We’ve Come A Long Way Since Pac Man • • • • •

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So I’ve been an avid gamer since 1982 when my parents bought my brother and me an Atari 5200. In the years since, I’ve spent far more time (and money) than I’d like to admit feeding my incessant urge to push buttons. But last night while watching TV I came across a video game advertisement that pushed my buttons. Not in a bad way really — I guess you could just say it gave me pause.
The ad was for the upcoming game DJ Hero 2. What struck me about it wasn’t how great the game looks or how much fun I’m going to have when I get it next week (with my wife’s permission, of course), but instead how it seems to use the game as a way to make a social statement — a statement that I believe would’ve been very provocative in Pac Man’s heyday. Take a look:

Nowadays it’s not all that unusual to see a game advertised with such heavy sexual overtones. After all, sex is second only to violence when it comes to selling video games. What I found interesting is how boldly the ad portrays interracial (and arguably implicit homosexual) relationships between the teenaged partygoers. The game itself is cast as the unifying, or “mixing,” force which brings people of all colors and genders together, ultimately resulting in the two gamer DJs switching bodies/mixing races.
So what to make of all this? First of all, I think it’s a pretty cool ad. And it’s unapologetically “racy” in more ways than one (especially considering it’s target audience). But mainly I find it fascinating that this industry of gaming, which was once pigeonholed as purely mindless amusement, has reached such a place that this type of ad could work. In this spot, the game play and graphics are secondary; instead, the experience of playing the game is the focus.
Needless to say, I think it’s a very interesting example of how those silly video games can be marketed. It’s certainly far different than the video game ads of my youth. For a bit of perspective, just have a look at this Ms. Pac Man advertisement featuring a familiar voice. Fair warning: There are some mild sexual overtones.

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Ed Sharp

Ed brings 15 years of traditional and digital media sales experience to the agency, giving us a perspective most agencies don’t have. When he’s not working or seeking new knowledge, Ed hangs out with his wife, two kids, two dogs, one cat, and a hamster. And yes, the cat and hamster are best friends.

Chaney Given

Chaney is a talented and accomplished designer and illustrator, who has expanded his skill set to include motion graphics and video editing. With nearly a decade of experience, his client work includes Waterstep, Baptist Health, the Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Schools, First Harrison Bank, and many more