Last Friday, in between uploading vociferous rant videos, posting tasteless, opinionated and expletive laden comments, and enthusiastically guffawing at the latest ‘object meets body part at high speed’ video that is sweeping the tubes, some YouTube users gave pause when they noticed an apparently authoritative advertising banner that proclaimed: “Breaking news: North Korea Attacks.”
The advert banner featured a picture of Hillary Clinton overlaid with looked like a typical news channel style of news scroller. There was even a picture of a missile being launched for added effect. Clicking on the banner took people to a video showing a montage of clips from the Homefront opening cinematic.
Apparently some people were quite shocked when they first laid eyes on the advert, thinking that North Korea had really launched an attack. As reported by Australian Gamer, below are some comments from the easily duped:
“Almost freaked out at the YouTube homepage banner ad for Homefront, thinking it was a real headline on a North Korean attack. Not cool.”
“HOLY !#@$ I thought North Korea ACTUALLY Launched a nuclear ATTACK! %#$@ YOU YOUTUBE AND YOUR !@%#$%# GAMING ADVERTISINGS!”
“I find the front page advertisement for “HomeFront” on Youtube to be offensive. I thought North Korea had actually attacked. Misleading.”
“not sure if the ‘North Korea Attacks’ Youtube banner ad for #Homefront is the most tasteful use of advertising i’ve ever seen.”
Perhaps it was a bit sneaky of publisher THQ to prey on political fears to market their game, but nothing gives exposure like a bit of controversy. Anyway, the threat of nuclear war might be good for the psyche, and one can take an introspective look at all the important things in life they have yet to accomplish – like finishing Battle Toads.
North Korea Attacks! Also, that Charlie Sheen ‘Winning’ video is hilarious.
Do you think THQ went too far with their “North Korea attacks” advertising banner? Would you have been tricked into believing the advert was real at first glance? Is this really an issue? Share your thoughts on the MyGaming forum.
Homefront launches in South Africa on 18 March 2011 for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. Enjoy a taste of Homefront’s future history below.
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