Curse

Inde · Jul 27, 2009, 12:29 AM // 00:29

Thought I'd post a serious topic, we've delved into them some before in this section. Subject is Comic Con, Dante's Inferno, EA and Booth babes. Sounds like a great read doesn't it? Except this is actually about a massive fail on EA's part. Let's start with the background:

EA, for their game Dante's Inferno, wanted to do a marketing effort around the 9 sins/circles of Hell and their first one is Lust. It coincides with Comic Con. You can see the contest below for the details.

Now for some, this is probably all they need to read for it to dawn on them why this is so bad and potentially dangerous on several levels. I understand the intent of the contest, I understand what they are asking. This isn't the first time EA's marketing efforts have been criticized, some might recall the Brass Knuckle promotion they did, which are illegal in most every place. Maybe they are doing this for shock factor. We've discussed that before. It's not about the contest, the prize or anything but the "shock" value that will make people talk about the game and company and spread the word through viral outrage/marketing.

Except this had the potential to be damaging to not just an ethic or moral standpoint, but to actual people. All it takes is for one person to go too far. To misunderstand or take the contest too seriously. We are gamers, we are passionate, we are opinionated, we do ridiculous things for our games (whether that's spending 6 hours a night playing them, or the latest stunt to try to get into a beta.) It would naturally be assumed that to win a contest, as with any contest, the more creative you are the better your chances at winning.

The "acts of lust" they wanted to promote I'm sure we're never intended and probably would have never gone beyond anything other then a picture with a booth babe. Which booth babes expect. I'm sure the EA/Dante Inferno booth babes were informed of the contest. But EA went a step further to insist that they do this with other booth babes.

I know the arguments and controversy over booth babes, some argue that these women knowingly put themselves into a position to be objectified. Then again, hey, most of us did some crappy/crazy/questionable/horrible/demeaning/ridiculous jobs to earn a few bucks while we were young. Whether that's flipping burgers, walking around with a sandwich billboard, a booth babe, or dressing up as Chuck-E-Cheese to entertain. It's a job to them too. And to realize that a company was promoting a contest that could have put you in a very compromised position or situation that implied an "act of lust" to be committed against you? It crossed a line.

The Reward of the contest is a whole 'nother subject area that for all intents implied something that was much more then what it probably is. Again, more marketing.

This has been going around the internet for a few days now. There is lots of discussion on both sides. Some point out the fact that, while the game's target demographic is clearly male, the contest was biased meaning a woman's submission probably wouldn't have won. Other's wonder why Dante Inferno issued an apology and explanation of the contest that has now been removed.

But I just wanted to open up for discussion if this marketing effort and contest by EA did indeed go too far in your opinion.

Master Fuhon · Jul 27, 2009, 02:34 AM // 02:34

Looks like they were doing something dangerous, basing a viral marketing promotion on 'sin', in the hopes that it would draw an attack from an 'anti-sin' position. Absolutely, not a good time to be a bystander in the crossfire.

'Sin' is a word known to provoke either willful defiance/obedience towards a particular source. Certain people are driven almost naturally towards confrontation around that word; to hold an intense hatred towards someone who has a strong opinion in relation to it.

Winterclaw · Jul 27, 2009, 04:23 AM // 04:23

If you are actively encouraging people to sin in order to promote a game then yes you've gone way too far. If someone thought that you had to do the most outrageous thing to win, we might have ended up seeing stuff that would make TW's fantasies seem pretty lame. Or people might have decided to start one upping each other to win.

This publicity stunt is dangerous on a lot of levels and whoever thought it up should not only be fired, but held criminally responsible in case anything happens.

MMSDome · Jul 27, 2009, 06:59 AM // 06:59

They are appealing to gamers. Chances are the only people participating are the hardcore gamers. Hardcore gamers can't get girls. If these gamers can't get girls they can't prove their acts of lust (unless its with a hand or blowup doll) therefore there is no problem.

In all seriousness now that is a bit extreme actually trying to reward people for "getting around."

You mentioned previous controversial marketing techniques. What are some examples of these?

Lord Sojar · Jul 27, 2009, 07:10 AM // 07:10

On a side note... This totally corrupts the actual Dante's Inferno into some shitty.... pop culture... thing?

The Divine Comedy is one of the best works of literature in history. Why must we corrupt it with this total shit...? Sigh, next thing you know, they will make a bloody, violent video game based on poems by Edgar Allan Poe because those were dark and violent in portrayal (and some retarded viral marketing campaign to go along with it like "shoot ravens and post the pictures on Twitter!"

What has the world come to?

glacialphoenix · Jul 27, 2009, 07:51 AM // 07:51

Quote:

On a side note... This totally corrupts the actual Dante's Inferno into some shitty.... pop culture... thing?

The Divine Comedy is one of the best works of literature in history. Why must we corrupt it with this total shit...? Sigh, next thing you know, they will make a bloody, violent video game based on poems by Edgar Allan Poe because those were dark and violent in portrayal

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that way. Of course your games can be inspired by famous literature, but the above promo is going a bit too far.

(Also, I'd be horrified if they butchered Poe. I like reading Poe. Being inspired by it is one thing - he's got the mystery/terror atmosphere down pretty well, and I think that ought to be a great source of inspiration for, say, survival horror games. But a game BASED on Poe? What would you do in it, search for a cask of Amontillado?)

kostolomac · Jul 27, 2009, 11:07 AM // 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief

On a side note... This totally corrupts the actual Dante's Inferno into some shitty.... pop culture... thing?

The Divine Comedy is one of the best works of literature in history. Why must we corrupt it with this total shit...? Sigh, next thing you know, they will make a bloody, violent video game based on poems by Edgar Allan Poe because those were dark and violent in portrayal (and some retarded viral marketing campaign to go along with it like "shoot ravens and post the pictures on Twitter!"

What has the world come to?

Well said Rahja.

Fril Estelin · Jul 27, 2009, 11:16 AM // 11:16

In an age of viral marketing, everything is allowed, nothing is forbidden. The obsessive need to be more visible and more innovative bring marketing people to exploit the frontiers of the acceptable. Yes, Rahja, that includes well-known work and they won't stop there. Nothing is sacred in the quest of being heard or talked about. What these guys are completely missing is that it doesn't increase their sales, only their visibility, and not necessarily for the best in the long term.

Just read the The New Rules of Viral Marketing]The New Rules of Viral Marketing and ponder on the meaning of Electronic life (which you can also enjoy while listening to Mad World)

As the wise man said: "..."

Inde · Jul 27, 2009, 12:40 PM // 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMSDome

You mentioned previous controversial marketing techniques. What are some examples of these?

I had a link in up there to one of their other promotions MMSDome, I'll repost for ya:

Quote:

This isn't the first time EA's marketing efforts have been criticized, some might recall the Brass Knuckle promotion they did, which are illegal in most every place.

Winterclaw · Jul 27, 2009, 04:30 PM // 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief

The Divine Comedy is one of the best works of literature in history. Why must we corrupt it with this total shit...? Sigh, next thing you know, they will make a bloody, violent video game based on poems by Edgar Allan Poe because those were dark and violent in portrayal (and some retarded viral marketing campaign to go along with it like "shoot ravens and post the pictures on Twitter!"

What has the world come to?

American Mcgee's The Raven? Or maybe a raven and a telltale heart could be the final bosses of diablo 3.

Pistachio · Jul 27, 2009, 09:44 PM // 21:44

Just another dumb marketing campaign, and it completely turns me off to the product. Couldn't EA have been a bit more creative?

But anyway.

As far as "promoting sin", the add certainly implies a lot, but really only says you will be taking pictures of yourself standing awkwardly next to some hired eye candy. If anyone takes it to mean anything else but that, they've probably got some bigger problems. And the safety of the booth babes? Well, those places should have ample security. Should.

Unlucky Slayer · Jul 27, 2009, 10:31 PM // 22:31

If they really wanted to promote a sin, they should have gone with Gluttony and had an eating contest of some sort. Bring in the Major League Eating people and really get their name out there.

MMSDome · Jul 27, 2009, 11:02 PM // 23:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief

On a side note... This totally corrupts the actual Dante's Inferno into some shitty.... pop culture... thing?

The Divine Comedy is one of the best works of literature in history. Why must we corrupt it with this total shit...? Sigh, next thing you know, they will make a bloody, violent video game based on poems by Edgar Allan Poe because those were dark and violent in portrayal (and some retarded viral marketing campaign to go along with it like "shoot ravens and post the pictures on Twitter!"

What has the world come to?

The Divine Comedy is indeed one of the best works of literature and I don't think a terrible video game can corrupt it's image. The game can base it off whatever it wants but don't worry Rahja I doubt you can tarnish divine comedy's image unless Dante himself designed this game.

Diddy bow · Jul 28, 2009, 02:11 AM // 02:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistachio

Just another dumb marketing campaign, and it completely turns me off to the product. Couldn't EA have been a bit more creative?

But anyway.

As far as "promoting sin", the add certainly implies a lot, but really only says you will be taking pictures of yourself standing awkwardly next to some hired eye candy. If anyone takes it to mean anything else but that, they've probably got some bigger problems. And the safety of the booth babes? Well, those places should have ample security. Should.

Sadly, for every person the crudeness/shamelessness of this will turn away the controversy will attract another 10...

glacialphoenix · Jul 28, 2009, 04:00 AM // 04:00

Quote:

As far as "promoting sin", the add certainly implies a lot, but really only says you will be taking pictures of yourself standing awkwardly next to some hired eye candy. If anyone takes it to mean anything else but that, they've probably got some bigger problems.

It's entirely possible to make someone feel extremely awkward without actually trying to lay a hand on them. I went to a convention once, and there was this fellow who went around taking photos of the cosplayers (which everyone does) and generally making a nuisance of himself and being rude - he'd snap photos without permission; talk to a girl's chest, make weird remarks, etc.

He did eventually get thrown out because a lot of people complained, but he made a good many people uncomfortable before he got evicted. =\

Lord Sojar · Jul 28, 2009, 04:28 AM // 04:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMSDome

The Divine Comedy is indeed one of the best works of literature and I don't think a terrible video game can corrupt it's image. The game can base it off whatever it wants but don't worry Rahja I doubt you can tarnish divine comedy's image unless Dante himself designed this game.

True, but some things are just best left alone. Dante's Inferno wasn't meant to be experienced, it was meant as a warning so you didn't have to experience it...

And frankly... the book is far more frightening than any game could ever hope to be. I'm sure they can make the creatures twisted and disgusting like they are in the poem, but the entire meaning will be missed, and the true horror won't even be touched on; the understanding that those people were being punished for their sins accordingly, and you may suffer the same fate.

I just think some works of literature are too far above being made into a game. Dante's works are the embodiment of that. Other works that come to mind are Shakespeare's works, Homer's poems, Orwell's works, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, Don Quixote, A Tale of Two Cities, Catcher in the Rye, Hemingway's works, Ulysses, T.S. Elliot's works, The Grimm Brother's fairy tales, and many others that I have just not mentioned.

These works are beyond modern culture; they transcend entertainment. Pity we have to belittle everything into some mediocre pile of shit like a video game instead of coming up with genuinely entertaining video games with their own lore. The game industry doesn't know how to be creative anymore.

glacialphoenix · Jul 28, 2009, 05:26 AM // 05:26

^

Frankly, I have no idea how anyone would make that into a game, thank heavens. I can imagine the developers giving up on making sense of T.S Eliot's The Waste Land within a couple of hours.

*feeling extremely protective of many of her favourite literary texts, though.