All aboard!
After using several other celebrities to promote their game, Blizzard ended up using Ozzy to market their new expansion. The commercial does show a new trend compared to the “old ones”, it's clearly directed at people with more knowledge of the game and its universe. This implies that Ozzy is supposed to convince people to come back to the game after retiring and recruit new players among those that have experience with other Blizzard-games.
Another commercial that came out at the same time as Ozzy’s is the one below featuring Steve Van Sandt, one of the Sopranos. This one doesn’t even have to imply but clearly states its purpose, to convince former players to return.
It’s just a question whether this type of commercial is the right way to go or not; they cost a lot of money for broadcast time and royalties, they also only reach a limited group of people.
It’s no secret using other people’s fame to promote your product works, but usually it is one celebrity that becomes the face of a company or a brand.
One thing is for sure, World of Warcraft is successful. Whether it’s because of a superior game, better marketing or by another factor is anyone’s guess though.
I disagree slightly with your statements, having the name broacasted on TV is a great way to advertise. Even if not everyone understands everything that's being said in a commercial.
ReplyDeleteI didn't understand the commercial with the dude from the Sopranos, but I guess your theory makes sense. It does sound like they want to really speak to people who left the game and migth feel like going back, literally then.
ReplyDeleteThe Ozzy commercial is on TV all the time here in Belgium on VT4, I can only imagine it being extrmly odd for anyone that doesn't know world of warcraft. But like the fire guy said, people will hear the name a lot which is always a good thing I guess.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't seen either of them yet here in Germany, but I guess that's because they made some in our own language now.
ReplyDeleteThe last one, with the guy from the Sopranos, is a bit of a letdown though. Hardly anything happens in it.