Sony plays dirty with Destiny in the UK, thoughts?

[carnex]

I

So, thoughts?

I'm assuming the deal was for TV advertising only? 'Cause if not Sony need their money back. I live in the UK and my Xbox Homescreen has been swarming with Destiny ads and vids for months now.

I think both parties hope that Destiny is actually going to significantly move hardware. That would make those adverts on XBOX actually useless. Maybe if they were on XBoX360 and they were angled towards pushing XBONE but that would feel like rubbing it into customers nose...

 

[Grouchy Imp_v1legacy]

I

So, thoughts?

I'm assuming the deal was for TV advertising only? 'Cause if not Sony need their money back. I live in the UK and my Xbox Homescreen has been swarming with Destiny ads and vids for months now.

I think both parties hope that Destiny is actually going to significantly move hardware. That would make those adverts on XBOX actually useless. Maybe if they were on XBoX360 and they were angled towards pushing XBONE but that would feel like rubbing it into customers nose...

Sorry, I should have mentioned it was my 360 Homescreen.I keep forgetting that 'Xbox' is now being used to mean just the One, rather than the whole line of Xbox consoles. But yeah, shitloads of Destiny advertising all over the 360 main page. In the last month three of my friends have bought Xbox One consoles for Destiny alone, so however much Sony gave Microsoft it clearly wasn't enough.

 

[Daft Ada]

This happens a lot in the UK, and not just in the gaming industry. Nearly every gaming ad that springs on TV will end with a shot of the game box, and, usually, one of the console manufacturers' logo and/or the console itself. EA's games usually have Xbox at the end, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed ads have Sony at the end, for example. Third parties ask the console manufacturers to share marketing costs and in return manufacturers will get their version either at the forefront of the ad (when they show box arts for example), or the logo at the end. It's not an underhand move, or corrupt or anything like that. Sony and Microsoft are trying to push their console to the masses and this is a legitimate and pretty normal way of doing so. Nintendo have rarely supported third-party ad campaigns (something Yves Guilemot noted with Zombi U) and it's not done them any favours.

Big retailers like Game, Tesco, Woolworths (when they were around)also get in on the act and co-promote, with their own logo or branding in the ads.

As I said, it happens in a lot of industries. How many movies have been financed with the help of product placement and exclusivity. If Coca Cola pays to get its brand in a movie somewhere, you won't see a sniff of Pepsi anywhere - no different to Sony and Microsoft. I work for a Pharmaceutical company and this industry works in a similar way. Our over-the-counter stuff is usually co-promoted too. Boots (massive pharmacy chain in the UK) will co-promote in return for bigger shelf space. Again, not dissimilar to Sony and Microsoft co-promoting games.

The only difference is Microsoft have made a point of saying they can't advertise the game. It's a clever marketing move actually because it makes people talk about the Xbox brand.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

Snip

Well erm...

Snip

Ok, I'll let that happen.

I would like to update a thought then. If Sony advertises Destiny by just mentioning the PlayStation consoles, well I don't like it (same with last year when a lot of the adverts I saw were BF4 for Xbox One!!!!). It could be forgiven if during the obligatory game cover ending to the adverts it showed all the versions (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC).

Again, I have seen a TON of Destiny advertisements here in the states, and a majority of them end with the Playstation logo. But I have also seen advertisements that listed all consoles. Also, admittedly, I usually see Xbox after COD adverts, as well. Either case, all well and good, so long as neither party has paid the publisher in any of these cases to not allow the other to make advertisements for a game that will also be on their console. That is my whole tiff, and honestly, I wouldnt be happy to hear if Microsoft did it, either. There are lines I feel shouldnt be crossed, and this is one of them.

Let me add that if Microsoft is NOT guilty of this as of yet, I have a strong feeling that they will fire back and pull a similar stunt. Again, if that was true, I wouldnt blame them, but its still a disgusting practice. I feel that this could open up a whole new level of bullshittery between the two companies, and just like the case with the timed exclusive garbage both companies are doing, we the consumer are the true casualties.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

Snip

Whilst it's not explicit (mainly because Sony didn't act like a child over it) remember we are talking about the UK here, and as a Brit I can tell you that every single advert I've seen for Call of Duty on TV, websites and more has shown it to be an Xbox exclusive, with the Xbox logo appearing at the end and nothing else. It's obvious and even if you don't fully believe it, in the UK Microsoft has a monopoly when it comes to advertising CoD.

But again, that doesnt matter, IF Microsoft didnt pay to not allow Sony to do the same. There is a huge difference between what I am proving to exist, and what you are talking about. If you can show me that Microsoft has paid to not allow Sony to advertise COD, then you will have me fully on your side in agreement. If that were true, then this would be karma biting Microsoft squarely in the ass, and even though I am an xbox fan, I would still feel they would deserve it. But I cannot find anywhere, nor so far has anyone been able to show me proof that this has occured. I have also stated that most of your Destiny adverts here in the states show the Playstation logo at the end of it. In EITHER case, there is a huge difference as to whether or not a company CHOOSES to spend more to make adverts for it, or is blocked via money from their rival. Apples and Oranges, man....

 

[Revolutionary]

I don't get what the supposed big deal is, I thought the whole thing was kind of funny.

 

[NiPah]

Hell this seems like more of a benifit to me as a gamer, I hope all companies start spending money to make advertisements exclusive. It beats the hell out of buying out exclusivity, puts some extra cash in to the games, and doesn't hurt me as a gamer.
If you're using commercials to be informed on games then you are already getting misinformation (aliens) so less of them would be nice.

 

[Guerilla]

Well, Microsoft has paid Square Enix to not let PS4 owners have Tomb Raider or EA to not have Titanfall either.

So boo hoo, Microsoft, this is the game you've chosen to play.

It's even worse though since they're whining about something that isn't even comparable to the shady shit they're doing with the exclusivities. Let's get this straight, Microsoft isn't creating exclusives with these deals, they're actually depriving the competition from a multiplatform game.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

Ok, while I am fully aware of the already over-discussed timed exclusivity of the next Tomb Raider, and such, I came across this last friday and find this to be MUCH worse.


Sorry, I am not quite sure on how to put the actual video up in my post, so I apologize for that ahead of time.

Fixed that for you. It's [ youtube= video code (the stuff after the v= in the url, minus any additions about playlists or time and such)]

On Topic: Corporations doing possibly unethical things? Oh no! In a similar vein, I think I found a bear turd in the local woods this morning.

Thank you, for that.

And I know, I know... but my whole point is that, at least to my knowledge, this is a new low. Which will spur further lows, etc. If Sony and Microsoft keep throwing wrenches into the engines, so to speak, its going to eventually break. None of us want that, do we? Am I really the only one seeing the bigger picture here?

 

[Riff Moonraker]

Thats the point, though. I do not believe that Microsoft has paid anyone to not allow Sony to advertise the game. It doensnt make it so, just because you havent seen it, remember. I have also seen people comment that they HAVE seen Sony adverts for COD, so unless someone can point out to me that it has actually occurred, then Microsoft cannot be accused of doing the same thing.

Here is where you should be very careful, indulging in these matters is not advised.
As said by others countless games here in Great Britain (and other places I'd imagine) have adds that solely mention the Xbox version. The call of duties are one, I recall Resident Evil 5 being another, and there are many more.

It ultimately means little as most people will check the game out on the internet anyway and it'll be clear as day what its available on. Its I suppose that whole cigarette marketing deal (irrelevant now for the most part) I suppose where its not really an effective thing to do, but you can't surrender the field to your competitors and allow them free reign.

Who should be careful? Are you referring to Sony, or Activision? Or me? If you mean me, then I do not follow what you are saying. Indulging in these matters is not advised? Explain further, please, because I am thinking you worded this wrong or something. It almost comes off sounding like a threat towards me, which I am pretty sure wasnt the intention.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

So, thoughts?

I'm assuming the deal was for TV advertising only? 'Cause if not Sony need their money back. I live in the UK and my Xbox Homescreen has been swarming with Destiny ads and vids for months now.

No, homescreen doesnt count, as either company can freely promote how they pretty much please, there. This would be adverts outside of their own console space, so yes.. TV and possibly magazine ads?

 

[Riff Moonraker]

OK, that's kind of desperate from Microsoft. And an exclusive adverting deal doesn't hurt gamers at all unlike the exclusive deals Microsoft makes because they rarely focus on making their own first party games. Those deals actually hurt gamers because they deprive them of a game. Instead of contributing to the gaming industry Microsoft seems to just limit it, it's a real problem with them.

Desperate from Microsoft? Seriously?? You completely missed the point, then. We have all seen timed exclusives and such, which is already pretty garbage moves from BOTH companies, not just Microsoft... but for Sony to PAY Activision to tell Microsoft they cannot advertise for a game that is also going to be on their console, is desperation on Microsofts part? Um... the guilty party here is both Sony and Activision.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

OK, that's kind of desperate from Microsoft. And an exclusive adverting deal doesn't hurt gamers at all unlike the exclusive deals Microsoft makes because they rarely focus on making their own first party games. Those deals actually hurt gamers because they deprive them of a game. Instead of contributing to the gaming industry Microsoft seems to just limit it, it's a real problem with them.

Of course, Microsoft has never done anything except damage to the games industry. Sony is hardly a saint but its actually benefited gaming many times.

That is most certainly NOT true. I am not even going to waste my time posting examples of why this statement is wrong.

 

[Guerilla]

OK, that's kind of desperate from Microsoft. And an exclusive adverting deal doesn't hurt gamers at all unlike the exclusive deals Microsoft makes because they rarely focus on making their own first party games. Those deals actually hurt gamers because they deprive them of a game. Instead of contributing to the gaming industry Microsoft seems to just limit it, it's a real problem with them.

Desperate from Microsoft? Seriously?? You completely missed the point, then. We have all seen timed exclusives and such, which is already pretty garbage moves from BOTH companies, not just Microsoft... but for Sony to PAY Activision to tell Microsoft they cannot advertise for a game that is also going to be on their console, is desperation on Microsofts part? Um... the guilty party here is both Sony and Activision.

Microsoft makes such deals all the time. To play the victim here is hypocritical beyond imagination. Furthermore, like I said these deals don't hurt gamers like Microsoft's shady deals do.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

Well, Microsoft has paid Square Enix to not let PS4 owners have Tomb Raider or EA to not have Titanfall either.

So boo hoo, Microsoft, this is the game you've chosen to play.

Tomb Raider is TIMED... just like the PS4 extras on Destiny.. TIMED. DLC on COD is TIMED to Xbox owners, Battlefield DLC is TIMED to Sony owners, and it just goes on and on... and is completely DIFFERENT than what this is!!!!

 

[Verlander]

This is common practice. A distributor can purchase the rights to advertise their brand using a brand which they are selling - supermarkets do it all the time. The difference here is only that there is an exclusivity contract, which also isn't all that rare.

Ultimately, it means nothing for the people who already own a console. It's simply a glorified PS4 advert, using Destiny as a selling point. I'm not sure how this is a problem?

 

[Aerosteam]

Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen any advertisement of Destiny showing it's coming to a platform other than a Sony one. I wonder how much money they gave Activision...

(...)Sorry, I am not quite sure on how to put the actual video up in my post, so I apologize for that ahead of time.(...)

Here's the relevant code (remove the asterisk). Basically, you only want the gibberish that's right after the first "=" symbol, minus all the other stuff after the "&":

[*youtube=tN2gdO1bbj8]

That way, you get the video but not the playlist stuff. Further useful codes are in the thread linked below (DO YOU LOVE ME NOW, AEROSTEAM?! D.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.850242-The-Escapist-Users-Guide-to-Posting-Commands-and-How-to-do-Fancy-Code-Stuff

YES. YOUR SENPAI HAS NOTICED YOU.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

Meh.

Not sure how this is an issue. So they can't advertise - so what?
The game is still on the machine and those interested will still purchase it.
Meanwhile, most multiplatform ads only show an Xbox logo at the end, here in Canada.

I shrug my shoulders at a non-issue.

If Microsoft had an agreement with Activision that Sony couldn't advertise Destiny I'm pretty sure the entire of this website would be absolutely up in arms about it, it's one of those partisan Escapist issues, Marvel > DC every time, Sony > Microsoft every time and many other cases.

You know, sadly I think you are right. I am an Xbox fan, and if Microsoft actually did that, it wouldnt sit well with me. I have asked for someone to provide proof that Microsoft has paid to not allow Sony to advertise COD, but no one has done it, and I dont think that situation exists. I really think this is a first. The beginning of uglier things to come, but NOW if Microsoft DOES do it and they get bonkers around here, I will simply point back to this thread.

I know all about the Xbox One hatred around here, the console wars, etc. But I honestly thought that this situation wouldnt be accepted by ANY of us gamers, because in my opinion its the most vile move yet by either company. Apparently, I was mistaken. People keep making posts that show me that at least some dont get it, and some dont care. I am done trying to explain how this is a bad thing for all of us, because I guess some are just seeing this as an Xbox fanboy bitching because HIS company didnt do this first, or something, I dont know.

Bottom line is this.. take it how you will.

If you see COD ads, and you usually see Xbox at the end of it... that is NOT the same thing, not even REMOTELY the same thing, IF (again, if someone could prove me wrong here, I would agree and say Microsoft started this), and I say again, IF Microsoft DID NOT PAY to block Sony from advertising the game. This argument is invalid unless someone can prove this happened. It is not the same thing.

Fine, then, I get it... folks dont care. My bad for pointing out a rotten fish. Thanks to the few posters that at least seemed up for discussing it.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

OK, that's kind of desperate from Microsoft. And an exclusive adverting deal doesn't hurt gamers at all unlike the exclusive deals Microsoft makes because they rarely focus on making their own first party games. Those deals actually hurt gamers because they deprive them of a game. Instead of contributing to the gaming industry Microsoft seems to just limit it, it's a real problem with them.

Desperate from Microsoft? Seriously?? You completely missed the point, then. We have all seen timed exclusives and such, which is already pretty garbage moves from BOTH companies, not just Microsoft... but for Sony to PAY Activision to tell Microsoft they cannot advertise for a game that is also going to be on their console, is desperation on Microsofts part? Um... the guilty party here is both Sony and Activision.

Microsoft makes such deals all the time. To play the victim here is hypocritical beyond imagination. Furthermore, like I said these deals don't hurt gamers like Microsoft's shady deals do.

I was pretty much going to give up on posting to this whole thread anymore, but I have to call you out on this. If you want to say that Microsoft makes deals like this all the time, IE paying publishers to NOT ALLOW SONY TO ADVERTISE A GAME coming out on their console as well... show me. Show me proof, and I will agree with you. I keep up with the gaming industry and world fairly well, and I have never seen any proof showing this before. I have provided proof that Sony has done it with Destiny, now its your turn, or your argument is invalid.

 

[Riff Moonraker]

Well, Microsoft has paid Square Enix to not let PS4 owners have Tomb Raider or EA to not have Titanfall either.

So boo hoo, Microsoft, this is the game you've chosen to play.

It's even worse though since they're whining about something that isn't even comparable to the shady shit they're doing with the exclusivities. Let's get this straight, Microsoft isn't creating exclusives with these deals, they're actually depriving the competition from a multiplatform game.

I know, right? And Sony, bless their hearts, are definitely NOT doing anything with timed exclusives. Nothing at all.