It’s common to see companies use celebrities for product promotion. Video game publishers do it all of the time. Tecmo had Leah Dizon as the face for Ninja Gaiden Sigma in Japan. However, Microsoft is trying a slightly different tactic by using an internet celebrity to promote Ninja Gaiden II. Now on the US Xbox Live Marketplace are two free episodes of Ask A Ninja, “powered by Ninja Gaiden II”. Ninja Gaiden II advertising dollars are sponsoring seven concise episodes over the coming weeks.
Definitely a contrast compared to the brutal nature of Ninja Gaiden II and a unique take on advertising. Maybe this campaign isn’t that different for Microsoft. A few years ago Microsoft created a series of viral vlogs on YouTube starring Yunnie and a monster to promote Gears of War in Japan.
Images courtesy of Tecmo. Photo credit Spencer/Siliconera.
Published: May 15, 2008 06:29 am