Lack of Advertising Thoughts

[AngloAmerican]

Hey Guys n Gals

Im sat here like most of you are wondering what the hell is up with Sony and this release, and something came to mind.

Im wondering if whether the reason we actually dont have any Ads for the game, this close to release, is infact down to the simple fact that they believe they really dont need to advertise the game that much.

I mean, do you really think they need to spend millions on advertising, when we all know the game will, or can pretty much sell itself?.

If that may be the case, then please Sony/PD just give us a release date and be done with it. We know, and you know, that the game is going to sell bucket loads regardless. So whats with the witholding of the date/s we all want?. Are there some serious issues we all dont know about or something?.

As things stand (my views) they are most likely happy and content knowing that whenever the game is released, it will bring in a tidy little sum. On the flip side to that is us. The ones who make all this possible by going out and buying the games. We are all sad and irritated with the crap thats going on. And all that would go away with the single announcement of a release date.

So please god, give us what we want............a release date. Is it really too much to ask from Sony/PD?. We make you guys happy by spending the money on your products, so how about making US happy now.

Sorry for the rant/vent but this is just all so annoying and fustrating.

AA

 

[xNEVER-ONEx]

Well, in a way, this game has been one of the most advertised game ever. How many games do you know that get regularly show up at major shows like various auto shows, SEMA, have launch parties, have specific events like the ones in NYC.

 

[AngloAmerican]

Well, in a way, this game has been one of the most advertised game ever. How many games do you know that get regularly show up at major shows like various auto shows, SEMA, have launch parties, have specific events like the ones in NYC.

Well yeah, but this close to a release?. Most companys bombard the magazines and TV with ads, yet i havnt seen much from this game.

AA

 

[Mubble]

It's quite simple.

It's the most anticipated release on the PS3 platform so at present and Sony have no reservations regarding initial interest in the title.

However, come a fortnight before Christmas you will possibly see some mild TV and magazine advertising as a means to re-jig people's memories that the title is out there to buy.

Then come the new year when the hype has passed, their marketing will step up a gear again to renew interest and try to attract non-GT consumers.

 

[AngloAmerican]

It's quite simple.

It's the most anticipated release on the PS3 platform so at present and Sony have no reservations regarding initial interest in the title.

However, come a fortnight before Christmas you will possibly see some mild TV and magazine advertising as a means to re-jig people's memories that the title is out there to buy.

Then come the new year when the hype has passed, their marketing will step up a gear again to renew interest and try to attract non-GT consumers.

Im just thinking that the release is imminent. Well within a month anyway. If thats not the case, then i shall have to wait like everyone else, and see what happens regards the advertising. Hey some people collect that kind of thing you know?.

Btw i REALLY hope its this side of christmas.

AA

 

[cygnus_zero]

There is no good reason not to advertise. Whether they think the game needs it or not, the truth is all it can do is help. Not everyone is like us scouring the web for information. There are a lot of moms and pops out there shopping for their kids, and without advertising they arent even aware of this game at all.

If I had to guess, there is no advertising because they were unsure of when the game would actually be out. Ill bet they have commercials and whatnot all ready to go, but wont pull the trigger on them until they know for sure the day the game will come out, this way all those commercials can be updated, or completed.

 

[AngloAmerican]

There is no good reason not to advertise. Whether they think the game needs it or not, the truth is all it can do is help. Not everyone is like us scouring the web for information. There are a lot of moms and pops out there shopping for their kids, and without advertising they arent even aware of this game at all.

If I had to guess, there is no advertising because they were unsure of when the game would actually be out. Ill bet they have commercials and whatnot all ready to go, but wont pull the trigger on them until they know for sure the day the game will come out, this way all those commercials can be updated, or completed.

It would be nice if they kept us somewhat informed as to whats going on with the delayed release though.

I know i know, i/we are just customers to them. But man, what a way to destroy your customer base.

Keeping everything hush hush until the very last minute. Arent they aware that we have waited looooong enough.

Some consideration for the customers wouldnt go amiss right now.

AA

 

[pumaATTACK]

its simply...

They are working out air times for TV spots and until they get a firm campaign, they will not have any commericials or ads and no release date.

They are not going to release GT5 without any US National TV air time, this is SONY

 

[AngloAmerican]

its simply...

They are working out air times for TV spots and until they get a firm campaign, they will not have any commericials or ads and no release date.

They are not going to release GT5 without any US National TV air time, this is SONY

I guess time will tell.

AA

 

[Pedal-Force]

Advertising isn't for us. We're all buying the game no matter what.

The advertising is for the much larger portion of gamers who are casual. Many potential buyers probably have no clue the game is about to release. They've probably heard of the series if they've been gaming for long at all, but probably aren't following it like we are.

The advertising is still very important to get people like that.

 

[pumaATTACK]

I guess time will tell.

AA

I expect a release date announcement to coincide with a national TV campaign with the new date as well...

Official press release will include the release date and the terms of the advertising campaign... TV Spots, channels, impressions, etc.

That is how marketing works.

 

[alexleighton]

My guess is that they'll do a media blitz in the weeks leading up to x-mas, when the casual crowd will be out buying for little Timmy.

It is as been said: Their hardcore fanbase already knows about it, and that's who they're going to be catering to on release day. Once the fans have all the copies they want, they'll move on to other people to try and keep moving stock.

There has been a fair bit of in store advertising though, usually just consisting of a picture of the cover with coming soon written above. Don't forget the in store demos as well, passers by seeing gameplay is as good an advertising tool as any.

 

[TheROADKRAKEN]

My guess is that they'll do a media blitz in the weeks leading up to x-mas, when the casual crowd will be out buying for little Timmy.

Hopefully little Timmy doesn't discover the online play function. Why is a hardcore driving simulator on little Timmy's Xmas list? Marketing. It's a moebius strip, folks!

BTW, ever wonder why Coca-Cola is constantly advertised everywhere? Because people aren't aware of it?

 

[Pedal-Force]

there will be some stuff to keep little Timmy out of our real races.

I hope. If not, I'll just yell at him on the headset until he cries.

 

[Tyger]

In the UK, if I remember rightly, they don't advertise weeks in advance of release, generally TV ads appeared when the game was on the shelves, which makes sense really. Even movie ads are seldom a week or two in advance of release. I think Sony have harvested enough pre-release hype online with this one, TV ads are for those a little less obsessive than us who will then perhaps go out and get the game/PS3 bundle for Christmas

 

[sleepy-z]

Maybe there waiting for the release and review scores to throw in the ads? I have seen game commercials with the 10 out of 10 review score in them and then they add in stores now. The casual gamer would be more interest in a high scoring game if there not too into racing games. Just my thoughts in defense of no ads.

 

[Wiegert]

In the UK, if I remember rightly, they don't advertise weeks in advance of release, generally TV ads appeared when the game was on the shelves, which makes sense really.

That's usually the case, but there are some exeptions, like the fact that there was an advert for Black Ops that was shown about four weeks prior to release day in the UK. In GT5's case though, an advert would probably be shown a few days before it's released.

 

[TheROADKRAKEN]

Dear Sony,

Please do not buy ads for GT5 on these media outlets: Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel, Cartoon Network etc.

Instead, focus on print ads in magazines such as Car & Driver, Road & Track, Motor Trend etc.

Sincerely,

Concerned in Cali

 

[cicohipe]

In the UK, if I remember rightly, they don't advertise weeks in advance of release, generally TV ads appeared when the game was on the shelves, which makes sense really. Even movie ads are seldom a week or two in advance of release. I think Sony have harvested enough pre-release hype online with this one, TV ads are for those a little less obsessive than us who will then perhaps go out and get the game/PS3 bundle for Christmas

Yup, same here in aus, they never advertise games until they are actually out on shelves. Movies they will advertise 1 week before release, so i would say they could do the same with games, but game ads aren't anywhere near as common or as big budget as movies here.

 

[YellowG1]

Advertising isn't for us. We're all buying the game no matter what.

The advertising is for the much larger portion of gamers who are casual. Many potential buyers probably have no clue the game is about to release. They've probably heard of the series if they've been gaming for long at all, but probably aren't following it like we are.

The advertising is still very important to get people like that.

this is correct. Not everyone and not even a majority of GT5 buyers are die-hard followers. Even if everyone knew of GT5... it still needs advertising to boost sales. COD has a massive cult-ish following and it still has commercials with Kobe and whatnot. I mean, I still see ads for Coke and McDonald's and everyone knows who they are...

I also don't buy that Sony is engaging in some kind of viral marketing with video leaks and whatnot.

 

[NINE_HUNDRED]

I rarely see game adverts on TV (in England) anymore, I saw one Black Ops trailer the night it was released and that was it. Though, Assassins Creed trailers seems to be on all the time..

I don't think we'll see much untill a few days before release. I'm not really worried, I know the games coming and that's all that matters 👍

 

[iAMgt5]

I personally don't watch much TV so I'll miss the whole campaign even if Sony unleashes it. With DVR, I forward right through all the commercials anyway

But why are they not advertising? I don't know... They're being so damn secretive about even a release date, so anyone's guess is good as anyone else's.

Look at a company like McDonald's. Do they need to advertise, EVER? Hell no. Do they? We all know how much they do, in all languages, on all channels, and via all means. I'm sure general awareness of McDonald's is a lot greater than that of Gran Turismo, but you don't see Ronald sitting down and staying mum.

Maybe if Sony takes a hint from Mcdonald's they'd reap in helluva greater profits from this gem of theirs.

 

[Jason_Hall]

You got to remember that fans of GT5 have also been making there own adverts / montarges for GT5. So why spend money when you got so many people who are fans.

Also if they did advertise it on TV and they did not make the date avertised it would be classed as false advertisement.

Sorry if this post does not make sense been up now for 24hr.
All you got to do is see how many people are on here every day.

 

[guitar421]

They are heavily advertising right now it's just in the form of the viral videos we are seeing that are supposedly from leaked copies that Sony then requests to be taken down after half a day before releasing the next one.

 

[Rey-FD]

I'm a Melbourne resident, I haven't seen any television advertisements or any presence at any car events, but I have seen averaged sized posters at the local EB games, nothing too fancy though, probably A3 size at most.

 

[reece22345]

You got to remember that fans of GT5 have also been making there own adverts / montarges for GT5. So why spend money when you got so many people who are fans.

The 10 people who make montages are not a valid representation of the millions of people Sony will be marketing towards. They are hardcore fans who will buy the game irrespective. There's still a large demographic Sony needs to get their fingers into.

Also if they did advertise it on TV and they did not make the date avertised it would be classed as false advertisement.

I'm fairly confident (though perhaps I'm wrong), that a marketing company from a company like Sony, wouldn't spend huge $$$ on marketing a release date in the mainstream media, on tv and such, unless they were 100% sure of the date.

 

[BrutherSuperior]

Im sat here like most of you are wondering what the hell is up with Sony and this release, and something came to mind.

Im wondering if whether the reason we actually dont have any Ads for the game, this close to release, is infact down to the simple fact that they believe they really dont need to advertise the game that much.

I mean, do you really think they need to spend millions on advertising, when we all know the game will, or can pretty much sell itself?.

Stop thinking like a human and start thinking like something a bit lower on the food chain...a bureaucrat.

Sony is a huge company where tasks such as advertising, PR, marketing, etc are handled by both outside contractors, consultants, and committees within the company. Tasks & responsibilities are delegated out...but more importantly, so are the budgets.

There's ZERO chance that the advertising budget for GT5 was not fought over. Even more interesting will be how the numerous delays and missteps by PD caused lots of hair to be pulled out.

There's no reason to believe that GT5 will sell like the old copies did. People forgot & outgrew the game. Even more damning, there are now products that can, and have, substituted GT5. NFS, Forza, Grid, the list goes on. Lots of new products out there in the genre where GT was pretty much a monopoly. So ya, you'd want to get the word out about this game and do so in a way to reach casual gamers, people who forgot about GT5, and those who do not follow game websites/rags/blogs. Common folk if you will.

Now, why is there no advertising?

Best guess; Kaz really cocked something up and the budget was frozen or pissed away at car shows/races instead of educating a broader base of consumers. My mother asked me to buy her a Kinect for Xmas - she's an AARP member. That's the power of advertising. Nerds like us chatting up a storm on a video game website is a small % of potential users. Fans really don't mean much, only the almighty dollar and consumer awareness. We're aware - but who else is?

The worst possible thing with all of this is that the game isn't very good. Lay low, sell a few copies here & there, restructure PD, and release a GT6 within 18mo or so. There most certainly were targets set long ago and it's obvious that some were not met (premium/std cars is an example). Depending on what other targets or screw ups happened behind the scenes, the big wigs at Sony may have frozen their advertising budgets. Squeeze PD into releasing something, anything, instead of another damn delay.

If that's true, possible...probable(?), then heads will roll and we'll see a new GT much sooner than we think or the franchise will disappear.

Not sure how they do things at PD, but Sony is run just like any other huge corporation with shareholders.

Best case scenario; general incompetence by Sony's marketing team (highly probable) mixed with a few delays by PD means a bunch of people in ill-tailored suits running around like headless chickens. Expect a blitz AFTER Christmas in magazines & TV while pre Christmas advertising will be a combo of in-store showcases and mailers.

That's my best guess anyway.

 

[Lillee]

I don't understand why Sony acts like the game does not exist? I mean the latest news on the PD website is dated sometime in October, playstation blog hasn't mentioned "the game that shall not be named" for weeks, nothing on Sony website suggests that we are 2 weeks away from the launch of a game 6 or whatever years in the making. In fact the only sure thing we have is what Kaz said at SEMA.

Wouldn't it make sense to have some media coverage now to say to the average Joe "Hey look at what's coming, hold off pre-ordering NFS or buying Black Ops or whatever and save some money for this title coming out in [INSERT DATE]."?

Surely they stand to lose more sales by being silent? The average Joe is not pressing F5 on GTP every five minutes like most of us are...

 

[wills2084]

They are heavily advertising right now it's just in the form of the viral videos we are seeing that are supposedly from leaked copies that Sony then requests to be taken down after half a day before releasing the next one.

Highly doubt Sony has anything to do with the leaked videos. Do you really think the first one they post would be some guy flipping us off? Also, whenever companies try to do the viral marketing thing you can always tell it's fake hype... Like infomercials for instance.

 

[wills2084]

One more thing about advertising... SCEA's budget for video games advertising is 99.9999% focused on the Move this holiday season.