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The value of branded consumer technology in video games

Brands are embracing gaming as a marketing tool to build customer loyalty and rapport.

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The gaming platforms provide brands with the opportunity to create targeted and immersive brand experiences.

There are games that include specific pieces of consumer tech that will make us wonder what kind of world we are playing in. Branded consumer tech in video games don’t always mix well as shown below.

BRANDED CONSUMER TECH IN VIDEO GAMES

Sony Walkman Cassette Player: Metal Gear Solid series

The Walkman is an item featured in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker despite the game being set in late 1974. In reality the prototype was developed by Sony in 1978, and first sold in Japan in 1979.

In the game Solid Snake communicates with his superiors using a Codec receiver, a discreet device which directly manipulates the small bones of the ear by using Nanotechnology.

Nintendo Switch: Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze

The Nintendo Switch is a fabulous console. It’s hard to argue that its Joy Con controllers are best suited to smaller hands when they are detached from the console. You could probably imagine a chimpanzee using a single Joy Con without much trouble but not a tie-wearing ape.

Energizer batteries: Alan Wake

Remedy Entertainment teamed up with Energizer to hopefully promote their products and make the game seem more realistic. The batteries and flashlights used in the game are Energizer branded.

In a world where darkness can only be defeated by light, batteries suddenly become a precious resource. Only the best will do for Mr Alan Wake who exclusively uses Energizer batteries to power his flashlight.

Robotic Operating Buddy (R.O.B.): Super Smash Bros Series

Robotic Operating Buddy (R.O.B.) was a novel idea from Nintendo. The toy was compatible with a couple of NES games but was originally designed to make the NES appear more sophisticated to buyers who were weary of video games after the infamous video game crash of 1983.

Sony Xperia Z5: Uncharted 4

Sony takes products from one arm of the company and puts them into movies. Hotel Transylvania 2 and Skyfall both have either suggested or literal Sony phones. A PS4 also appears in the movie Chappie.

Characters in Uncharted 4 were sporting the Sony Xperia Z5. Screenshots and gameplay footage shows you can take a selfie over your victims.

AlienWare Desktop: Sims 2

Many items in the Sims 2 are comical knock offs of real world products. This also extends to the AlienWare desktop where Electronic Arts (EA) planted one of the top off the shelf gaming computers in the world. Its humorous “Everything But The Saucer” description even pokes fun at the cost of the rig.

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