Game Marketing
Ongoing coverage on Game Marketing.
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"System Shock and Deus Ex, they were RPGs. People called them RPGs": Gloomwood's publisher isn't too keen on using the term immersive sim despite it being one
New Blood publisher Dave Oshry believes the term 'immersive sim' is a poor marketing term and that games like Gloomwood and Fallen Aces should be marketed as RPGs. He argues that classic titles like System Shock and Deus Ex were always considered RPGs, and that the genre's core elements of character building and immersion align with RPG definitions. Oshry suggests that marketing games as RPGs would likely yield better results than using the 'immersive sim' label.
Are we in the cozy gaming gold rush era? 'Cozy' has grown over 250% on Steam and 200% in my inbox since 2024
The cozy gaming trend is experiencing a gold rush, with search interest for 'cozy games' doubling since 2023 and the number of 'cozy' tagged games on Steam increasing by 186% in the past year. While the term is increasingly used in marketing, potentially leading to some misuse, the audience has become savvy and the movement is solidifying as an enduring part of the gaming community rather than just a fleeting trend.
Microsoft is encouraging Xbox owners to sell their consoles in bizarre promotion
Microsoft is reportedly emailing lapsed Xbox owners, encouraging them to trade in their consoles to Best Buy for up to $375. This promotion, aimed at boosting active player numbers and Game Pass subscriptions, has been met with criticism for its optics and the current low sales of Xbox consoles in the US.
The next Call of Duty will introduce a new sub-series to the franchise
Activision has confirmed that the next Call of Duty game will introduce an entirely new sub-series, moving away from existing franchises like Modern Warfare and Black Ops. This decision comes after community feedback indicated a desire for tonal shifts and new directions within the franchise, following the underperformance of Call of Duty: Vanguard.
"I wanted to make the show I wanted to watch": how Galaxies found a place in the crowded showcase landscape
Galaxies Showcase, founded by Chris Thomas, has carved a niche in the crowded digital showcase landscape by offering a tightly curated, hour-long program of game trailers. The "tapas-style" approach aims to respect viewer time and has seen significant audience growth. The venture, bootstrapped by Thomas, leverages his industry connections to secure game placements and co-streamers, balancing paid slots with free exposure for indie developers.
"Holy s***! Who are you?" - Phantom Blade Zero's director tells the story of PlayStation's first reaction to the game
S-Game director Soulframe recounts how an early, rough mockup of Phantom Blade Zero deeply impressed PlayStation executives, including Christian Svensson and Shuhei Yoshida, leading to its inclusion in a major showcase. The game, which launches on PlayStation 5 and PC on October 29, garnered significant attention, with its trailer becoming the second most viewed from the event.
Ex-PlayStation boss recalls Nintendo employee's reaction to the PSP reveal: "You bastards"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden recalled a Nintendo employee's visceral reaction to the PlayStation Portable reveal, highlighting the intense handheld competition of the mid-2000s. Despite Sony's struggles with marketing and piracy, the PSP achieved significant sales, though Layden suggests a dedicated company might be needed for future handheld ventures.
Hideo Kojima Is Keeping OD A Mystery To Make Its Horror Hit Harder
Hideo Kojima is intentionally keeping his upcoming horror game OD shrouded in mystery to enhance the player's experience with fear. He stated on his radio show that unlike his usual marketing approach, he wants to reveal very little about OD to maximize the shock value. The game, which explores the concept of 'overdosing on fear,' is supported by Xbox and features actors Hunter Schafer and Sophia Lillis, with the late Udo Kier also appearing.
Resident Evil's executive producer explains the deeper meaning behind Requiem, and I just can't get on board
The author expresses dissatisfaction with Capcom's decision to name Resident Evil 9 'Requiem' instead of incorporating 'IX' into the title, finding the executive producer's explanation for the name's deeper meaning unconvincing. The article critiques the perceived over-analysis of game titles, comparing it to 'GCSE English blue curtain vibes'.
FC 27 Promo Calendar: Confirmed & Expected Dates for Every Ultimate Team Campaign
EA Sports has outlined the promotional calendar for EA Sports FC 27 Ultimate Team, confirming a reduction of five campaign weeks compared to previous titles. These will be replaced by themed 'Series' that do not introduce new special items to packs, aiming for a tighter power curve. Promos are expected to continue launching on Fridays at 6:00 PM BST / 10:00 AM PT.
Blizzard Explains Why The StarCraft Shooter Coming In 2030 Was Announced Now
Blizzard Entertainment general manager Dan Hay explained the decision to announce the StarCraft open-world shooter, slated for 2030, at BlizzCon. He stated that the team felt they had enough of the story, characters, and world to share, and wanted to get feedback from fans early in the development process. Hay also noted that setting a firm release date helps focus development efforts.
GTA 6 Was Not “Fully Formed” When Trailer 1 Came Out In 2023
Rockstar North boss Rob Nelson stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 was not "fully formed" when its first trailer was released in December 2023. He described the trailer's song as a "mission statement" that helped guide the development team to finish the game. The article also mentions the game's November 19 release date for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and details about a themed DualSense controller.
Left 4 Dead 2 writer says Valve intentionally 'leaked' its cinematic trailer to get around ESRB rules: 'I…
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek revealed that the cinematic trailer for Left 4 Dead 2 was intentionally 'leaked' by the company to bypass the ESRB's rules. Valve faced scrutiny over the game's violence and language, and the ESRB had stricter regulations for marketing materials than for the games themselves.
Console Exclusivity Is Creeping Back: Inside Xbox and Sony’s Quiet Retreat From Multiplatform
Xbox and Sony appear to be scaling back their multiplatform strategies, with recent game trailers omitting mentions of competing consoles. This shift suggests a renewed focus on strengthening their respective ecosystems, with Sony reviving its 'only on PlayStation' branding and Xbox making permanent exclusivity promises for select titles.
Like Final Fantasy 7 Revelation boss, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii worries live streams may not actually sell games: "Some people will be satisfied by just watching"
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii questions the marketing effectiveness of game live streaming, suggesting that some viewers may be satisfied by watching rather than playing. He notes a shift towards casual gamers who prefer quick experiences. Final Fantasy 7 Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi previously shared similar concerns about the impact of streamers on game design.
Cyberleek's GTA 6 leaks won't change Rockstar's Netflix reveal plans, report says
Despite a new wave of Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks attributed to 'Cyberleek', Rockstar Games reportedly plans to proceed with its August 27 Netflix gameplay reveal as scheduled. The developer is also reportedly seeking account details of the leaker from Microsoft and Discord. This latest leak follows a previous major breach in 2022, with Rockstar aiming to recenter the conversation on the game's upcoming release in November.
"Every single employee at Nintendo Europe" was tasked with playing Animal Crossing: New Leaf daily, months before launch, by former boss Satoru Iwata, says ex PR
Former Nintendo PR manager Ashley Day revealed that late Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata mandated all Nintendo Europe employees play Animal Crossing: New Leaf daily for months before its launch. This unusual strategy aimed to ensure staff understood the game's charm and habitual gameplay loop, contributing to its eventual success.
Insomniac Games "announced Wolverine very early because we knew it would be very difficult to keep a lid on…
Insomniac Games announced Marvel's Wolverine early to preemptively manage leaks and control the narrative around the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 title. Game director Mike Daly explained that this strategy allows the studio to cast its development team effectively and manage its multi-game development slate efficiently. The game is slated for release in September.
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida told Clair Obscur devs to not call it a 'turn-based RPG' so people…
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida advised developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to avoid marketing it as a 'turn-based RPG' due to the genre's perceived unpopularity. Despite this, the game has achieved significant success, selling over eight million copies and helping to revitalize interest in turn-based titles. Yoshida believes this success highlights the risks of solely chasing industry trends.
Shuhei Yoshida told Expedition 33 studio to avoid terms like 'turn-based RPG' because it may cause people to "overlook" the game
Veteran PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida advised Expedition 33 developers Sandfall Interactive and publisher Kepler Interactive to avoid marketing the game solely as a 'turn-based RPG,' believing the term might cause players to overlook its innovative combat. The team adopted the term 'reactive turn-based battles' instead, contributing to the game's commercial and critical success, selling 5.5 million copies and receiving multiple awards.
