of bad ideas for marketing such as encouraging reckless driving. We’re not going to get into the history of the franchise, but to set up the marketing aspect, the game deals with resurrection. What better way to advertise a video game that deals with bringing back someone to life than by using a cemetery as your billboard. Acclaim Entertainment thought it would be a good idea to stick small advertising billboards on tombstones. Now when the families who come to mourn the passing of their loved ones could get a heads up about a video game releasing in the near future. Seriously, not a cool move Acclaim.
Bonus
Godfather 2
Godfather is a tough and gritty video game franchise. This series may not have too many installments attached just yet, but it doesn’t mean there wasn’t room for EA to make a bizarre marketing attempt. When Godfather 2 was releasing, the game hit various journalists around North America with unique press kits catered towards the title a bit early. However, one particular item that was included turned out to be illegal in a few states. We’re referring to brass knuckles and it was only after most kits got sent out that EA realized they were illegal in certain states leaving them to request the items get sent back.
