The Marketing Stage

[TheMinority]

Well it might be a bit to early for this thread (Mods delete it of so). And to be honest, I expect this thread to be at the bottom of the PCARS area on these forums, and I don't expect this thread to pick up for a few months. But here we go...

At the moment in my honest opinion, Project CARS is a sleeping giant, not too many people in the racing community know about it, and from what it seems Slightly Mad Studios hasn't started the Marketing aspect of the game yet, and probably wont heavily until sometime around September/October (my speculation). Because at the moment the we've only seen 2 official media posts (2 official trailers).

Most recently Empty Box released a video Featuring PCARS with the discussion of Hype. The "hype" surrounding this game right now isn't the loudest. But I want your opinion on this...

Do you think PCARS will get hyped up? If so, How and on what level do you expect it to be on the Forza or GT level? or something along the line of the Assetto Corsa level? In my opinion (as I've said in another thread) I think that "IGN First" would be a great place to start. But quite honestly, I think its all in the frequency of how often PCARS is advertised... What do you think?

But the grand question is, if SMS were reading this thread and the responses, all tough they most likely have their own plan on marketing strategy, what would your advice be to them on how they should market and display their game (PCARS)?


OP's Note: Yeah this thread is relativity pointless, but I'd figure it's still worthy enough to have its own topic. Anyway, tell me what you think in the reply box below, and thanks for reading!

 

[Spitfire77]

They were at E3 that is kinda huge right? If I were them I would go to car shows and racing events and set up booths, or maybe even at those indoor karting tracks. As I figure PCARS to be more for racers then even the likes of GT6 and Forza as they have the following started from already being on consoles.


Edit - and as for Hype.. all I know about racing games in on the interwebs and it seems pretty hyped up in that sense, but friends of mine who know about Gran Turismo and Forza and Need for Speed have never heard of it but they never took the step up to getting a racing wheel.

 

[DG_Silva]

There is a marketing strategy in place, it will be kicking into action soon.

 

[GuerillaBlack]

I did know of the UN-official one.

There is a official one

 

[Johnnypenso]

They just have to play to their strengths and let the chips fall where they may. Beautiful next-gen graphics, enhanced physics model, focus on racing for all skill levels from novice to sim pilot, huge track selection etc. etc. etc. I'd throw something special in there for controller users in the form of an extended Youtube promo. Maybe invite a few DS3/4 driving specialists to demo a few cars and give their personal feedback on how the game plays with a controller. Throw on a few aids and let some more novice pilots take the wheel.

 

[Sele1981]

Bringing this game to ps4/xone was the best marketing they could do. With a big lack of racing games on the next gen consoles, especially on ps4, this game will get very hyped and I think they don't even need to advertise for it.

Just look at ea, they made huge money with their crappy/buggy games on the next gen consoles because there was no alternative.

And so does sms now because there is no alternative like gt on the ps4. I don't count drive club in because it is no sim and no real racing game on real circuits.

 

[VBR]

My advice? Be honest. No wild marketing claims, no exaggerations, no photoshopped images, no pre-rendered trailers, no spectacular slogans; just the pure truth.


👍

 

[fatkrakr]

My advice? Be honest. No wild marketing claims, no exaggerations, no photoshopped images, no pre-rendered trailers, no spectacular slogans; just the pure truth.


👍

Now your just talking crazy. That will never work.

 

[Jump_Ace]

Anyone remember the FuBu crze in the late 90's/early 2000's? If not, it means 'For Us, By Us' ('Us', referring to predominately Black males). If it's legally possible, I'd make 'For Us, By Us' the lead slogan. It brings the point home about how developers got feedback from early members and the process of refining the game.

Once the audience has been exposed to that idea, features like career mode, car and track detail carry more weight and substance. While at the same time implant the idea that the game has been thoroughly tested and will be flawless.

The one thing that GT had going in the early years, was it's claim to authenticity and cutting edge physics. Something that Sony execs have since tossed aside (introducing SRF) to bring in a wider sales base. PCars can promise and deliver that authenticity, fill in that missing void (without over-paying for iRacing) and win over hardcore sim drivers.

I would also draw a comparison in an advertisement once the game is released, stating something like no expensive monthly subscription, just a one time purchase price (plus DLC content) and just one set of physics; true to life physics. I would shape it in a way that would appear to scare off new/beginner drivers for two reasons. A) (Most importantly) it will fire up your hardcore fan base, just like they try and do in politics and B) If presented properly, new drivers would take it as a challenge and think, 'oh you think I can't drive? I'll show you!' and they will buy the game too. To drive that second point home, here's a quote from Jay Leno (I may be paraphrasing a bit). "All men think they are good at two things, sex and driving cars." He's got that right!

That's what the BA in Business Marketing person in me would do. 👍


Jerome

 

[FLX1981]

There already is a tagline created at WMD: "By racers, for racers"

 

[Spitfire77]

Bringing this game to ps4/xone was the best marketing they could do. With a big lack of racing games on the next gen consoles, especially on ps4, this game will get very hyped and I think they don't even need to advertise for it.

Just look at ea, they made huge money with their crappy/buggy games on the next gen consoles because there was no alternative.

And so does sms now because there is no alternative like gt on the ps4. I don't count drive club in because it is no sim and no real racing game on real circuits.

True 👍- I used to be a PC gamer but left it behind years ago.. have not even bought a ps4 and still only play racing games on ps3. Games like PCARS are what I am waiting for to get a ps4. I just don't have the desire to build and maintain a pc for gaming anymore, nor do I want to make space for it (love my MAC mini for photo editing). Having the small plug & play console under the TV, with a fold up wheel stand, and fold up chair, is the way to go for me.. More importantly it is wife approved. Often I only get a few hours a week to play and that is at 5:45am-7am before work... I just ain't got time for that!

I was hoping for so long something better would come to consoles.. I almost bought an Xbone for the latest Forza, but then awesome news came that PCARS was going to PS4. Once it does and if the launch is smooth.. I will be upgrading from my tired DFGT, ps3, and DIY wheel stand to a Thrustmaster wheel, ps4, better wheel stand (maybe a WSP) and PCARS.

 

[Jump_Ace]

There already is a tagline created at WMD: "By racers, for racers"

Good for them to choose wisely


Jerome

 

[Myles Prower]

This guy likes it
http://www.psu.com/a023992/Project-...-realistic-driving-sim-on-the-grid?page=2Well

 

[Willfred_1]

So far almost all the trailers are fan made max PC settings which look amazing. But the danger is graphics draw the wrong crowd. We saw what happened with watchdogs with people being drawn in then having unrealistic expectations.

The games good but empty box was right the games doesn't bring much new to the games genre. however it has gone about it a different way. By focusing on quality not quantity. My hope is people understand that

 

[Myles Prower]

The games good but empty box was right the games doesn't bring much new to the games genre

It brings sim racing to consoles, thats pretty big

 

[Brend]

The difference was that W_D was a blantant lie at it's unveil. PCARS hasn't pretended to be something it isn't yet.

So far almost all the trailers are fan made max PC settings which look amazing. But the danger is graphics draw the wrong crowd. We saw what happened with watchdogs with people being drawn in then having unrealistic expectations.

The games good but empty box was right the games doesn't bring much new to the games genre. however it has gone about it a different way. By focusing on quality not quantity. My hope is people understand that

 

[marky5244]

Personally I think Project CARS is going to be a Gran Turismo killer. At least for me, Project CARS is what I want Gran Turismo to be.

 

[ClydeYellow]

Do not expect a massive campaign promoting the game. pCARS is not a game that appeals to the mass; promoting it as such would only lead to failure.

here's a quote from Jay Leno (I may be paraphrasing a bit). "All men think they are good at two things, sex and driving cars."

That's from Stirling Moss, actually. "There are two things no man will admit he cannot do well: drive and make love".

 

[mister dog]

Do not expect a massive campaign promoting the game. pCARS is not a game that appeals to the mass; promoting it as such would only lead to failure.

I don't think a short ad on the telly would hurt. Everyone would like a nice car/race game for his PS4 so don't underestimate the extra sales this would generate, especially seeing xmas will be not that far away and the console itself will sell more also.

 

[ClydeYellow]

I don't think a short ad on the telly would hurt. Everyone would like a nice car/race game for his PS4 so don't underestimate the extra sales this would generate, especially seeing xmas will be not that far away and the console itself will sell more also.

Sure; but keep in mind that pCARS isn't Need For Speed; it's a niche game that will attract a smaller crowd.

 

[mister dog]

Sure; but keep in mind that pCARS isn't Need For Speed; it's a niche game that will attract a smaller crowd.

Believe me, average Joe (or little Johnny) sees a exotic racecar driving into the sunset at 1080p followed by a mysterious "Project Carssss", and he will gladly pick it up for his next gen console

 

[ClydeYellow]

Believe me, average Joe (or little Johnny) sees a exotic racecar driving into the sunset at 1080p followed by a mysterious "Project Carssss", and he will gladly pick it up for his next gen console

He will also be disappointed by his inability to drive said exotic car in a straight line, and proceed to sell the game and provide plenty of negative reviews. And this may drive away investors that could consolidate what Slightly Mad built with crowdfunding.

I'm not saying the game wouldn't sell if advertised massively, I am just saying that trying to hit a market that is too broad may be detrimental for the game.

 

[Marqus]

What SMS really needs to do is express clearly what they want PCars intends to bring to the table multiple times in multiple places. Like what CM did with Grid Autosport. (thought some people STILL didn't get the memo.)

"By racers for racers" is a good tagline but even that my be a little too broad.

 

[Wolfe]

Gran Turismo proved that you can sell a racing game to people who aren't skilled enough to play it, as long as you offer eye candy and drill "realistic simulator" into everyone's heads. Realism becomes an excuse. The hard part is convincing everyone that you've gotten the handling right (regardless of how realistic it actually is), because no one has a clue.

 

[Johnnypenso]

As long as the available driving aids make the cars manageable for everyone including little Johnny, I don't see any problem advertising the game to everyone and anyone. Negative reviews are going to happen no matter what, some people are just looking for faults in order to express their inner troll. If the professional reviewers like the game I think it'll do just fine.

 

[Sele1981]

He will also be disappointed by his inability to drive said exotic car in a straight line, and proceed to sell the game and provide plenty of negative reviews. And this may drive away investors that could consolidate what Slightly Mad built with crowdfunding.

I'm not saying the game wouldn't sell if advertised massively, I am just saying that trying to hit a market that is too broad may be detrimental for the game.

You have seen that comic con video in arcade mode? He drives through corners like in burnout revenge. What is very disappointing for us sim fans. Read all the YouTube comments and I also share their opinions. No matter wich driving aids you turn on, it should be impossible in an so called sim to drive like an ahole through the course and win the race with kicking everybody out of the track.

 

[TheMinority]

Already posted on the Video thread, but heres the first video I've found talking about the game by a major Youtube gaming channel (Gamespot)

 

[Johnnypenso]

You have seen that comic con video in arcade mode? He drives through corners like in burnout revenge. What is very disappointing for us sim fans. Read all the YouTube comments and I also share their opinions. No matter wich driving aids you turn on, it should be impossible in an so called sim to drive like an ahole through the course and win the race with kicking everybody out of the track.

You can do this in any game with AI with the required settings, sim or no sim. I don't understand why anyone would be surprised by this. The "sim" part of the game is in the physics when the hand-holding is turned off and the AI are turned up to Villeneuve level. Not everyone is going to play this way.

 

[Sele1981]

You can do this in any game with AI with the required settings, sim or no sim. I don't understand why anyone would be surprised by this. The "sim" part of the game is in the physics when the hand-holding is turned off and the AI are turned up to Villeneuve level. Not everyone is going to play this way.

Just saying, judging that Comic-Con video I've seen, this game is for every arcade need for speed fan too when you turn aids on.

 

[mister dog]

He will also be disappointed by his inability to drive said exotic car in a straight line, and proceed to sell the game and provide plenty of negative reviews. And this may drive away investors that could consolidate what Slightly Mad built with crowdfunding.

I see my trusty rep already took care of the answer :

As long as the available driving aids make the cars manageable for everyone including little Johnny, I don't see any problem advertising the game to everyone and anyone. Negative reviews are going to happen no matter what, some people are just looking for faults in order to express their inner troll. If the professional reviewers like the game I think it'll do just fine.

Cheers Johnny.