Public Relations
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Nintendo’s Customer Appreciation Sale Flubbed The Goodwill Gesture Attempt
Nintendo's Customer Appreciation Sale is criticized for offering modest discounts primarily on older games, with prices barely making a dent in the full list price. The article argues that tying the sale to tariff-related refunds is a poor public relations move, making the goodwill gesture feel insulting rather than beneficial to consumers.
Miami-Dade police outraged by proposals to turn parts of Miami into GTA 6, saying that Rockstar's game embodies what they "work every single day to prevent"
Miami-Dade officials are proposing marketing collaborations with Rockstar Games for Grand Theft Auto 6, including airport exhibits and themed installations. However, local law enforcement and judiciary figures have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the game's themes of crime and violence contradict their efforts to build a positive community image. The controversy also appears to be intertwined with local political rivalries and budget disputes.
Miami-Dade Sheriff and Commissioner Slam City's Proposed GTA 6 Takeover for 'Promoting Fictional Version of Our Community Defined by Crime and Violence'
The Sheriff of Miami-Dade County has criticized Miami's proposed plan to promote Grand Theft Auto 6, arguing that it glorifies crime and violence and negatively portrays the community. This proposal has sparked debate regarding the city's image and its relationship with law enforcement.
The Street Fighter movie cast just pissed off Japan with Shibuya Crossing sprint promo video shoot
Paramount Pictures has drawn criticism for a marketing stunt featuring the cast of the upcoming Street Fighter movie sprinting through Shibuya Crossing in Japan. Locals have expressed annoyance at disruptive photoshoots in the busy intersection, and comments on the film's social media post show a lack of enthusiasm for the promotion. The movie, directed by Kitao Sakurai, is set for an October 16 release.
Saber's AI Rideshare Stimulator controversy almost closes on high note with CEO apology, then he calls Portal scribe who mocked him an 'unsuccessful writer'
Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch apologized to writer Stella Sacco for his public comments regarding her employment on Rideshare Stimulator, which had been partially developed using AI. However, Karch later criticized Portal writer Chet Faliszek in a LinkedIn post for a video essay that mocked him, reigniting controversy. Karch maintained his stance on using generative AI in game development despite the public relations fallout.
10 years after its messy launch, No Man’s Sky boss Sean Murray wishes he could warn his younger self…
Hello Games managing director Sean Murray reflects on the decade since No Man's Sky's launch, wishing he could advise his younger self to avoid excessive press and focus more on development. He notes that the studio's current approach to promoting upcoming game Light No Fire is more mysterious, a lesson learned from the initial reception of No Man's Sky.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Tim Coombs rejoins Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna
This article rounds up various industry hires and transitions in August 2026. Notable appointments include Tim Coombs rejoining Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna, Dan Lazarides becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Frontier Developments, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of Communications. Several other individuals have also moved into new roles across companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Netflix Games, and Riot Games.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | CodeDev Group appoints Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys
This article rounds up recent hires and promotions across the gaming industry. Key appointments include Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys, Nate Nanzer as EVP at Paramount Games, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of communications. Several other companies like Epic Games, Amazon, and Microsoft also saw personnel changes.
Raptor PR launches Early Gaming Growth platform to help gaming startups navigate B2B communications
Raptor PR has launched Early Gaming Growth (EGG), a new communications platform aimed at helping gaming startups build credibility with developers, publishers, and investors. The platform focuses on B2B communications, reputation building, and growth strategies, addressing the fragmented media landscape and the challenge of reaching target audiences effectively. EGG also supports engagement with B2B media, industry creators, and micro-influencers across various channels.
Sony Knew Killing Discs Would Be 'An Enormous PR Issue' and Had 'Strictest' Guidelines to Gag Staff From Commenting on Controversy, Former God of War Dev Claims
A former God of War developer claims Sony was aware that removing PlayStation 5 disc drives would cause significant public relations issues. The company allegedly imposed strict social media guidelines on staff to prevent them from commenting on the controversy.
The PlayStation physical games debacle is taking over everything Sony does — it’s the biggest tech PR disaster since Sonos’ app update, so will Sony learn the lessons that turned Sonos around?
Sony's move towards digital-only game sales is causing significant backlash from PlayStation owners concerned about cost, resale value, and true ownership, drawing parallels to Sonos' past app update disaster. The article suggests Sony could learn from Sonos' approach to rebuilding customer trust through humility and improved execution, but questions whether the company will prioritize this over its business interests, given its large customer base.
Five things to avoid when marketing your indie game | Opinion
This opinion piece outlines five common marketing pitfalls for indie game developers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the target audience, focusing on emotional connection over technical details, avoiding analysis paralysis, diversifying marketing efforts, and treating PR as an ongoing activity. The article highlights that while marketing may seem secondary to development, strategic efforts are crucial for games to gain visibility and achieve their full potential in a crowded market.
Out of the Blue
A search is underway for a missing giraffe in Texas, with the baby recovery story gaining attention. This incident marks the second giraffe-related story to emerge since World Giraffe Day, highlighting the species' public visibility.
Kubu Ruben Soal Sarwendah Minta Maaf: Tak Bisa Bertemu Anak, Buat Apa?
Ruben Onsu's legal team has responded to Sarwendah's public apology, stating that Ruben is more interested in being able to see his children than in apologies. His lawyer, Minola Sebayang, emphasized that Ruben has not seen his children for six months and wants his visitation rights upheld. Sarwendah had previously issued an apology on social media for controversial videos that netizens believed were directed at Ruben.
Pengacara Ruben Onsu Komentari Video Sarwendah Minta Maaf
Ruben Onsu's lawyer, Minola Sebayang, stated that Sarwendah's public apology video was not directed at his client but was a general apology for recent public commotion. The lawyer emphasized that Sarwendah did not specifically mention Ruben Onsu as being wronged in her statement, which focused on public perception rather than personal reconciliation.
Fortyseven Communications to open UK branch; sister agency Indigo Pearl joins the fold
US-based PR firm Fortyseven Communications is opening a London office and integrating its sister agency, Indigo Pearl, both operating under Keywords Studios. Craig Sinel will lead the UK branch, which will also launch a global Creator Relations program headed by Meghan Camarena. This expansion marks a new era for Fortyseven, aiming to provide enhanced creative firepower for clients.
Jobs Roundup: April 2026 | CodeDev appoints Andy Norman as COO
Unreal Engine studio CodeDev has appointed Andy Norman as Chief Operating Officer, with Norman expressing enthusiasm for building strong relationships with staff and clients. Separately, creative communications agency DDA has hired Tom Goldberger as Vice President of Gaming, leveraging his extensive PR experience from companies like Square Enix and Ubisoft.
Pete Hines says he left Bethesda because he didn't want to watch it being 'damaged' and…
Former Bethesda Softworks executive Pete Hines discussed his departure from the company, stating he left because he didn't want to see it 'damaged.' He expressed high regard for Todd Howard, who supported him during his difficult exit after nearly 25 years with the company. Hines also touched upon his early career, including writing manuals for games like Morrowind.
Former EA chief Peter Moore says his game industry style of PR irritated his bosses at Liverpool FC, and that's…
Former Electronic Arts executive Peter Moore stated that his public relations style, which involved active engagement with fans on social media, often clashed with the expectations of his bosses at Liverpool FC. He recalled an incident where a tweet about a football match led to criticism from his American owners, who deemed it 'unstatesmanlike'.
UK comms agency Bastion opens North American arm
UK communications agency Bastion has launched its North American division, led by former Amazon Game Studios comms head Rebekah Nicodemus. The new office aims to serve gaming clients in North America, leveraging Bastion's established global network and expertise in strategic counsel, media relations, and crisis communications. Amazon Game Studios is listed as their first client.
