Source: IGN
Let’s call this a test in video game marketing. The ad below is real, the brain child of two politicians in Delaware. It will run on billboards, in mall kiosks, etc.
Don’t get me wrong, I applaud them for trying to educate the clueless parents out there who STILL don’t realize video game ratings exist, especially during the holiday season and all.
The lack of ESRB awareness is part of why we have so many angry parents and you know, Jack Thompson, King of the Stupid.
If more parents understood the rating system we’d have less toddlers needing therapy and medication from seeing one too many heads blown off with a shotgun.
Now look at the picture. Couldn’t they have chosen something a LITTLE more attention grabbing?! Showing a smiling politician isn’t anywhere near as effective as something like this:
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, or even a real gamer to get why a picture like this would be more effective. Maybe I’m going a tad overboard, but that’s the point! We need to!
A soccer mom who’s never even heard of Gears of War would probably be shocked to see this picture, but you know what? She’ll be damn sure to check the ratings the next game she buys a game for little Jimmy.
I’m sure these Delaware folks have their reasons, but I say if we’re going to raise awareness, let’s really raise it!
Remember, the child you save from therapy may be your own.
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6 responses so far ↓
1 jackass // Dec 10, 2007 at 9:59 am
a good point but it also depends on the child im 13 and half my colection is 18’s (im from the uk)and som ive had for a few years
2 8bitBass // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:07 am
lol..I love that “new” add. I agree with you. The rating awareness is a great approach, but the real add looks more like a campaign poster.
3 Pakorn1 // Dec 10, 2007 at 11:29 am
The “new” ad, while totally awesome (I completely agree with your point by the way Alex,) would never work since it is far too graphic to be on a billboard or a bus ad.
Maybe it could be the same thing, but with the blood removed, or just a really high quality scary-as-hell render of a Locust up close and personal to the camera, something that still would make the same soccer mom react and take notice. I think if we come up with a feasible alternative we should actually write a letter to the Delaware representatives and let them know what’s up; if the ad has even the remote possibility of being re-run and garnering even more attention, what could it hurt?
4 SupaSlick // Dec 10, 2007 at 11:34 am
Yeah, I even said I was going a little overboard, but almost anything is better than what they’re using. I almost want to email them a link!
5 Rae // Dec 10, 2007 at 5:32 pm
that made me lol
It’s the truth, though. Her smile is weird anyways.
6 Ranzkin // Jul 22, 2008 at 12:34 pm
First of all! I thought the Gears sign was more attention grabbing then the original one, it really fit what they wanted to say!
I think the ratings are good in some way since Im eigthteen and no longer has to be bothered by this stuff. I beleive it’s important to have an understanding of the game and that the parent’s know what their children are playing. They should keep closer attention of what’s really in their children and the child’s friends game collection.
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