A few days ago we reported that Electronic Arts had commandeered a gas station in London to give away free petrol. The marketing stunt was promoting freshly released sandbox game Mercenaries 2 and lucky motorists were offered £40 worth of fuel each.
Unfortunately, because people can't be trusted with anything, there was disruption, chaos and arguments surrounding the stunt. As motorists became gridlocked in the ensuing shenanigans, police eventually shut down EA's operation.
In the wake of the stunt, Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green Lynne Featherstone has demanded an apology from the publisher. "Trying to recreate Venezuelan-style fuel riots on the streets of London is completely irresponsible and downright dangerous," scolded the MP. "Whilst a lucky few might have got some free petrol, hundreds of local residents have faced misery on their daily journeys this morning. They deserve an apology."
It's a shame that things went wrong because it was a genius idea, but EA should have known that people would not be able to cope with free petrol, especially with the fuel situation and the current economic climate. Or perhaps EA knew perfectly well what it was doing and counted on this controversy. I wouldn't be surprised.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
Likes
PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3
Meet the rest of the team
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
32 comments | showing # 1 to 32
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
11:39 AM on 09.08.2008
| 
EA's PR stunt, ensuing chaos.
Well, I think it's a nice fit!
my xbox 360 was completely fine until i got this game.
Wait... that probably happened anyway, as it was in London
*Taken from a actual Peter Moore press release on the "RROD 68% fail rate"*
People are so stupid.
NO WAY
Is the average annual income there high enough that this isn't a greater issue yet? I can't imagine what would happen on the US if gas went up to $8. All the folks who feel entitled to drive SUVs would demand we'd invade some country and simply take the oil.
also, i don't think most readers will know what an MP is, Mr. Sterling. You and your crazy shenanigans had me thinking about other naughty stuff.
Because their game is shit.
[/joke]