Sony Reminds Us: OMG! Girls (Sorry, Girlz) Play Games Too

[Brotherofwill]

I see this advertisment having about a 75% chance of not being a commerical failure, mostly because Disney has been trying to push their own games for a while now, and teaming up with Sony's PSP, will help them advertise the Console for the games their selling. Along with that, if in the future Sony and Disney teamed up, and all of the Disney games were made a single console ordeal, ther PSP would sky rocket, and the DS wouldn't be so indestructible in sales.

This isn't that bad of an advertisment, it's not condeming girls to anything negative, other then a light shade of purple, and maybe picking up a copy of Loco Roco. THough I would like to know, what makes a 'True Gamer' I thought playing games made you a gamer-aparently I was mistaken.

-This-is-Hip-Hop

Very well said, you seem to be almost the only one grasping the ad and what it tries to do.

It's funny how easily some 'gamers' get offended when their hobby is advertised or portrayed to be more accessible, I just find it slightly sad.

 

[The Lizard of Odd]

LIK OMG!!! *gaaaaag*
I think I'd much prefer a post-apocalyptic zombie or HL2 theme...or a steampunk theme...or a steaming pile of horse crap. At least the horse crap can be used to grow something other than a migraine from looking at that ad.

 

[Geo Da Sponge]

Wow, another cliche overblown article about Sony marketing. Good work guys. But lets look at this like it actually is instead of sensationalizing it.

Now if readers watched Sony's E3 conference, they would have already known it was coming out, so good job not doing your job. Thumbs up.

I wasn't aware I was employed to watch that conference. Oh no, I missed the conference about stuff I'm not going to get, especially the part about hand-helds which don't interest me anyway! Boy, do I feel foolish!

Second, Sony is trying to market to young teen girls. Like it or not, this is more or less how you reach out to them. By associating it with what they already like. People who are on this forum think it's stupid, as do I. But guess what, WE are NOT the target audience. Will it work, I doubt it, I just cant see young girls playing video games.

What, you reach out to them by talking down to them? Okay, given the aggravating popularity of Hannah Montana, this could sell, but only to groups who are unlikely to continue using it.

Third, Sony is trying to reach a new demographic, why is everyone so strongly against that? I believe video games need as much exposure and acceptance in society as it can get. Anti-social emo nerds be damned.

Do you really believe they're going to buy it just because it's lilac and has 'OMG!' on the side? Okay, you already said you don't, but the entire point of the OP was that it's not inherently a bad idea for a marketing campaign, but it's so horribly and awkwardly carried out. I bet for every one person who becomes interested in the product because of these adverts, there will be two in the target demographic who will be put off.

Lastly, it a friggin PSP in a different color. Seriously, get over yourself. Other colors will always be available, so it's not like your stuck with a feminine looking handheld should you choose to get one. Besides, everyone on this forum seems to hate the PSP, or anything else made by "the boggymen", so why do you care?

We care because it's incredibly patronising and will put off a lot of people as it reinforces the image of gaming being childish and stupid. Looking on the website, they have a six game list of 'games girlz play', implying that there's nothing else that could interest them. In fact, I didn't even realise games could be divided up based on gender of gamer.

I can hazard a guess why, because it PlayStation? Give me a break. I know it's trendy to hate PlayStation this generation but it's just so played out, especially when it's the same 4 or 5 excuses over and over. Considering Sony marketing's history and who they are trying to attract, I think this is one of the better thought out advertisements. Certainly beats talking squirrels and possessed babies or whatever.

No, you're thinking of Nintendo. I don't remember 'everyone hating the PSP, or everyone particularly hating Sony on this forum. 'It's better than what they normally do' is not an excuse for a terrible advert.

PS- For the record, every console maker has a light and dark side. And no this isn't an invite to a console battle, please keep it about the advert

Yes, but when Nintendo made the pink DS or anyone else you had in mind they didn't start an entire marketing campaign around emphasising how 'it's for girls', so it was just another available colour.

On a final note, I'd like to mention that the girls in the picture in the OP actually look like they are laughing at whoever is holding the PSP. In short, this advert doesn't make me angry, but instead dismayed at how horribly done it is.

 

[dudeman0001]

I really like girls, but I fucking hate girlz. I guess that means i'm a homozeckzual.
This is starting to get rediculous, both the ad and figureing out where and when to replace the letter "s".
It just seems like a rediculous idea to market the PSP to people\the parents of people, who won't understand how to use the product, won't appreciate the product, and will probably break the product. If I were one of the marketing executives for sony, i'd be against this idea but would probably somehow get talked into it.

 

[Optimus Hagrid]

Izn't thiz a bit zexizt?

Also, "Games for girls"? Shouldn't it be up to the girls to decide which games they like, instead of being told to like them by a corporation?

 

[VaioStreams]

Am I the only person here who wants one?

No dude. I'd totally rock a purple PSP

 

[JediMB]

If Crisis Core is ever played on one of these i'll probably rip out my eyes with fury

I will grant your wish. You can count on it.

 

[bluepilot]

I hate girlz. Girls are okay, but girlz, bleh. I need to turn my skin inside out now. Purple things are cool though, but I depise Hannah Motanna with a passion.

 

[Galletea]

I really dislike the way that games are marketed at girls, it makes us out to be in the cast of a disney movie. And I really hate the way that companies think that making things pink is automatically going to make them appeal to girls.

 

[Nargleblarg]

I really dislike the way that games are marketed at girls, it makes us out to be in the cast of a disney movie. And I really hate the way that companies think that making things pink is automatically going to make them appeal to girls.

and purple don't forget purple

 

[Galletea]

I really dislike the way that games are marketed at girls, it makes us out to be in the cast of a disney movie. And I really hate the way that companies think that making things pink is automatically going to make them appeal to girls.

and purple don't forget purple

Yeah but I like purple...doesn't make me want something I didn't like before though...but if something I want comes in purple I'll generally go for it, especially if it's sparkly.

 

[IrrelevantTangent]

No words..........just..........

And that cackling face of Palpatine in the pic? THAT'S SONY.

But still, we really should be thanking Sony. After all, they spent so much time and money reminding us what we've known for months- that girls play video games too.

 

[Ghost8585]

Wow, another cliche overblown article about Sony marketing. Good work guys. But lets look at this like it actually is instead of sensationalizing it.

Now if readers watched Sony's E3 conference, they would have already known it was coming out, so good job not doing your job. Thumbs up.

ect.

Having an opinion is fine. But opinions can be expressed without bile and negative comments. To put it another way, say what you believe but don't insult others for disagreeing with your beliefs.

I don't care if someone disagrees with me, but news is news. I'll admit that I was over top in the end of that quote but my origional statement still stands, the editorial twist to this article is uncalled for for one and cliche Sony anger second. Yes, we all know their adverts always sucks, just like we know about RRoD. Move on already.

 

[Ghost8585]

Wow, another cliche overblown article about Sony marketing. Good work guys. But lets look at this like it actually is instead of sensationalizing it.

Now if readers watched Sony's E3 conference, they would have already known it was coming out, so good job not doing your job. Thumbs up.

I wasn't aware I was employed to watch that conference. Oh no, I missed the conference about stuff I'm not going to get, especially the part about hand-helds which don't interest me anyway! Boy, do I feel foolish!

I know you do. It's okay. We still love you.

Second, Sony is trying to market to young teen girls. Like it or not, this is more or less how you reach out to them. By associating it with what they already like. People who are on this forum think it's stupid, as do I. But guess what, WE are NOT the target audience. Will it work, I doubt it, I just cant see young girls playing video games.

What, you reach out to them by talking down to them? Okay, given the aggravating popularity of Hannah Montana, this could sell, but only to groups who are unlikely to continue using it.

Which is true, I doubt this will work. Like I said in my origional post, I just dont see young teen girls playing on a PSP. But I would like to understand this whole "talking down" thing. Seriously explain it. are people so highly SELF-regarded that anything which doesn't meet your overly-high standards causes you to flip out.

Third, Sony is trying to reach a new demographic, why is everyone so strongly against that? I believe video games need as much exposure and acceptance in society as it can get. Anti-social emo nerds be damned.

Do you really believe they're going to buy it just because it's lilac and has 'OMG!' on the side? Okay, you already said you don't, but the entire point of the OP was that it's not inherently a bad idea for a marketing campaign, but it's so horribly and awkwardly carried out. I bet for every one person who becomes interested in the product because of these adverts, there will be two in the target demographic who will be put off.

I think you're projecting your own persona and therefore opinions onto the target demographic. Also, I think you, and alot of other people are reading FARRRRRR too deep into this, and possibly other ads. When I see an ad for something I'm interested in I don't give a crap about what the company says to me as a person, because it's not a person, its a corporation. I don't care how they try to be my 'buddy'. And I think teen girls can do the same, you're assuming they're sheep. Now who's talking down to them?

Lastly, it a friggin PSP in a different color. Seriously, get over yourself. Other colors will always be available, so it's not like your stuck with a feminine looking handheld should you choose to get one. Besides, everyone on this forum seems to hate the PSP, or anything else made by "the boggymen", so why do you care?

We care because it's incredibly patronizing and will put off a lot of people as it reinforces the image of gaming being childish and stupid. Looking on the website, they have a six game list of 'games girlz play', implying that there's nothing else that could interest them. In fact, I didn't even realize games could be divided up based on gender of gamer.

Ever try to teach a younger kid to play a bass guitar (he just got)? Do you show him a dozen Les Claypool and Primus songs, until s/he throws it down in frustration and never pick it up again? OR! Do you teach the kid something like "Learn to Fly" or the pink panther theme song?
I'll answer for you. You teach them something simple first, let 'em get a feel for the sound, and once he gets bored of it (like the girl who buys the PSP with Loco Roco), they move on to more complex songs (games) on their own.

And who's to say that the target demographic can't distinguish between the bullshit fluff of the advertisements and actual product they're selling? Why are people automatically assuming that young girls are too stupid to see there are more games then just Loco Roco and Hanna Montana? It reeks of hypocrisy. Nobody here need too 'save' these girls from mean ole' Mr. Playstaton. If they buy it, great. If they don't, great. At least Sony TRIED.

I can hazard a guess why, because it PlayStation? Give me a break. I know it's trendy to hate PlayStation this generation but it's just so played out, especially when it's the same 4 or 5 excuses over and over. Considering Sony marketing's history and who they are trying to attract, I think this is one of the better thought out advertisements. Certainly beats talking squirrels and possessed babies or whatever.

No, you're thinking of Nintendo. I don't remember 'everyone hating the PSP, or everyone particularly hating Sony on this forum. 'It's better than what they normally do' is not an excuse for a terrible advert.

Actually I think it is. It shows improvement.

PS- For the record, every console maker has a light and dark side. And no this isn't an invite to a console battle, please keep it about the advert

Yes, but when Nintendo made the pink DS or anyone else you had in mind they didn't start an entire marketing campaign around emphasizing how 'it's for girls', so it was just another available color.

I think this may be a fundamental difference between me and you. While I believe that this ad may not work, I like that they tried. You on the other hand think it's the most godforsaken thing on the planet and should have never been attempted. If that is because that is how you are in your own life then I feel sorry for you because you gonna miss alot of cool things and die angry.

On a final note, I'd like to mention that the girls in the picture in the OP actually look like they are laughing at whoever is holding the PSP. In short, this advert doesn't make me angry, but instead dismayed at how horribly done it is.

What's stopping you from doing it better then?

 

[Amazon warrior]

And who's to say that the target demographic can't distinguish between the bullshit fluff of the advertisements and actual product they're selling? Why are people automatically assuming that young girls are too stupid to see there are more games then just Loco Roco and Hanna Montana? It reeks of hypocrisy. Nobody here need too 'save' these girls from mean ole' Mr. Playstaton. If they buy it, great. If they don't, great. At least Sony TRIED.

Um. Let me tell a story. A couple of years ago when my bf and I lived in Melbourne, my bf ran a weekly D&D game. We were visitors to the city and we didn't really know anyone, so the other players were made up of people from Meetup and an ad in the LGS. One of those people was Gavin. He was a huge D&D nut, took it very seriously, had lots of the plastic figures, lots of books, you name it. I prefer to paint my own minis and as such have a huge collection of lead figures. One evening we were sitting around chatting about this 'n' that, including minis, and someone mentioned Games Workshop. And Gavin, this guy who was clearly a game shop regular and was certainly in the right social group to hear of such things, said, "Who?".

(Conversely, I once heard a Games Workshop employee claim that he'd never heard of Wizards of the Coast. But that was on a forum, so he may have been fibbing. But it was a forum of people I generally trust, so maybe not.)

So no, you cannot assume that people will hear of other games, not because they're stupid but because it doesn't quite clip their radar. And if someone who's already got more than a toe in the right waters can miss something as big as the BIGGEST mini and war gaming company in the world, then how hard must it be if you're a girl whose only likely exposure to games is overhearing her brother(s) or male classmates talk about it?

 

[Anarien]

I think I see a kind of genius behind this.
Sony arent fucked about marketing to girls that, may I point out, most likely dont have the money to be buying PSPs.
Sony are targeting the parents who are starting to think ahead to christmas.

Their website, as has already been stated, looks like a parents idea of what kids find cool, so thats what going to happen. Parents look at that site, think "Oh yeah, my kid likes pink thinks and Hannah Montana" and pick up a lilac PSP for christmas.

Little kids don't have the money themselves, but their influence on spending is enormous. Meaning "Mom/Dad, buy me _________" works. But you also have to hook the kids first to get them to want your product, so it's two-fold.

Holiday shopping is partly what's going on as many parents just buy whatever games look suitable or what their kids might like (familiar characters).

 

[EeveeElectro]

OMG!
That's not patronising in the least.

 

[Geo Da Sponge]

Wow, another cliche overblown article about Sony marketing. Good work guys. But lets look at this like it actually is instead of sensationalizing it.

Now if readers watched Sony's E3 conference, they would have already known it was coming out, so good job not doing your job. Thumbs up.

I wasn't aware I was employed to watch that conference. Oh no, I missed the conference about stuff I'm not going to get, especially the part about hand-helds which don't interest me anyway! Boy, do I feel foolish!

I know you do. It's okay. We still love you.

Awww. Give me a hug.

Second, Sony is trying to market to young teen girls. Like it or not, this is more or less how you reach out to them. By associating it with what they already like. People who are on this forum think it's stupid, as do I. But guess what, WE are NOT the target audience. Will it work, I doubt it, I just cant see young girls playing video games.

What, you reach out to them by talking down to them? Okay, given the aggravating popularity of Hannah Montana, this could sell, but only to groups who are unlikely to continue using it.

Which is true, I doubt this will work. Like I said in my origional post, I just dont see young teen girls playing on a PSP. But I would like to understand this whole "talking down" thing. Seriously explain it. are people so highly SELF-regarded that anything which doesn't meet your overly-high standards causes you to flip out.

I'm not flipping out. I just made a post about the fact you are apparently 'flipping out' just because some people are annoyed about something. If you want to imagine me hunched over my keyboard, snarling with rage as I spill forth my bitter bile, be my guest. But it's talking down because it slaps a big fat 'OMG' on the front, as if any girls of that age group couldn't possibly be interested in something that wasn't designed and marketed like this.

Third, Sony is trying to reach a new demographic, why is everyone so strongly against that? I believe video games need as much exposure and acceptance in society as it can get. Anti-social emo nerds be damned.

Do you really believe they're going to buy it just because it's lilac and has 'OMG!' on the side? Okay, you already said you don't, but the entire point of the OP was that it's not inherently a bad idea for a marketing campaign, but it's so horribly and awkwardly carried out. I bet for every one person who becomes interested in the product because of these adverts, there will be two in the target demographic who will be put off.

I think you're projecting your own persona and therefore opinions onto the target demographic. Also, I think you, and alot of other people are reading FARRRRRR too deep into this, and possibly other ads. When I see an ad for something I'm interested in I don't give a crap about what the company says to me as a person, because it's not a person, its a corporation. I don't care how they try to be my 'buddy'. And I think teen girls can do the same, you're assuming they're sheep. Now who's talking down to them?

Well, I'm not. For a start, I'm not talking to them. Secondly, I never said they would be taken in by this, nor do they need advice on avoiding it. I merely stated that certain people might be annoyed that their age group was being played to as a big fat stereotype.

Lastly, it a friggin PSP in a different color. Seriously, get over yourself. Other colors will always be available, so it's not like your stuck with a feminine looking handheld should you choose to get one. Besides, everyone on this forum seems to hate the PSP, or anything else made by "the boggymen", so why do you care?

We care because it's incredibly patronizing and will put off a lot of people as it reinforces the image of gaming being childish and stupid. Looking on the website, they have a six game list of 'games girlz play', implying that there's nothing else that could interest them. In fact, I didn't even realize games could be divided up based on gender of gamer.

Ever try to teach a younger kid to play a bass guitar (he just got)? Do you show him a dozen Les Claypool and Primus songs, until s/he throws it down in frustration and never pick it up again? OR! Do you teach the kid something like "Learn to Fly" or the pink panther theme song?
I'll answer for you. You teach them something simple first, let 'em get a feel for the sound, and once he gets bored of it (like the girl who buys the PSP with Loco Roco), they move on to more complex songs (games) on their own.

And who's to say that the target demographic can't distinguish between the bullshit fluff of the advertisements and actual product they're selling? Why are people automatically assuming that young girls are too stupid to see there are more games then just Loco Roco and Hanna Montana? It reeks of hypocrisy. Nobody here need too 'save' these girls from mean ole' Mr. Playstaton. If they buy it, great. If they don't, great. At least Sony TRIED.

I never said anything about 'saving' them. I didn't say anything along the lines of "those bastards, how dare they manipulate the people who don't better". In fact, I was more reffering to people in the media nd the general image of gaming. Ignorant people (frequently on Fox news) don't realise that gaming is diverse and has many different styles of games, so when they think of adverts like this, and then think of Grand Theft Auto, they immediately worry about those games can reach their kids.

Not that it's that simple of course, but you get the rough idea.

About 'selling them starting games', it would work much better if they specifically picked out games for any age and then went for quality (Patapon 2 and Loco Roco come under this heading). This would be easier for the Nintendo DS, as they have a large selection of such games. Creating a 'Hannah Montana' bundle and slapping stuff like that all over the website isn't the same, by focusing on getting the right games for the right group, it means anyone who doesn't like that sort of stuff feels alienated.

I can hazard a guess why, because it PlayStation? Give me a break. I know it's trendy to hate PlayStation this generation but it's just so played out, especially when it's the same 4 or 5 excuses over and over. Considering Sony marketing's history and who they are trying to attract, I think this is one of the better thought out advertisements. Certainly beats talking squirrels and possessed babies or whatever.

No, you're thinking of Nintendo. I don't remember 'everyone hating the PSP, or everyone particularly hating Sony on this forum. 'It's better than what they normally do' is not an excuse for a terrible advert.

Actually I think it is. It shows improvement.

Sure. But do you really believe that this shows a consistent trend of improvement, or just that this advert wasn't quite as horrible as previous ones?

PS- For the record, every console maker has a light and dark side. And no this isn't an invite to a console battle, please keep it about the advert

Yes, but when Nintendo made the pink DS or anyone else you had in mind they didn't start an entire marketing campaign around emphasizing how 'it's for girls', so it was just another available color.

I think this may be a fundamental difference between me and you. While I believe that this ad may not work, I like that they tried. You on the other hand think it's the most godforsaken thing on the planet and should have never been attempted. If that is because that is how you are in your own life then I feel sorry for you because you gonna miss alot of cool things and die angry.

Thanks for explaining to me how my mind works. No, I don't think it's the most godforsaken thing on the planet. I can dislike something without vowing to end it even at the cost of my own life.

There's also a fairly thick line between 'trying something new', in the sense of something intrepid and groundbreaking, and making a rubbish advert. If I did hate the former, I would die angry. But I don't. I think I can dislike one new thing without having to loathe all creations and new ideas.

On a final note, I'd like to mention that the girls in the picture in the OP actually look like they are laughing at whoever is holding the PSP. In short, this advert doesn't make me angry, but instead dismayed at how horribly done it is.

What's stopping you from doing it better then?

It could have something to do with the fact that I don't work for Sony's marketing department. But I see that you were trying to make a point there, although I'm damned if I know what it was. I may not be able to create a good advert, but it's not hard to identify a bad one. When someone leaves a cinema and says "that film was horrible", do you immediately ask if they have a degree in cinematography, and declare they can't form an opinion if they don't? I can tell what's a bad idea without having to be able to make a good one.

 

[Ghost8585]

Wow, another cliche overblown article about Sony marketing. Good work guys. But lets look at this like it actually is instead of sensationalizing it.

Now if readers watched Sony's E3 conference, they would have already known it was coming out, so good job not doing your job. Thumbs up.

I wasn't aware I was employed to watch that conference. Oh no, I missed the conference about stuff I'm not going to get, especially the part about hand-helds which don't interest me anyway! Boy, do I feel foolish!

I know you do. It's okay. We still love you.

Awww. Give me a hug.

Ok

Second, Sony is trying to market to young teen girls. Like it or not, this is more or less how you reach out to them. By associating it with what they already like. People who are on this forum think it's stupid, as do I. But guess what, WE are NOT the target audience. Will it work, I doubt it, I just cant see young girls playing video games.

What, you reach out to them by talking down to them? Okay, given the aggravating popularity of Hannah Montana, this could sell, but only to groups who are unlikely to continue using it.

Which is true, I doubt this will work. Like I said in my origional post, I just dont see young teen girls playing on a PSP. But I would like to understand this whole "talking down" thing. Seriously explain it. are people so highly SELF-regarded that anything which doesn't meet your overly-high standards causes you to flip out.

I'm not flipping out. I just made a post about the fact you are apparently 'flipping out' just because some people are annoyed about something. If you want to imagine me hunched over my keyboard, snarling with rage as I spill forth my bitter bile, be my guest. But it's talking down because it slaps a big fat 'OMG' on the front, as if any girls of that age group couldn't possibly be interested in something that wasn't designed and marketed like this.

I don't think it's that black and white. The ad isn't saying "these are the only games we think you will like, nothing else exists or you are too stupid to know about them". In my mind it says "This is a console that you MAY like, here are some games for that system you MAY like too. Now that you know our product, feel free to browse our library for other games too." They're making suggestions and trying to spark interest, not strong arm anyone. It's not that serious.

Third, Sony is trying to reach a new demographic, why is everyone so strongly against that? I believe video games need as much exposure and acceptance in society as it can get. Anti-social emo nerds be damned.

Do you really believe they're going to buy it just because it's lilac and has 'OMG!' on the side? Okay, you already said you don't, but the entire point of the OP was that it's not inherently a bad idea for a marketing campaign, but it's so horribly and awkwardly carried out. I bet for every one person who becomes interested in the product because of these adverts, there will be two in the target demographic who will be put off.

I think you're projecting your own persona and therefore opinions onto the target demographic. Also, I think you, and alot of other people are reading FARRRRRR too deep into this, and possibly other ads. When I see an ad for something I'm interested in I don't give a crap about what the company says to me as a person, because it's not a person, its a corporation. I don't care how they try to be my 'buddy'. And I think teen girls can do the same, you're assuming they're sheep. Now who's talking down to them?

Well, I'm not. For a start, I'm not talking to them. Secondly, I never said they would be taken in by this, nor do they need advice on avoiding it. I merely stated that certain people might be annoyed that their age group was being played to as a big fat stereotype.

They maybe annoyed, might not. But how do you know that? I think any teen girl who is angry over this, is not who the ad was intended for.

Lastly, it a friggin PSP in a different color. Seriously, get over yourself. Other colors will always be available, so it's not like your stuck with a feminine looking handheld should you choose to get one. Besides, everyone on this forum seems to hate the PSP, or anything else made by "the boggymen", so why do you care?

We care because it's incredibly patronizing and will put off a lot of people as it reinforces the image of gaming being childish and stupid. Looking on the website, they have a six game list of 'games girlz play', implying that there's nothing else that could interest them. In fact, I didn't even realize games could be divided up based on gender of gamer.

Ever try to teach a younger kid to play a bass guitar (he just got)? Do you show him a dozen Les Claypool and Primus songs, until s/he throws it down in frustration and never pick it up again? OR! Do you teach the kid something like "Learn to Fly" or the pink panther theme song?
I'll answer for you. You teach them something simple first, let 'em get a feel for the sound, and once he gets bored of it (like the girl who buys the PSP with Loco Roco), they move on to more complex songs (games) on their own.

And who's to say that the target demographic can't distinguish between the bullshit fluff of the advertisements and actual product they're selling? Why are people automatically assuming that young girls are too stupid to see there are more games then just Loco Roco and Hanna Montana? It reeks of hypocrisy. Nobody here need too 'save' these girls from mean ole' Mr. Playstaton. If they buy it, great. If they don't, great. At least Sony TRIED.

I never said anything about 'saving' them. I didn't say anything along the lines of "those bastards, how dare they manipulate the people who don't better". In fact, I was more reffering to people in the media nd the general image of gaming. Ignorant people (frequently on Fox news) don't realise that gaming is diverse and has many different styles of games, so when they think of adverts like this, and then think of Grand Theft Auto, they immediately worry about those games can reach their kids.


Not that it's that simple of course, but you get the rough idea.

About 'selling them starting games', it would work much better if they specifically picked out games for any age and then went for quality (Patapon 2 and Loco Roco come under this heading). This would be easier for the Nintendo DS, as they have a large selection of such games. Creating a 'Hannah Montana' bundle and slapping stuff like that all over the website isn't the same, by focusing on getting the right games for the right group, it means anyone who doesn't like that sort of stuff feels alienated.

But the ad isn't selling GTA to young new gamers. It's selling more 'friendly' games to newcomers. Sure I can agree that Fox could twist this into something else (hell they can twist anything), but that is a bridge to be crossed later. Sony has inked a big deal with Disney (Hanna Montana) and is playing with the cards it has from that with this ad.

I can hazard a guess why, because it PlayStation? Give me a break. I know it's trendy to hate PlayStation this generation but it's just so played out, especially when it's the same 4 or 5 excuses over and over. Considering Sony marketing's history and who they are trying to attract, I think this is one of the better thought out advertisements. Certainly beats talking squirrels and possessed babies or whatever.

No, you're thinking of Nintendo. I don't remember 'everyone hating the PSP, or everyone particularly hating Sony on this forum. 'It's better than what they normally do' is not an excuse for a terrible advert.

Actually I think it is. It shows improvement.

Sure. But do you really believe that this shows a consistent trend of improvement, or just that this advert wasn't quite as horrible as previous ones?

I'm saying it may be the beginning point of an upturn. Squirrels and "all it want for Christmas" aside, I don't think other ad campaigns have been that bad. The black and white women billboards were well done and interesting, but somehow came off as racist by the demented honking of the politically correct. And the early PS3 commercials, while being a little too abstract for some were intriguing and well done.

Maybe I just like it more then companies try new things and step out of their comfort zones.

PS- For the record, every console maker has a light and dark side. And no this isn't an invite to a console battle, please keep it about the advert

Yes, but when Nintendo made the pink DS or anyone else you had in mind they didn't start an entire marketing campaign around emphasizing how 'it's for girls', so it was just another available color.

I think this may be a fundamental difference between me and you. While I believe that this ad may not work, I like that they tried. You on the other hand think it's the most godforsaken thing on the planet and should have never been attempted. If that is because that is how you are in your own life then I feel sorry for you because you gonna miss alot of cool things and die angry.

Thanks for explaining to me how my mind works. No, I don't think it's the most godforsaken thing on the planet. I can dislike something without vowing to end it even at the cost of my own life.

There's also a fairly thick line between 'trying something new', in the sense of something intrepid and groundbreaking, and making a rubbish advert. If I did hate the former, I would die angry. But I don't. I think I can dislike one new thing without having to loathe all creations and new ideas.

Alright I put my hands up, assuming what you were thinking is kind of dickish and I apologize for that. I just appreciate someone, anyone who tries, even if it fails.

On a final note, I'd like to mention that the girls in the picture in the OP actually look like they are laughing at whoever is holding the PSP. In short, this advert doesn't make me angry, but instead dismayed at how horribly done it is.

What's stopping you from doing it better then?

It could have something to do with the fact that I don't work for Sony's marketing department. But I see that you were trying to make a point there, although I'm damned if I know what it was. I may not be able to create a good advert, but it's not hard to identify a bad one. When someone leaves a cinema and says "that film was horrible", do you immediately ask if they have a degree in cinematography, and declare they can't form an opinion if they don't? I can tell what's a bad idea without having to be able to make a good one.

Well you don't have to work for someone to have ideas. Take a shot. I agree the DS is in a better position to appeal to this group, but we're not talking about them. But like I said before, Sony inked a deal with Disney, they're gonna capitalize on it as hard as they can.


- Okay it's obvious here that we are just not gonna agree on this. I don't think they did as terrible a job at this then you do, and that fine. Even if Sony's effort is 'off-putting' or annoying or whatever, can you at least admit that they're trying to reach outside the usual bounds of gamers? And that that should be noted as a positive? If not then thats another thing we disagree on and I think its time we let it go. Maybe in a few months time market research will come out and we can see if this gamble worked for them. If not then tack another mark on Sony's marketing score (what is it like 20-150 now or something?) Until that time, how about that hug?