Tag: Marketing - Page 2
News Uncharted 4's Marketing Machine Is Entering Overdrive
Sony starts unprecedented promotional push
Sony is backing Uncharted 4: A Thief's End hard. The platform holder – often criticised for not promoting its first-party games – is blowing its entire budget on Naughty Dog's next big game, plastering the PlayStation 4 exclusive on London buses and around football stadiums. While we don't have a pic of...
Weirdness Snake, Roy Campbell, and Psycho Mantis Are, Er, Promoting Ford Cars
Vehicles to surpass metal gear
There's the odd ad every now and then where video game publishers will unite with companies to advertise something that never fails to surprise. Among many examples, Konami is no stranger to this with the Metal Gear franchise by promoting Doritos and a Japanese energy drink. Nintendo has even teamed up with...
News PS4 Remains the Best Place to Play, Says Sony
Any arguments?
Sony's dropped a new chest-pumping trailer for Spring 2016, reiterating that the PlayStation 4 remains the best place to play. The clip centres on console exclusive games like Street Fighter V, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, and MLB 16: The Show, before re-iterating that all Call of Duty: Black Ops III map packs can be played on the...
News The Ratchet & Clank Movie's TV Commercial Is Baaah-d
Feeling sheepish
If there was ever any doubt of the target market for the Ratchet & Clank Movie, then this TV commercial just about sums it up. It centres on the Sheepinator, and actually caught us a little off guard – it may just be so bad that it's good. It got an unexpected giggle out of us anyway – but we're not sure it's going to make...
News Sony Boasts About the PS4's Japanese Lineup with Sick Beats
That's a rap
Sony started last year with a deluge of PlayStation 4 releases in Japan, and it looks like it's adopting the exact same strategy in 2016. The marketing tactics have changed, however: the platform holder has just uploaded a video featuring a handful of the device's upcoming titles set to some crunk beats. It's probably the dumbest thing
News Sony's Showing a Brand New Uncharted 4 Trailer Before Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The advertising force is strong
Oh, boy – Sony's going to throw every single marketing dollar it has at Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, isn't it? The platform holder has just announced that it will be debuting a brand new trailer for Naughty Dog's forthcoming PlayStation 4 exclusive ahead of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in US theatres this weekend...
News PS4's Latest Japanese Commercial Beggars Belief
Get chance
You can't beat crazy Japanese commercials. This latest marketing campaign for the PlayStation 4 is built around the tagline 'Get Chance', and appears to be all about finding excuses to buy Sony's new system. In the first clip, the lady mentions that she'd like to watch foreign dramas, and the Netflix functionality on the PlayStation...
News PS4 Is Reeling in First-Person Shooter Fans, Says Sony
Switching sides
While games like Call of Duty always sold well on the PlayStation 3, it was never truly considered the home of the franchise. A combination of the controller and PlayStation Network really prevented Sony from making any meaningful in-roads in the first-person shooter space. The platform holder has made it a mission to change that...
News We Wished Our PS4 Life Was This Wonderful
Here to make you go
Life in Push Square Towers revolves around sifting through the shite in press releases and proof reading dozens of articles a day, so we're definitely jealous of this particular PlayStation 4 player's daily routine. Sony's new European TV ad is absolutely crammed with brand references, with everything from Street Fighter V to...
News This PS4 Commercial Is Going to Sell a Lot of Consoles
Feel the force
Oh boy! Sony has uploaded its official Holiday 2015 commercial for North America – and it's a real humdinger. Based, unsurprisingly, upon Star Wars Battlefront, this advertisement not only serves up some bad ass special effects – but it also bangs the nostalgia drum hard. Given that we're mere weeks away from being submerged into...
News You've Seen Most of This New PS4 Commercial Before
Bringing out the big guns
Sony's prepared a fresh commercial to promote the PlayStation 4's new price point in the United States, but you've seen most of it before. A montage of mainly third-party blockbusters, the platform holder's ditched Assassin's Creed Syndicate in favour of Unc
News The Best Games Are on PS4, Sony Commercial Claims
Hard to argue, honestly
Considering how popular the PlayStation 4 has become, it was always going to get some stick. The system's been breaking sales records left and right, and we reckon that's clouded the judgement of some when it comes to the sheer variety of software available on the device. But events like today's pre-TGS press conference go...
News Sony Steps Up Its Champions League Sponsorship
They are the champions
One of the reasons that PlayStation is such a big presence in Europe is because the brand is a major partner of the Champions League, arguably the biggest club football tournament in the world. And it's been announced that Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is extending its partnership with the competition for three additional...
News Sony Brings Out PS4's Big Guns for Summer Commercial
Call of Duty! Star Wars! Assassin's Creed! Destiny!
How's the PlayStation 4 going to sell this Christmas without any noteworthy exclusives? Well, in the words of Galvatron, here's a hint. Sony's released a summer sizzle trailer which spotlights four of 2015's biggest games, and while we can already sense the sceptics tapping away in the comments...
News Sonic's New Awful Friend: Shia LaBeouf
Aaron Webber antics, we presume
Ever since public relations guy Aaron Webber has returned to SEGA, Sonic the Hedgehog's social media accounts have played host to a selection of memes, self-aimed jokes, and, now, even a video of some of Shia LaBeouf's infamous motivation. Keep in mind that this was posted on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube...
News PS4 Appears to Be Targeting the Mtn Dew and Doritos Crowd
Call of Duty may be switching sides
It's arguably the most tedious saga in gaming right now: which platform holder will promote Call of Duty: Black Ops III? Last year, rumours were rife that Sony had snapped up Activision's super series, but it didn't pan out. That same speculation started circling around Treyarch's latest title a couple o
News Sony's PS4 Ads Encourage a Bad Work Ethic in Japan
Too many games, too little time
Sony's really going all out in Japan right now, attempting to capitalise on the PlayStation 4's impressive software lineup. As part of its marketing onslaught, it's recruited actor and singer Takayuki Yamada to star in a handful of commercials, which show that gaming is way more important than being your average...
News PS4 Exclusive The Order: 1886 Scores Super Bowl Advert
Touchdown in London town
There's no doubt that the Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event in American television, with millions expected to tune in to the game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow. This makes it ripe for commercial opportunities, as companies stump up extortionate sums to have their products...
News Now's the Time to Buy Britain's Best Selling Console, PS4 Ad Enthuses
On the twelfth day of Christmas
We can’t hear the Twelve Days of Christmas without thinking of Eric Cantona, but this is the curse that’s been cast upon us as Manchester United fans. This new PlayStation 4 commercial attempts to bring some fresh lyrics to the mix, but we’re not really feeling it. Five points for effort, though, we suppose...
Feature The Third Place - A Brief History of PlayStation Hardware Marketing
Live in your world, play in ours
Republished on Tuesday, 2nd December 2014: We're bringing this article back from the archives to celebrate the PSone's big 20th Anniversary this week. The original feature follows. Originally published on Saturday, 26th October 2013: With the PlayStation 4 now mere weeks away from release, Sony is starting to oil...
News Oops, Sony Will Be Compensating Vita Early Adopters for Misleading Marketing
Never stop paying
You may recall that a few years back, Sony was embroiled in a legal minefield over its marketing of the PlayStation Vita. If you're interested, and have a head for legal mumbo-jumbo, you can take a look at the US Federal Trade Commission's original charges through here. For the rest of you, though, the basic gist is that the...
Weirdness Ooh Matron! This PS4 Remote Play Ad Is All a Bit Saucy
Carry on playing
Don’t take your temperature after watching this bizarre Belgian commercial for the PlayStation 4 and Vita, as there may be some inaccuracies in the results that you record. It would appear that Sony hasn't forgotten about its portable platform in Europe – and is quite literally, ahem, bringing out the big guns to help sell the...
News Here's How LittleBigPlanet 3 Is Being Marketed on PS4, PS3 in North America
Stand small
LittleBigPlanet is a franchise that’s so innovative that it deserves an advertisement that’s equally imaginitive. We’re happy to say, then, that this commercial for the third entry in the series is pretty clever. Not only does it take a pot-shot at the homogenisation of the rest of the industry, but it also manages to squeeze in...
News Share Play Is at the Centre of Sony's New PS4 Commercial
The future of play
Sony clearly thinks highly of the PlayStation 4’s recently added Share Play feature, as it’s made the addition one of the system’s main selling points in this new European commercial. The clip shows two hopeless gamers stuck in the middle of a Viking battle, and relays ways in which some of the next-gen console’s core...
News Sony's New PS4 Commercial Focuses on Friendly Competition
Ready. Fight
Sony’s latest console may be selling better than any other system on the market right now, but that doesn’t give it an excuse to get lazy this Christmas. With Microsoft lining up more November marketing partnerships than we can count, the platform holder will need to ensure that it has some PlayStation 4 commercials of its own to...
Weirdness Battlefield 4 Would Like You to Know All About the Need for Speed Movie
In a spin
Like it or not, advertising is becoming a part of console gaming. Sony may have been eager to avoid it on the PlayStation 3’s dashboard, but the ‘What’s New’ area of the PlayStation 4 is packed with promotions for upcoming titles and films. And it’s only a matter of time before that section gets stuffed with Axe deodorant and...
News Sony Really Wants You to Associate Destiny and Watch Dogs with PS4
Share the love
Even the most dedicated console warrior would agree that Microsoft did a terrific job attaching specific brands to the Xbox 360 last generation. Multiformat franchises such as Call of Duty and even Resident Evil were advertised as console exclusives, and while Sony countered with the likes of Assassin’s Creed, its efforts were never...
News Wait, Sony Has No Plans for a PlayStation 4 and Vita Bundle?
Bundle of laughs
Sony marketing boss John Koller dropped all manner of bombs at a recent press event in Santa Monica, including the announcement that the platform holder has over 100 games in store for the PlayStation 4 in 2014. Most troubling, though, is the recent revelation that the company doesn't have any "firm plans" to release a PS4 and Vita...
News Microsoft Will Pay You to Dump Your PS3 for an Xbox One
We're like so whatever
Remember that old Avril Lavigne video where the “punk princess” tries to get one over on her nerdy double? Well, this brand new Microsoft promotion reminds us of that. Y’see, the Redmond-based manufacturer doesn’t like your old console, and it thinks you need a new one – so much so, that it’s even willing to pay...
News This Sony Boss Thinks People See the Vita as Gaming's Equivalent of the iPod
Do they really?
There's no denying that the PlayStation Vita is in a tough position. Our beloved handheld may be doing a roaring trade in Japan, but the rest of the world doesn't seem particularly interested in its rear touchpad and OLED display. Most point the finger at the rapidly expanding mobile market, while others blame a
News Use This Video to Explain the PS Vita to Your Friends
A bit of handheld handholding
The PlayStation Vita has a pretty severe case of Wii U syndrome. It has a small and intensely loyal fan base, but can't quite seem to crack a larger market. This is mostly because, as with Nintendo's struggling home console, the appeal of the Vita is very difficult to appreciate until you actually have one in your...
News This Killzone: Shadow Fall Commercial by Robot Chicken Is Cringeworthy
Helghastly
Long time readers may remember that decidedly strange advertisement for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale masterminded by Robot Chicken. If you don't recall, we really can't blame you – we've been trying to forget it, too. In any case, it seems that the Robot Chicken team is at it again, unleashing this equally stymieing...
News Japanese PS Vita TV Advert Brings the Whole Family Together
And saves television, too
The PS Vita TV has been out in the wild for a few weeks now, and its performance has been lacklustre to say the least. As if in answer, Sony has released a brand new commercial to try and pitch the diminutive streaming box to families. The advertisement traces one family's journey through the eyes of its small screen, and...
Weirdness The Sun's Page 3 Swapped Out for a Sexier Image
Real hardware
Looks like British glamour model Rosie Jones has been given the day off, as Sony has taken charge of The Sun’s famous Page 3 column. For those out of the tabloid loop, the UK rag ordinarily publishes pictures of scantily clad ladies on the inside page, but it’s swapped out the images for something a little sexier today – a shot...
News Gran Turismo 6's Japanese Ad Feels the Need for Speed
School run
You may have forgotten amid the hustle and bustle of the PlayStation 4’s launch, but Gran Turismo 6 is due out next week around the globe. With no next generation consoles due out this year in Japan, the simulation racer is getting a big push in developer Polyphony Digital’s home nation – and that includes this quirky commercial...
News PS4 Ad Campaign Set to Air on Channel 4 in the Lead Up to UK Launch
Fusion of fours
If you happen to spot a clip of Killzone: Shadow Fall while watching Hollyoaks next week know that it’s part of a massive promotional campaign Sony’s running on Channel 4 in the build up to the PlayStation 4’s UK launch. The Drum reports that the platform holder has teamed up with the broadcaster to create a sequence of short...
News Are You Skilful Enough to Be First to Greatness on PS4?
Make gaming history
One of the PlayStation 4's strongest assets is its emphasis on social connectivity. This means that the gaming community is more united than ever before, and now Sony wants you to work to climb to the top of the PlayStation pack. SCEA has launched a brand new website dedicated to gamers looking to test themselves across 64...
News European PS4 TV Commercial Takes You on a Tour
The best place to play
Hadouken Cabs weren’t messing around when they promised that their taxi service knocks the competition out. While last week’s teaser trailer for the fictional cab firm hasn’t culminated with a shiny new Street Fighter announcement, Sony’s primary European PlayStation 4 television campaign is still pretty cool. Running...
News Don't Worry, Sony Hasn't Forgotten About Tearaway Entirely
Platform holder unfolds new ad
Tearaway is a killer-app. The imminent Media Molecule papercraft platformer may have got lost in the shuffle of the next generation excitement, but the PlayStation Vita exclusive is shaping up to be one of the system’s best games. Fortunately, the platform holder does intend to promote the title on television, with...
News Pledge Your Position Among the Players with PlayStation 4
This is for you
Greatness may be right around the corner in North America, but Sony still has three weeks to fill until the PlayStation 4 deploys in Europe. It’s counting down to the system’s 29th November release date with a new marketing initiative, which encourages you to share what type of player you are on Facebook and
News Take the Oath of a Shadow Marshal in Killzone: Shadow Fall
Difficult decisions
You may need to pinch yourself, but Sony has released a second PlayStation 4 commercial for the North American market. Much like last month’s ‘Perfect Day’ spot, this is a live-action advertisement, focusing on the upcoming Killzone: Shadow Fall. We reckon that it’s cheesier than a Margherita pizza, but we suppose that it...
News Did You Know That PlayStation Is the Second Biggest Brand on YouTube?
Broadcasting itself
PlayStation fans rightly give Sony a lot of stick for not marketing its products particularly well, but many overlook the incredibly strong social network presence that the platform holder has. While it may focus on hardcore gamers, the PlayStation Blog is one of the most effective promotional tools in the industry – and it’s...
Weirdness There Are Ecstatic Rabbit Statues in This PS Vita Commercial
The hares and the handheld
We never, ever tire of Japanese commercials. Last year, Sony opted to promote the crystal white iteration of the PlayStation Vita by releasing a video of local celebrity Shigeru Matsuzaki singing about it – and now it’s followed up with a spot showing statues playing games such as Final Fantasy X HD Remaster, God Eater...
News Can't Wait to Play a PS4? There Could Be a Demo Kiosk Near You
Start making plans
After an eternity of build-up, the PlayStation 4 is now approaching faster than a bullet train. In less than a month, you’ll be able to wrap your eager fingers around the DualShock 4 and settle down for some serious next generation gaming. If you need some sustenance to get you over the finish line, though, Sony has announced...
News Sony's First PS4 Commercial Aims to Keep You Hanging On Until Launch
You're going to reap just what you sow
We’re exactly a month away from the PlayStation 4’s launch in North America, so it’s time for Sony to kick the marketing wheels into motion. It may have sold out of pre-orders earlier in the year, but awareness is pivotal to the success of any product – and the platform holder intends to generate that...
News Sony Teams Up with Taco Bell for Tasty PS4 Promotion
Obesity awaits
Last year, Sony encouraged you to fill your face with cheesy gorditas in order to win a truck full of PlayStation Vitas – and now it appears to be running a similar promotion with Taco Bell for the PlayStation 4. The on-the-button folks over at NeoGAF spotted the embedded image, which shows a poster for the initiative and a ‘Gre
News This Beyond: Two Souls Advert Should Shift a Few Copies
Born with a gift
Beyond: Two Souls is very much the type of release that will prompt your non-gaming companions to raise an eyebrow and ask you if it’s a movie or something that you can actually interact with on the PlayStation 3. The upcoming Sony published swansong is easily one of the most visually impressive titles in production for the...
Weirdness PlayStation All-Stars Holiday in Coke Zero Phone App
Marketing mash-up
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale may be deader than Sir Daniel Fortesque, but that’s not stopping Sony from partnering with Coca-Cola for PlayStation All-Stars Island – a co-marketing endeavour between the platform holder and the soft drinks giant for iOS and Android devices. Yes, you read th
News Count Up Those Gold Trophies, You're Going to Need Them
Bid for greatness
Those that dismiss the Trophy metagame often question its worth in the real world. After all, what’s the point in spending several hours scooping up feathers in Assassin’s Creed II when your efforts are rewarded with little more than a tiny PNG image and a sense of satisfaction? Well, Sony hopes to answer that question with its...
E3 2013 Greatness Awaits in PlayStation's Latest Commercial
The circus master of games
To cap off an exciting evening of E3 announcements, Sony has released a brand new commercial for the PlayStation brand. The advertisement – which leaked almost word-for-word earlier in the year – shows an enthusiastic ringleader with slicked back hair walking into a theatre of activity. You’ll spot a number of famous...
