2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

[Eddie1967]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

It doesn't really cost much of anything to take a handcam, take some raw gameplay footage and toss it up on youtube or a company owned site. If nothing else it appears 2k has finally caught up features wise, now weather or not that translates to actual gameplay remains to be seen. Its also very dependent on if the changes and fixes VC has made this year actually work as intended in the first place.

Keep in mind hype is also a big factor, EA clearly has the hype on their side more often than not regardless of quality. Getting info out early and in a steady stream is generally the best way to built said hype. Waiting 4 weeks before the game is on the shelf generally doesn't bode all that well at least on a build up factor. It also generally doesn't help when your marketing tag line is centered not only on the Wii but on casual pick up and play rather then a focus on an authentic true to life simulation.

Yes I realize we won't know what truly works until we play the game and even though the Wii has been a focus of 2k, the blogs have made it clear that "True simulation"(not exactly those words) is an option for those who want to play that way. I don't think any game has ever had been that customizable as this game sounds like it is, and I agree EA is the king of the hype, it's one of the reasons they have such a strong following IMHO.

[Flyermania]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

Yes I realize we won't know what truly works until we play the game and even though the Wii has been a focus of 2k, the blogs have made it clear that "True simulation"(not exactly those words) is an option for those who want to play that way. I don't think any game has ever had been that customizable as this game sounds like it is, and I agree EA is the king of the hype, it's one of the reasons they have such a strong following IMHO.

I think the recent blogs hyping the sim aspect is a clearly directed at hardcore hockey fans so that the "Is Party Now" arcade theme doesn't scare them away. As far as being the most customizable game ever, that will remain to be seen once the game is out. It certainly has potential, but 2k does have a history of their sliders having a placebo effect and not really altering the gameplay at all. If the sliders do work as the blogs say, then the game should be able to be customized to a wide variety of tastes.

EA's 2-3 month head start on marketing seems to have been pretty cost-efficient. Like Realm said, it doesn't cost much to do some handycam videos and throw them on YouTube. The big thing is to take advantage of the variety of social media sites and forums like this one. The only cost to that is the time spent doing it, but it goes a long way to creating some buzz for the game.

What I am really excited about with 2k10 is the return to the depth of the franchise mode. It sounds fantastic and I can't wait to test it out.

[Eddie1967]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

EA's 2-3 month head start on marketing seems to have been pretty cost-efficient. Like Realm said, it doesn't cost much to do some handycam videos and throw them on YouTube. The big thing is to take advantage of the variety of social media sites and forums like this one. The only cost to that is the time spent doing it, but it goes a long way to creating some buzz for the game.

What I am really excited about with 2k10 is the return to the depth of the franchise mode. It sounds fantastic and I can't wait to test it out.

I wasn't aware it was so cheap to make those videos to market the game. I guess 2K doesn't feel the need to them so early. Maybe that will change one day. I'm still not for the info in May just more of the info we are getting right now.

I agree about the franchise mode improvements. Presentation and game play are important but it's the franchise mode that gives the game longevity IMHO. I just hope there isn't some sort of bug like in years past. At least if there is one they should patch it. VC does pretty well with patches in their basketball and baseball games.

[Flyermania]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

I wasn't aware it was so cheap to make those videos to market the game. I guess 2K doesn't feel the need to them so early. Maybe that will change one day. I'm still not for the info in May just more of the info we are getting right now.

For their sake I hope it changes, especially since they have been destroyed on next-gen in sales and reviews. They need to market the game better if they want to keep afloat.

I agree about the franchise mode improvements. Presentation and game play are important but it's the franchise mode that gives the game longevity IMHO. I just hope there isn't some sort of bug like in years past. At least if there is one they should patch it. VC does pretty well with patches in their basketball and baseball games.

I hope there isn't any franchise issues too...they really need to iron those out once and for all.

[MizzouRah]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

Why would you let your competitor get a 2-3 month head start trying to attract potential sales? Especially when your competitor has simply destroyed you in reviews and sales since the games went to the next-gen systems? That makes absolutely no sense.

Not taking anything away from the info that they have put out as of late as it has been fantastic, but they still need to re-evaluate their marketing strategy.

Totally agree with this. I find it hard to believe even a 2k follower like Eddie wouldn't want as much NHL 2k info he could get his grubby internet hands on - no matter when it came out. To say you don't, I call bs.

To me, it means you're not confident in your product at its current stage in the development cycle.. just my opinion.

Not saying this is unheard of.. heck Jim Gindin of Front Office Football only comes out with information a few days before a release.. but in today's tech world, I like to follow the games development as it goes along.

[onlybygrace]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

Ditto on the franchise bugs...

but I have a bad feeling. I mean, which 2k game did NOT have a franchise freeze issue???

I've played with injuries 'off' for years as I did not want to deal with any roster issues when replacing injured players...and I would NEVER DARE to call up a prospect from the minors.

[Eddie1967]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

Totally agree with this. I find it hard to believe even a 2k follower like Eddie wouldn't want as much NHL 2k info he could get his grubby internet hands on - no matter when it came out. To say you don't, I call bs.

To me, it means you're not confident in your product at its current stage in the development cycle.. just my opinion.

Not saying this is unheard of.. heck Jim Gindin of Front Office Football only comes out with information a few days before a release.. but in today's tech world, I like to follow the games development as it goes along.

No it's the truth. I'm spoiled enough. The last thing I want to see is info on something I like 4 months early. It would do nothing but drive me crazy. A month and a half is plenty of time for me.

[MizzouRah]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

No it's the truth. I'm spoiled enough. The last thing I want to see is info on something I like 4 months early. It would do nothing but drive me crazy. A month and a half is plenty of time for me.

To each his own I guess. The good thing is, we are finally getting some information.

[Scottdau]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

Totally agree with this. I find it hard to believe even a 2k follower like Eddie wouldn't want as much NHL 2k info he could get his grubby internet hands on - no matter when it came out. To say you don't, I call bs.

To me, it means you're not confident in your product at its current stage in the development cycle.. just my opinion.

Not saying this is unheard of.. heck Jim Gindin of Front Office Football only comes out with information a few days before a release.. but in today's tech world, I like to follow the games development as it goes along.

To be honest I love all this info and vids. But then I get too pumped and then I want it now. So I am happy the way they do their marketing. I only have to wait 4 weeks compare to 10 weeks like EA does it.

[MizzouRah]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

To be honest I love all this info and vids. But then I get too pumped and then I want it now. So I am happy the way they do their marketing. I only have to wait 4 weeks compare to 10 weeks like EA does it.

So.. by this logic, 2k could come out with everything the day before release and you would be the happiest kid on the block.

[Scottdau]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

So.. by this logic, 2k could come out with everything the day before release and you would be the happiest kid on the block.

Pretty much! I don't do good with waiting. It is just one of my down falls.

[bcgudely]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

To be honest I love all this info and vids. But then I get too pumped and then I want it now. So I am happy the way they do their marketing. I only have to wait 4 weeks compare to 10 weeks like EA does it.

Getting the hype train rolling early is effective. There's a reason why the entire video game industry, except for 2K seems to use this strategy.

[Scottdau]

That doesn't work for me.

[Eddie1967]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

That doesn't work for me.

Me neither, the closer to release time the better. May is way too early. What's the rush.

[Flyermania]

Re: 2k VP of Marketing Interview...(Video)

The rush isn't for consumers like you as it's a given you will buy it regardless. The goal is to create a buzz for the game early to attract the casual gamer or on-the-fence gamer so that they will buy the game. Marketing 101.

The end result? Their lack of sales over the past few years when compared to the competition.