20 Dumb Attempts To Promote Video Games That BACKFIRED

TL;DR

Video game marketing has seen numerous disastrous attempts that backfired spectacularly.

Transcript

(bright music) - Selling video games, I assume isn't easy, but these marketing geniuses took their ideas a few steps too far. So here we're talking about 20 of the worst ways publishers have tried to promote or market their games. Starting off at number 20, the Sega Saturn shadow drop might be one of the more disastrous media stunts of all time. No... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Poor execution of marketing strategies can lead to catastrophic product launches, as seen with the Sega Saturn.
• 🖤 The reliance on gimmicks and publicity stunts often fizzles when they lack substance and genuine engagement, as in "Curiosity."
• 🫢 Engaging audiences through shocking or dangerous promotions can backfire and invite unwanted scrutiny from authorities, illustrated by the London gas station chaos.
• 🤔 Consumer backlash can stem from poorly thought-out advertisements that misrepresent a product, such as failed promises in campaigns for "Halo 5."
• ❓ Bizarre promotional events can create more confusion and contempt than interest, as demonstrated by EA's staged protests for "Dante's Inferno."
• ❓ Companies must understand their audience to create campaigns that resonate, rather than alienating potential customers through sneaky tactics or insensitivity.
• 🤪 The bizarre lengths companies have gone to in the name of marketing highlight a desperate and often misguided need to stand out in an oversaturated market.

Questions & Answers

Q: What led to the failure of Sega Saturn's launch?

The Sega Saturn's launch failed due to poor planning and execution. Announced suddenly at E3 1995, many retailers were unprepared for the release, leading to catastrophic availability issues. The unexpected price point of $399 also alienated customers, allowing competitors like Sony to capitalize on the confusion, effectively killing Sega's position in the console market.

Q: How did the "Curiosity" game by Peter Molyneux backfire?

"Curiosity: What's Inside the Cube?" was marketed as an interactive experience with a life-changing prize at its center. However, it turned out to be an underwhelming gimmick that monetized microtransactions rather than delivering meaningful gameplay. The promised reward for the winner, which was to become "God of Gods" in a subsequent game, ended up being meaningless, disappointing the player base and branding the project as a failure.

Q: What was the outcome of Ubisoft's Sydney promotional stunt for "Watch Dogs"?

Ubisoft's marketing for "Watch Dogs" resulted in alarming public distress when a mysterious ticking package was sent to a media outlet. The police were called to investigate, evacuating the building, only to find that the package contained a video game. This misguided approach raised concerns about public safety and the appropriateness of such stunts without proper context.

Q: What was the controversy surrounding EA's "Your mom hates Dead Space 2" campaign?

The ad campaign featured mothers reacting negatively to violent scenes from "Dead Space 2," targeting a demographic that is often against violent video games. This campaign received criticism for being tone-deaf, as it fed into the stereotype of older generations being out of touch with gaming culture while failing to resonate with the target audience of gamers, who are generally adults.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video highlights the 20 most misguided and bizarre marketing strategies utilized by video game publishers, showcasing how poor planning can damage brands and games alike.

• From the disastrous launch of the Sega Saturn to bizarre promotional stunts like sending body parts, the marketing failures exhibit a recurring theme of neglecting audiences and common sense.

• Each example serves as a reminder of the risks companies take in their efforts to stand out in a competitive market, often leading to backlash instead of interest.