Videogames And Car Marketing Intersect

Thanks to the Detroit News for their article discussing how videogames have become a great selling tool for automobiles. The piece discusses the willingness of car manufacturers to see their models used in games, with a few exceptions: "Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesman Ryan Bowling says Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini demanded exorbitant licensing fees - but that's why they aren't in Gran Turismo." It also mentions the thorny issue of car damage, with Alex St. John of WildTangent, developer of a Chrysler 'advergaming' title, noting: "In the past, advertisers could never imagine a commercial where you dent a car... But half the fun of a game is driving recklessly." A Chrysler spokesperson explains this change of heart for their new game, saying "...corporate attorneys determined that gaming is enough of a 'fantasy' to make it permissible to damage vehicles."

Comments

Tacky?

[Ratso Baggins]

Using Carmageddon to sell SUV's is a little too far perhaps? but you gotta love the feeling!

I'll be the coolest kid on the block...

[foidulus]

With my brand new video game featuring my mom's Ford station Wagon! All the kids will want to hang with me!

Re:GTA 5?

[meta-monkey]

I believe the most appropriate vehicle would be the Chevrolet Trantrum.

So it was the lawyers all along?

[Teppy]

I've wondered why the car companies were so anal about this.

Taking PR advice from your lawyer is like taking financial advice from your bookie.

Re:Licencing costs can decide game content

[Anonymous Coward]

Would this game be Need For Speed Underground?