Talk about out-of-the-box thinking... Free Petrol to promote a video game!

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by houck, Sep 7, 2008.

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  1. #1
    I was reading the news and these people were giving away £40 ($80) petrol per car. To promote a video game. I think this is great thinking on the part of the advertisers. Because it's gets free news coverage and it looks totally awesome, with the growing cost of gas.

    Source - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7599639.stm
     
    houck, Sep 7, 2008 IP
  2. Davally

    Davally Peon

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    #2
    Hi,

    yes i saw the coverage but still do not know what game they were promoting!:eek:

    dave
     
    Davally, Sep 7, 2008 IP
  3. Agent_Dweeb

    Agent_Dweeb Peon

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    #3
    The stunt was by Electronic Arts, to promote the Mercenaries 2: World in Flames game.

    THIS IS AWESOME.
     
    Agent_Dweeb, Sep 7, 2008 IP
  4. YoungSmeagol

    YoungSmeagol Well-Known Member

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    #4
    The name of the game is Mercenaries 2: World in Flames.

    I hope the negative reviews didn't hurt their sales too much.

    Low early sales could be the reason why they decided to pull this publicity stunt.
     
    YoungSmeagol, Sep 7, 2008 IP
  5. copper12

    copper12 Peon

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    #5
    Like with all contests, more money went out the door than what has come in.

    They get the free gas, and then leave.

    They should have been promoting, advertising that fact instead.
     
    copper12, Sep 7, 2008 IP
  6. hank russell

    hank russell Peon

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    #6
    I don't think it is "out of the box" thinking at all. Just smart marketing. The only unique things were the amount that was being given away and the method.

    Thinks have been planned and given away for centuries. Back in the 50s there was a guy who staged a stunt in a big US city 9forget the name, forget the city) with a massive pile of potatoes unloaded onto the side walk. This was to promote his spud gun (which became a massive seller). he has the stunt and the publicity all lined up and did well out of it.

    Fast forward to the present day. Frank Kern giveaways, Mike Filsaime etc etc. There is nothing new in marketing.
     
    hank russell, Sep 9, 2008 IP