So EA has definitely shown its commitment and support for its upcoming title, Dante’s Inferno by decidign to put a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl. This will be EA’s first commercial ever during Super Bowl, and will be reaching an estimated 100 million viewers, primarily in the 18-34 year-old male demographic. The ad, titled “Hell Awaits”, will premiere during the foruth quarter of Super Bowl XLIV on CBS on Sunday, February 7, 2010, followed closely by its launch date of February 9th.
This is definitely exciting. One of the most famous TV commercials, and indeed an epic moment in television history was a Super Bowl commercial for the Mac called “1984″, directed by Ridley Scott. Granted, it may not be as epic as 1984, this will definitely be an interesting commercial to look out for, especially for the gaming industry.
In addition to this, EA has implemented a number of advertising techniques. If you’re into adverstisement, the followign list may be intersting. If not, you can stop here, but definitely check out the commercial!
• ‘Go to Hell’ Facebook App – With over 4.5 million active users, this free app takes the poem’s nine circles of hell and brings them into everyday life. With the click of a button, anyone can send a friend foe, place, product or brand to one of the nine circles of hell. Angry at your mom for grounding you? Send her to ‘Treachery’. Mad at your ex- for cheating? Send them to ‘Lust’.
• Special Edition Book – EA is releasing a special edition of Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” in partnership with Random House and Del Rey Books. The book features an introduction written by the EA executive producer Jonathan Knight, and a 16-page, full-color art insert showcasing the evolution of characters and environments from the classic poem to the video game.
• Animated DVD Feature – EA is releasing a full-length animated feature developed in partnership with Starz Media, Film Roman, and Anchor Bay Entertainment. The movie features six unique art styles created by five of the best animation studios in the business (DVD/Blu-Ray)
• Comic Book – An exclusive six-issue comic miniseries created by DC Comics/WildStorm Productions features the highly stylized artwork of Diego Latorre and written by esteemed comic book writer Christo Gage.
• Collectible Action Figure – A collectible figurine of the hero Dante created by NECAis available as a pre-order bonus at select retailers* and for sale beginning 2/9/10.
• Dante’s Nine Circles Hit the Blogosphere – Beginning in June 2009 at E3, EA brought the game’s nine circles of hell to bloggers, one month at a time. “Limbo” was illustrated with a mock protest. “Greed” was illustrated by bloggers being asked to cash a check for $200. “Heresy” was demonstrated through a fictitious game called “Mass We Pray”. Each stunt set fans buzzing about the core themes of ‘The Divine Comedy’ and Dante’s Inferno, the game.
• Hidden Messages – Dante’s Inferno online advertising will contain hidden source code and ASCII art, further bringing to life the world of Dante’s Inferno and the hell that lies beneath.
