FREEMIUM MODE: Six Games Marketing Horror Stories and What You Can Learn


🎮 Welcome to Freemium Mode – your go-to show for mastering PR & Marketing in the video games industry! 👻 Dive into this Halloween Special! 🎃 Join Max and Alex, our Head of Consumer, as they dissect chilling PR horror stories from the video game industry. Learn how to avoid classic launch mistakes and ensure your game’s success. 🎮”

🔥 What you’ll discover:

  • The impact of world events and industry trends on game launches. Discover how timing your release poorly can lead to disaster, like launching alongside a major competitor or during a significant industry event.  
  • The perils of overpromising and the importance of managing expectations. Learn from infamous examples like No Man’s Sky and Cyberpunk 2077, where overhyping features led to major disappointment and backlash.  
  • The inevitability of Day One issues and how to mitigate them. Understand the challenges of launching large-scale online games, the importance of robust QA testing, and effective communication with your community.  
  • The power of public opinion and how to navigate negative sentiment. Hear about cases like the Xbox One launch and Diablo Immortal, where public perception significantly impacted success, and learn how to respond effectively.  
  • The nuances of bad coverage and when it can be beneficial. Explore examples like GTA and Mortal Kombat, where controversy amplified popularity, and understand the risks of courting negativity without careful consideration

Freemium Mode is your monthly deep dive into the world of PR & Markting in the games industry. Featuring insights from experts at Big Games Machine and special guest appearances, each episode arms you with actionable strategies and insider knowledge to give you a competitive edge. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Freemium Mode is your ultimate resource for staying ahead in the ever-evolving global games industry.

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Watch the full episode now.