Blog: Gamasutra (substitute for ‘Set on Stun’)
Blogger: Leigh Alexander
Post Title: Sony: No UMD-To-Digital Conversion For PSP Upgraders
Date: September 25, 2009
Link: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25407
Set to Stun has not updated in over a week, show I chose a post recently from Gamasutra, an industry blog that is the equivalent of a trade magazine to video games. The PSP is trying to move out of last place and its success seems more and more uncertain as Sony continues to handle PR/Marketing for the device so poorly. Since its inception, the PSP has never been a success in the portable market. Limited capabilities, lack of software support, rampant piracy and all coming with a hefty price tag has placed the device lagging behind the Nintendo DS or even iPhones. Moving into the future Sony now intends to release a 4th update to the current hardware, a re-design called the PSPgo, which has forsaken its “software on disc” days (via the UMD drive) to utilize the growing popularity of digital download. So now much like the iphone, you can log onto the internet (via Wifi) and download your titles directly onto the PSPgo, no disc required. But if you currently have a PSP (which can also download), but additionally still utilize the disc drive, do you even want to upgrade? When Sony was first addressed about the concern of UMD drives becoming obsolete, they felt confident in saying that they were looking into a program to allow existing PSP owners to convert some of the UMD games they already own to digital versions playable on the PSPgo, though declined to say how many games will be convertible. Well, that’s because it now looks like that will not be an option at all, making the PSPgo a poor investment for anyone that has UMDs. Not only is this a huge turn off to the consumer, the price point is as well, selling for $250! Now, a PS3 is $299, which can do a whole lot for the price, and a PSP3000 is $170, which can do everything a PSPgo can, plus play UMDs. Starting to get the picture? Compare this with a Nintendo DSi going for $170 or even and iPhone 3G being $100, I think this is a serious mistake on Sony’s part. The business model for this device is all sorts of wacky and until it release, Sony seems oblivious to the magnitude of the situation. Hopefully, it won’t cost them much more than they put in.
Blog: Official Sony U.S. Playstation Blog
Blogger: Mark Valledor // Marketing Manager, SCEA
Post Title: LittleBigPlanet: Sack it to Me – The “Lots of Videos, Corrections, and FREE DLC” Edition
Date: September 25th , 2009
Link: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/littlebigplanet-sack-it-to-me-the-lots-of-videos-corrections-and-free-dlc-edition/
Little Big Planet is an exclusive IP (intellectual property) for the Sony Playstation 3, who after its release in 2008 was met with critical acclaim and currently holds second place for the highest rated game on the PS3 (according to Metacritic). One reason why this title has met with so much success is its ability to generate content for free, via an online community and the tools provided in game. The idea is, the developer (Media Molecule) could make a traditional platforming game (a la Mario Brothers) and develop a creation kit in game, so that once you play through the story, you could download other user levels. Combine that with strong support from Media Molecule for new designs, costumes and abilities; the game comes complete with a never end stream of new stuff to play and see. There have been so many user generated levels, that the game is getting a Game of the Year Edition re-release, which will not only include all the on-line content, but have new content created specifically by the top 18 level designers in the community! In this post they show of some new downloadable content, levels, and an up and coming designer. This is an excellent example of PR 2.0, since Sony is going into the community and seeking out its most passionate consumers to advocate for this game. These advocates bridge the gap in communication between Sony and its consumers, making the conversation a “two-way street”. In doing so, it creates an impression that you too can play, create, and share.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
State of the Industry: The "New" Black
Prices are being rolled back across all major platforms in an attempt to reach as many households as possible this holiday season. The most prominent of these being the release of the new PS3. But don't call it a slim yet, Sony is hanging onto that subtitle for a later date. Instead; the PS3 has been rebranded, bringing in a new piece of hardware, logo and firmwire at a price point which is more stomachable. For me this means nothing, since I have a backwards compatible 60 gb and would rather dive on a grenade than watch it die. But hey, thats me. My brother on the other hand was out a PS3 when I moved out, and after a sleepless couple months, the new PS3 was released and he too is a Sony fanboy again. With the new PS3 you can get the same functionality as everyone else, plus a 120 gb Hard Drive, at a $300 price point.
Microsoft decided that this was as good as time as any to drop the Xbox 360 Pro completely. Going forward it seems the Elite is going to be the primary 360, while the Arcade is still available for some reason and with the Elite, Microsoft will match the PS3 price point at $300. So, right now it is a pretty equal value between these two consoles, but lets see what we really get. Graphics, sound, game controllers; are not going to be that different besides the case of 1st party titles. The PS3 has Blu-ray and WiFi built in, which bumps it up if either of those things are important to you. While, the Xbox 360 Elite has backwards compatibility with older games and a wired headset. Which compared to the PS3 features, are kind meh. If you wanted to get a PS3 headset, you can get a wireless one bundled with a game for 50 dollars or less, where as a WiFi kit on the 360 is around $80 or more. Seems to me the PS3 is the best buy this holiday. Xbox 360 will release a bundle with 2 games (Lego Batman and Pure), but if your interested in the Elite, act soon, because Microsoft is also offering a $50 rebate, if you purchase by October 5th. Come to think of it, I am on my fourth 20 gb Pro now. Maybe its time to UPGRADE!
And what the hell is wrong with Nintendo?? They drop the Wii to a $200 price point, but the price was not holding Wii sales back. Its the value of the Wii. Maybe if they could freshen up the bundle for the holiday, by say releasing the same Black edition they released in Japan this past summer or even bundling the motion plus with the console. Oh wait, you would have to have more than 2 games for the motion plus to actually matter (and don't tell me Grand Slam Tennis uses motion plus, it DOESN'T! First time I have had buyers regret in years). The fact is, the Wii is missing that "killer App" that can move hardware. Maybe if they were releasing a new Zelda or Metroid other M before Christmas, they could move some consoles. Instead, we get Wii fit plus and New Super Mario Brothers, which lets face it, is not going to grab my attention.
As you can see black is back and consoles are more affordable than ever. If you are missing out on something, this holiday season may be the best time to buy.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Blog Report: September 22nd
Blog: Official Sony U.S. Playstation Blog
Blogger: Posted by Jeff Rubenstein // Social Media Manager
Post Title: PlayStation Around the Web: What We Read
Date: September 20, 2009
Link: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/playstation-around-the-web-what-we-read-67/
The main topic at hand since the first day of class has been about social media, and how web 2.0 is changing PR. Here I felt was a perfect example of how a company is using Web 2.0 to not only promote the product or brand which they are selling, but to open a dialog, weekly, with their customers. Basically, Sony rounds up a number of articles from a number of blogs around the internet and recommends them to Sony Playstation Blog readers. I decided to run some metrics on the blogs they recommended to look for trends. The first and most obvious trend was that, although all these blogs tend to remain unbiased, all the articles recommended were regarding something involving Sony or the Playstation brand in some capacity. This is not unexpected as this is the official Playstation blog, but where Sony was reading their articles of choice also interested me. So, I broke the blogs down into the following categories:
• Focused Industry Publication – examine one specific sub-culture of gaming
• Game Review Publication – a critic of video games and the culture surrounding it
• Non-industry Publication – a publication outside the video game industry
• Personal/Company Publication – a publication with emotional or corporate biases
• VG Industry Web Aggregator – a publication which collects information from all the previously mentioned publication and present that, with editorial style interpretation.
From the data we can see a few things; first, the majority of the articles come from VG review websites, which are the more traditional professional journalist outlet. Second, the only recommend one Personal/Corporate blog, which is good because these blogs tend to be biased simply due to the blog being written from a more “personal” perspective. Speaking of biases, the Focused publications only exist in half the space Review Publications do. Probably due to the fact that many focused publications may not include Sony content. Lastly, the Web Aggregators are hot on the heels of Game Review sites. Not only because they have editorials, but the web aggregators pool news from all the other sites on the web, making getting industry information that much easier. Non-industry publications tend to be National News Networks or Technology Driven Publications, which examine some aspects of gaming, not the largest group by far. Lastly, If only to appease myself, I wanted to see if there was a trend in which console Sony was promoting through recommendations.
Blogger: Posted by Jeff Rubenstein // Social Media Manager
Post Title: PlayStation Around the Web: What We Read
Date: September 20, 2009
Link: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/playstation-around-the-web-what-we-read-67/
The main topic at hand since the first day of class has been about social media, and how web 2.0 is changing PR. Here I felt was a perfect example of how a company is using Web 2.0 to not only promote the product or brand which they are selling, but to open a dialog, weekly, with their customers. Basically, Sony rounds up a number of articles from a number of blogs around the internet and recommends them to Sony Playstation Blog readers. I decided to run some metrics on the blogs they recommended to look for trends. The first and most obvious trend was that, although all these blogs tend to remain unbiased, all the articles recommended were regarding something involving Sony or the Playstation brand in some capacity. This is not unexpected as this is the official Playstation blog, but where Sony was reading their articles of choice also interested me. So, I broke the blogs down into the following categories:
• Focused Industry Publication – examine one specific sub-culture of gaming
• Game Review Publication – a critic of video games and the culture surrounding it
• Non-industry Publication – a publication outside the video game industry
• Personal/Company Publication – a publication with emotional or corporate biases
• VG Industry Web Aggregator – a publication which collects information from all the previously mentioned publication and present that, with editorial style interpretation.
From the data we can see a few things; first, the majority of the articles come from VG review websites, which are the more traditional professional journalist outlet. Second, the only recommend one Personal/Corporate blog, which is good because these blogs tend to be biased simply due to the blog being written from a more “personal” perspective. Speaking of biases, the Focused publications only exist in half the space Review Publications do. Probably due to the fact that many focused publications may not include Sony content. Lastly, the Web Aggregators are hot on the heels of Game Review sites. Not only because they have editorials, but the web aggregators pool news from all the other sites on the web, making getting industry information that much easier. Non-industry publications tend to be National News Networks or Technology Driven Publications, which examine some aspects of gaming, not the largest group by far. Lastly, If only to appease myself, I wanted to see if there was a trend in which console Sony was promoting through recommendations.
The results yielded a 60/40 split with the PS3 taking center stage. At the current price points though, the PSP is the one more likely to suffer, as its latest iteration, the PSPgo, is only $50 (at $250) less than a PS3. It will take much more convincing marketing from Sony to justify that price point. Especially, since the PS3 has Blu-ray and can compete in multiple markets. The other refers to an article on Playstation Branded shoes, which are so limited (24 pairs), it almost seems like Sony wanted us to see something cool we can’t buy.
Blog: Set on Stun
Blogger: Shawn Deena
Post Title: Veruca Salt Alert — I WANT IT NOW — Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Console
Date: September 16, 2009
Link: http://setonstun.com/2009/09/veruca-salt-alert-i-want-it-now-modern-warfare-2-limited-edition-console/
The reason why this post is significant from a marketing stand point, is that this is relatively uncommon of Microsoft to not only create a limited edition, but to also make it available to the public. Most limited edition consoles are of already existing skus, which have been modified aesthetically for the release of a specific game, and is limited to less than 10 units. Instead, Modern Warfare 2 is getting a worldwide release, on a new sku of the 360 which contains a larger hard drive; as well as, an extra controller and a copy of the game at no extra cost. For Activision, the publisher and Infinity Ward the developer, it really displays the level of commitment from Microsoft, as they are developing the console for a Third-Party game. Not only will this hopefully result in a direct increase in sales for the console manufacturer, but it may even spark more sales of such custom Modern Warfare 2 accessories, which include; controllers, headsets, keyboards, mice, faceplates, and even night vision goggles?! Just when you thought a video game brand only applied to video games. There certainly is value there, by bundling the extra controller and game with the console, not only is the aesthetic appealing, but so is the price point. I have to think that this process would still be complicated for the marketing team at Microsoft, as the number of parties involved increases, over say, using a Microsoft licensed game, like the Halo 3 Edition 360. Not only are you working with a publisher and developer, but many times there are arrangements between retailers on who will actually distribute the product. A perfect example is how HMV and GameStop have exclusive rights to distribute the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition (not the console bundle) in Ireland and the UK, respectively. As for the bundle, it will be out November 10th, if you want to take advantage of this limited time offer.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Gaming Outdoors: GDC Austin 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Play it NOW!: Batman Arkham Asylum
Lets face facts, superheroes and video games don't make for a tasty sunday (wordplay). Take the recent Wolverine game from Raven, sure its a movie licensed game so the constraints are different, but regardless, it ultimately is a shallow, misguided God of War clone. I liked it but I didn't love it. Batman on the other hand, LOVED IT! Here, let me count the ways:
- The new art style is fab. Sure, it isn't my favorite, but it is different. Which is great because after so many iterations of the same character, it is good to have a fresh look. The unreal engine is not without its quirks though, since everyone in that game looks like they have been doing steroids.
- Ambiance. Because there was nothing better than strolling through the cell blocks of Arkham, crushing inmates bones and ruining the Jokers night. Sound effects are spot on and voice acting is astonishing, with both Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles from the animated series.
Villians, Villians, Villians are everywhere. And at no time did it ever feel contrived or simply just thrown in. Some villians made the cut as actual enemies, others you may see pacing in their cells cursing your existence as you run onto the next task and even others are just part of the database provided in game. The Scarecrow is fucking awesome!!
Speaking of the database, the Riddler challenges add a feel of investigation to the whole game, as you scour the rooms for answers to riddles, riddler trophys, audio files and the ever amusing joker teeth. Much of this time is spent in detective vision, a kind of x-ray/nightvision which will help by providing clues. In completing these challenges, it unlocks more information on enemies, art and of course Achievements/Trophies.
I know I am rambling so to wrap it up, gameplay. Much like the Riddler challenges, combat tends to be room by room. Clear that room out, and move onto the next one, a la Metroid. Now there are two true combat modes: Free Flow and Predator. Free Flow is a simple hand to hand combat mode where; one button punches, another counters and another dodges. The more attacks you string together without being damaged, the more opportunities to inflict copius amounts of pain to your enemies.
But when those enemies have guns, Batman has to stick to the shadows, after all he isn't bullet proof. So gameplay changes to a more stealthy "Predator" mode, where you swing between gargoyles, hide in grates and use your various gadgets to eliminate your opponents one at a time. Also, as you eliminate these thugs, the Joker will taunt the remaining ones until the last guy is pissing in his pants in a corner.
Long story, short answer: It makes you feel like Batman and if thats what your about, go play it now.
*All images are the result of a Google image search
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Blog Report: September 15th
In my PR course, I have the pleasure of reviewing a number of blogs and since I want to do PR for a gaming company, I chose some blogs related to the industry. Just thought, since these are already written, I might as well post them for all to see.
Blog: Official Sony U.S. Playstation Blog
Blogger: Asad Qizilbash // Marketing Manager, SCEA
Post Title: UNCHARTED 2 Officially Goes Gold, Plus Sneak-Peek Cinema Events!
Date: Friday, September 11, 2009
Link: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/uncharted-2-officially-goes-gold-plus-sneak-peek-cinema-events/
For a video game, “going gold” is as important as getting a concept together for creation. Basically the game has achieved it ‘final state’ (excluding downloadable content or updates) and is ready to be pressed to discs and ship to the consumer. Drake’s Fortune 2 is easily one of the most anticipated titles for the Playstation 3 in 2009 and to a PR representative it is one of the best things you will have to announce on a given title all year. Now with only 31 days left until launch, the marketing campaign and PR responsibilities will be in full swing, as preparations are being made for its release. There have been many trade show panels, a closed beta test (which I was a part of) and trailers helping to campaign for this game, but they have released two new campaigns in the past week. On this blog post, Sony has revealed that at a number of locations, there will be a pre-screening of some in game cinemas, free to the public, “powered by Sony Electronics 4K digital cinema technology, which provides image resolution four times greater than any high-definition consumer television out there.” A new technology, not adopted by many US theaters. Not only that, but there will be Naughty Dog (development studio) employees on site for some food/drink, multiplayer competitions and the chance to win the other campaign I was referring to; a Limited Edition copy of the game, which will not be for sale retail (unlike most “limited” editions these days). The entrance requires VIP access, which will most likely require you to register with Sony to attend. But otherwise the only cost for me or you would be a plane ticket to any of the cities below. Too bad that cost is already too high…
Chicago Area – Rosemont, IL, Muvico Theater
LA Area – Thousand Oaks, CA, Muvico Theater
Seattle Area – Bellevue, WA, Lincoln Square Theater
San Francisco – Landmark Embarcadero
Blog: Set on Stun
Blogger: JP Sherman
Post Title: 5 Keys to Successful Video Game Marketing from Ayzenberg Group’s Steve Fowler
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Link: http://setonstun.com/2009/09/5-keys-to-successful-video-game-marketing/
The topic of this post was a citation/summary from an article pertaining to practices which will enhance a marketer’s ability to relate to their consumers. It was posted by Steve Fowler of the Ayzenberg Group, a Ad Agency with some well known clients like Turbine, Konami, Lucas Arts, Ubisoft and Microsoft. Steve offered the following insight:
Understand that the community in which a majority of your marketing prowess will be geared towards what many consider the ‘early adopters’’. Many of your consumers are equally if not more informed about your product than you may be, and it is important when communicating, this is recognized.
Utilizing Social Media
Know that your consumers will be receiving information from many unconventional channels, IE: blogs, twitter, Facebook or MySpace. Even word of mouth has become easier through social media. Some things to consider when using these channels include:
• Be authentic
• Be a part of the conversation
• Add value
• Crave criticism and feedback
• Be Active
Think Beyond the Click
Work with agencies under a common scope. Understand that not every ad campaign is measurable in the number of hits and there may be some times where a campaign should be allowed to fail. Also, know that the communication between an agency, yourself and the client is vital to the success of the campaign.
Activate Your TV Spots
Engage your consumers in actively becoming part of the campaign. TV is and will always be a successful medium for advertising, as long as it is used effectively. One way to do this is by referencing a continuation of the commercial after its completion by directing them to something on-line, where the consumer has a way to keep that communication channel open at their discretion.
Trailers are Important
These are the viewing panes in which you convey the games mechanics and narrative over a 60 to 90 sec interval. Things like these are extremely important in building a foundation on which the game can say “this is what I am all about”. If done correctly will peak consumer interest in the idea.
• Adding Value to the Marketing Message.
• It’s no longer true that just being talked about is successful marketing.
• Embrace the Mobile Platform
The last 3 are repetitious or added by Sherman, but the core is explored here and it seemingly points to the fact that a marketer’s greatest aspect is the passion he/she has for the product they market. People are much more informed than they were in the past and if they are lead to believe that they are somehow being manipulated, they will be turned off by anything you have to offer. It is important to leave your consumers with the feeling that they have a voice and a 2 way communication channel exists for the product that peaks their interest.
Blog: Official Sony U.S. Playstation Blog
Blogger: Asad Qizilbash // Marketing Manager, SCEA
Post Title: UNCHARTED 2 Officially Goes Gold, Plus Sneak-Peek Cinema Events!
Date: Friday, September 11, 2009
Link: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/uncharted-2-officially-goes-gold-plus-sneak-peek-cinema-events/
For a video game, “going gold” is as important as getting a concept together for creation. Basically the game has achieved it ‘final state’ (excluding downloadable content or updates) and is ready to be pressed to discs and ship to the consumer. Drake’s Fortune 2 is easily one of the most anticipated titles for the Playstation 3 in 2009 and to a PR representative it is one of the best things you will have to announce on a given title all year. Now with only 31 days left until launch, the marketing campaign and PR responsibilities will be in full swing, as preparations are being made for its release. There have been many trade show panels, a closed beta test (which I was a part of) and trailers helping to campaign for this game, but they have released two new campaigns in the past week. On this blog post, Sony has revealed that at a number of locations, there will be a pre-screening of some in game cinemas, free to the public, “powered by Sony Electronics 4K digital cinema technology, which provides image resolution four times greater than any high-definition consumer television out there.” A new technology, not adopted by many US theaters. Not only that, but there will be Naughty Dog (development studio) employees on site for some food/drink, multiplayer competitions and the chance to win the other campaign I was referring to; a Limited Edition copy of the game, which will not be for sale retail (unlike most “limited” editions these days). The entrance requires VIP access, which will most likely require you to register with Sony to attend. But otherwise the only cost for me or you would be a plane ticket to any of the cities below. Too bad that cost is already too high…
Chicago Area – Rosemont, IL, Muvico Theater
LA Area – Thousand Oaks, CA, Muvico Theater
Seattle Area – Bellevue, WA, Lincoln Square Theater
San Francisco – Landmark Embarcadero
Blog: Set on Stun
Blogger: JP Sherman
Post Title: 5 Keys to Successful Video Game Marketing from Ayzenberg Group’s Steve Fowler
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Link: http://setonstun.com/2009/09/5-keys-to-successful-video-game-marketing/
The topic of this post was a citation/summary from an article pertaining to practices which will enhance a marketer’s ability to relate to their consumers. It was posted by Steve Fowler of the Ayzenberg Group, a Ad Agency with some well known clients like Turbine, Konami, Lucas Arts, Ubisoft and Microsoft. Steve offered the following insight:
Identifying Emerging Trends
Understand that the community in which a majority of your marketing prowess will be geared towards what many consider the ‘early adopters’’. Many of your consumers are equally if not more informed about your product than you may be, and it is important when communicating, this is recognized.
Utilizing Social Media
Know that your consumers will be receiving information from many unconventional channels, IE: blogs, twitter, Facebook or MySpace. Even word of mouth has become easier through social media. Some things to consider when using these channels include:
• Be authentic
• Be a part of the conversation
• Add value
• Crave criticism and feedback
• Be Active
Think Beyond the Click
Work with agencies under a common scope. Understand that not every ad campaign is measurable in the number of hits and there may be some times where a campaign should be allowed to fail. Also, know that the communication between an agency, yourself and the client is vital to the success of the campaign.
Activate Your TV Spots
Engage your consumers in actively becoming part of the campaign. TV is and will always be a successful medium for advertising, as long as it is used effectively. One way to do this is by referencing a continuation of the commercial after its completion by directing them to something on-line, where the consumer has a way to keep that communication channel open at their discretion.
Trailers are Important
• Adding Value to the Marketing Message.
• It’s no longer true that just being talked about is successful marketing.
• Embrace the Mobile Platform
The last 3 are repetitious or added by Sherman, but the core is explored here and it seemingly points to the fact that a marketer’s greatest aspect is the passion he/she has for the product they market. People are much more informed than they were in the past and if they are lead to believe that they are somehow being manipulated, they will be turned off by anything you have to offer. It is important to leave your consumers with the feeling that they have a voice and a 2 way communication channel exists for the product that peaks their interest.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Art of Gaming: Mundo
Known on DevianArt.com as *chilin, this artist out of El Salvador has a taste for fighting game fan art and if you haven't figured out yet, I am a huge fighting game fan. Not only that, but as you can see from his profile above, his style is very pulp anime, which makes for some pretty awesome pieces. His fanservice is fantastic, but his original works are also inspiring. Check out the Fenrir piece, it was less game related and NSFW so I didn't include it in the slide show, But it is EPIC! Please stop by his space @ http://chilin.deviantart.com/
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