Videogames And Car Marketing Intersect

Posted by simoniker on Sunday February 15, 2004 @08:41PM from the you-drove-it-you-bought-it dept.

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."

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Tacky? by Ratso+Baggins · 2004-02-15 20:52 · Score: 3, Funny

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

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"we live in a post-ideological world..." - Billy Bragg.
I'll be the coolest kid on the block... by foidulus · 2004-02-15 21:02 · Score: 5, Funny

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? by meta-monkey · 2004-02-16 02:16 · Score: 3, Funny

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

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We don't have a state-run media we have a media-run state.
So it was the lawyers all along? by Teppy · 2004-02-16 03:01 · Score: 3, Funny

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.