Interesting article

[Adriaan]

 

I really think people are over-complicating Rockstar's strategy with theories on financial motives, MP3 sales, etc.

My thoughts exactly. Unfounded claims and stories with plot holes on how they're somehow making decisions on game asset releases based upon what the company's share price will do is sort of ridiculous.

[Zee]

It's not really that complicated, infact it's pretty cut and dry:

 

-They took a gamble on Agent, LA Noire and RDR and knew it. (2008

 

-Specifically went radio silent so they wouldnt have to announce any delays and so that fans wouldnt bitch by seeing beta items that are later removed (2009-2010)

 

-LA Noire and RDR Agent, and Max Payne 3 went belly up forcing R*North to fix things so it pushed back gta5. (2010-2012)

 

And that's the long and short of it. Now with LAN and RDR out, R* took this year to finish gta5

[Cyfa]

 

Either way, like Adriaan stated if March 2013 being latest V releases we are 7-6 months away. So marketing has to start soon, unless they ARE taking a different approach this time.

At this point I don't really mind if it comes out in 2013, I just want some answers.

 

Also @Zee.

 

No, it is a great marketing plan. It's great because we literally have 12 screenshots and an 85 second trailer, yet every single day when you do a Google search of GTAV theres at least 5-10 new articles about speculation and rumors. Every single day we are contributing thousands of posts over ANY ounce of information or rumors ect. We literally are so hungry for more that we are listening in on financial calls and checking stocks and doing everything in our power to find more information. It is a truly brilliant marketing idea, and it frustrates the hell out of us.

Edited September 8, 2012 by Cyfa

[GrandTheftDad]

-LA Noire and RDR Agent, and Max Payne 3 went belly up forcing R*North to fix things so it pushed back gta5. (2010-2012)

 

Didn't Red Dead Redemption sell really well? And how would pushing back the release date help?

[saintsrow]

 

I remain unconvinced there is any particular strategy or secret hype weapon at work here. The MP3 thing was surely responsible for the lack of info for a good chunk of the time we waited, and it probably resulted in the disjointed info release we are seeing now. Even the Epsilon thing, which granted isnt a big deal, seems to have run of steam quick, and didnt gain many followers.

 

EDIT: Agree with Saintsrow - something went massively tits up with this whole thing, and people are coming out the woodwork saying its some wonderful new marketing system.

How was Max Payne 3 provoking GTA V info, when Max Payne 3 was annouced and had a trailer first? Jeff Lapin, CEO of TT confirmed Max Payne 3 FOR THE FIRST TIME back in 2004, that was 8 years ago, 7 months before GTA San Andreas came out.

 

Max Payne 3 First Trailer: Sept 15 2011

GTA V: November 2011.

Blaming Max Payne 3 for lack of GTA V info is blasphemy. You think Max Payne fans blamed San Andreas, IV, Midnight Club, Bully, RDR and LA Noire for the 7 year info drought Max Payne 3 had?

Had there been any Max Payne fans in that time frame, and a forum for them, yes, they probably would have blamed San Andreas, IV, Midnight Club, Bully, RDR and LA Noire for delaying their beloved game. Maybe that says something about the relative fanbase size and popularity of MP.

 

In retrospect, given that long time frame from MP3 announcement to its release, and then the relatively so-so sales of MP3, that actually makes it look like a situation similar to Duke Nukem Forever - years of anticipation capped by a mediocre resulting product.

 

For what it's worth, I am not a Max Payne hater - I love the look and the design of the game. But really, so much beautiful design work going into what is basically a pop-up shooting arcade (with a self-pitying voicelover) is kind of a shame.

 

I really hope that one of the legacy results of the MP3 design exercise is an improved set of 3D dsign tools and processes, leading to higher productivity within the Rockstar studios for the creation of beautiful, dense, detailed 3D environments and scripted cutscenes, which would benefit GTAV.

[Static94]

man Cockstar are like f*cking snails when it comes to developing

[skyfamster]

-LA Noire and RDR Agent, and Max Payne 3 went belly up forcing R*North to fix things so it pushed back gta5. (2010-2012)

 

Didn't Red Dead Redemption sell really well? And how would pushing back the release date help?

He didn't mean sales.but the effert /time spent on them

[Staten]

 

But really, so much beautiful design work going into what is basically a pop-up shooting arcade (with a self-pitying voicelover) is kind of a shame. 

But if you think that about Max Payne 3, you must think the same about all missions in the previous Max Payne games, and the GTA missions that focused on shoot-outs, and also all Third-Person Shooters in general. So what you're saying is that you don't like the majority of each GTA (and Saints Row) game?

[saintsrow]

 

But really, so much beautiful design work going into what is basically a pop-up shooting arcade (with a self-pitying voicelover) is kind of a shame. 

But if you think that about Max Payne 3, you must think the same about all missions in the previous Max Payne games, and the GTA missions that focused on shoot-outs, and also all Third-Person Shooters in general. So what you're saying is that you don't like the majority of each GTA (and Saints Row) game?

That's a valid question. Here is what I meant, more completely: In Max Payne 3, you cannot do anything but shoot. The targets are presented to you, and have to shoot them on schedule.

 

In MP3, you cannot jack cars and drive. You cannot jack and fly a helicopter. You cannot run around and explore the open world, but only explore one level at a time. You cannot create your own chaos and get a wanted level (can you?). MP3 is nothing but a corridor-shaped shooting gallery interrupted by cutscenes. It's simple. That is what I meant.

 

The GTA games, on the other hand, are full of richness and fun things to do, to explore and be at peace or get into all kinds of trouble, experiment with the physics, cause chaos. That's why we are all here. And I do love the shootouts in GTA and RDR. But generally, I am more free to manage them the way I want - move around, run away, you know -- more freedom.

 

EDIT: PS, I tried MP1 and, like many other video games which don't hold my interest (as only GTA does), I probably only played about 20% of it.

[Punkd]

nice article...

 

i wonder what R* has planned for the future...wouldnt be surprised if they get silent again for weeks...

would be an awesome new experience if they keep everything as a secret and just come along with sth like "gta v release in 1 month.." without any big info waves so the players can experience everything by themselves

 

but a 2nd trailer or sth 'bigger' than just screenshots again would be nice (hopefully in September..i think Oct is for MP3 DLCs)

[The Wereodile]

"As simple as it appears, getting fans and the media hyped about a product involves a complicated and well thought out marketing strategy."

 

He's giving Rockstar marketing waaaaay too much credit for knowing what they are doing.

 

My version: ""As simple as it appears, this approach to marketing has alienated and enraged millions of GTA fans globally, and made the entire fanbase question the competence of a company that, until now, they considered one of the greatest institutions in the history of mankind."

Yeah, millions of alienated, enraged GTA fans who will be at their local Gamestops at midnight and rush out and buy the game on release day anyway.

 

The way I see it is that R* probably could have a ton of new info, screenshots, trailers, etc out by now, but they are choosing to keep their cards close to their chest for the very reasons the article states. At this point I'm more than willing to give R* the benefit of the doubt and trust that I won't see too much of the game before it's in my hands, and I like it that way.

[Staten]

 

But really, so much beautiful design work going into what is basically a pop-up shooting arcade (with a self-pitying voicelover) is kind of a shame. 

But if you think that about Max Payne 3, you must think the same about all missions in the previous Max Payne games, and the GTA missions that focused on shoot-outs, and also all Third-Person Shooters in general. So what you're saying is that you don't like the majority of each GTA (and Saints Row) game?

That's a valid question. Here is what I meant, more completely: In Max Payne 3, you cannot do anything but shoot. The targets are presented to you, and have to shoot them on schedule.

 

In MP3, you cannot jack cars and drive. You cannot jack and fly a helicopter. You cannot run around and explore the open world, but only explore one level at a time. You cannot create your own chaos and get a wanted level (can you?). MP3 is nothing but a corridor-shaped shooting gallery interrupted by cutscenes. It's simple. That is what I meant.

 

The GTA games, on the other hand, are full of richness and fun things to do, to explore and be at peace or get into all kinds of trouble, experiment with the physics, cause chaos. That's why we are all here. And I do love the shootouts in GTA and RDR. But generally, I am more free to manage them the way I want - move around, run away, you know -- more freedom.

 

EDIT: PS, I tried MP1 and, like many other video games which don't hold my interest (as only GTA does), I probably only played about 20% of it.

I find it strange that you bought and played a game that you didn't want - I think R* were clear MP3 wasn't an open-world title, and there'd be no driving, like there'd been no driving in the previous Max Payne games - but fair enough, if the game doesn't give you what you want from it, you're under no pressure to like it. However, while I agree the open-endedness of games like GTA and RDR are a great thing, there are some people - e.g me - who it it's equally great to throw Max into a room full o' goons and, in one single fluid motion, drop each and every one without being shot once.

 

Also, MP3 - and other TPSs like it - aren't "pop-up shooting arcade" games. If you want examples of games that are, look up Operation Wolf and Virtua Cop, if the history books go back that far.

[MosquitoSmasher]

man Cockstar are like f*cking snails when it comes to developing

Yeah man, i suggest you go over there and help them out. I'm sure it'll release this year then

[Andreas]

 

man Cockstar are like f*cking snails when it comes to developing

Instead of complaining about Rockstar you could help them? Good luck, Mr. Future Rockstar Employee Static94. Not really.

 

 

Yo dawg we heard that you hate complaints so we put a complaint in a complaint so you can hear a complaint while you hear a complaint!

Edited September 8, 2012 by Carl CJ Johnsons Brother Brian

[GTASeriesFan]

i liked it

[MosquitoSmasher]

But really, so much beautiful design work going into what is basically a pop-up shooting arcade (with a self-pitying voicelover) is kind of a shame. 

But if you think that about Max Payne 3, you must think the same about all missions in the previous Max Payne games, and the GTA missions that focused on shoot-outs, and also all Third-Person Shooters in general. So what you're saying is that you don't like the majority of each GTA (and Saints Row) game?

That's a valid question. Here is what I meant, more completely: In Max Payne 3, you cannot do anything but shoot. The targets are presented to you, and have to shoot them on schedule.

 

In MP3, you cannot jack cars and drive. You cannot jack and fly a helicopter. You cannot run around and explore the open world, but only explore one level at a time. You cannot create your own chaos and get a wanted level (can you?). MP3 is nothing but a corridor-shaped shooting gallery interrupted by cutscenes. It's simple. That is what I meant.

 

The GTA games, on the other hand, are full of richness and fun things to do, to explore and be at peace or get into all kinds of trouble, experiment with the physics, cause chaos. That's why we are all here. And I do love the shootouts in GTA and RDR. But generally, I am more free to manage them the way I want - move around, run away, you know -- more freedom.

 

EDIT: PS, I tried MP1 and, like many other video games which don't hold my interest (as only GTA does), I probably only played about 20% of it.

Hey dude, where's that pool picture from?

[AtomicPunk]

Something "BIG" this way comes. I hope it's trailer #2 , with a release date and clear up who the protag/protag's are. If they do that then I won't need anymore info or nothing and will wait for the release so that I can experience it all for the first time myself. Ya dig?

[andyrob89]

I wrote that article guys

[ivor1977]

I would love to see a bit of cryptic advertising from R*. Like a sort of treasure hunt through the WWW were we get a subtle clue hidden on (eg) a billboard in an upcoming MP3 DLC map pack or even something on the radio in GTAIV and then follow the clues to the next trailer. Given all the know-how and expertise of the 'community' it wouldnt take long to get the result, plus it gives R* the opportunity to release a lot of info in a sequence (to get maximum effect). An interactive ad campaign would only increase excitement.

 

Did any if you people experience the PSHome 'game' Xi? And the atmosphere the game created within the Home community? By using forums, browsers, magazines, google earth and good old fashioned leg power we were able to coordinate between eu, usa, aus & far east to find clues to the wereabouts of info needed to solve puzzles in-game in REAL TIME (remember Butterfly 18?).

Anyway enough about psHome, what im saying is we all seem to have a opinion or idea of what R* are/are not doing in terms of marketing, I have my fingers crossed for something that is worthy of this colossal game.

[BlackandWhite23]

I wrote that article guys

Well here are you reactions good article

[Mantequilla]

Seems legit, lmfao

 

[andyrob89]

I wrote that article guys 

Well here are you reactions good article

Thanks dude

 

I applied to write for them after reading a few articles on the site. I've also just finished my dissertation which I have a thread about on here. It's pretty much on the same thing.

 

http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=514438&hl=

 

Oh and it is just a coincidence that I live in Edinburgh and only have the one article on there

[el_roy1985]

Well written article.

 

I really hope they do start marketing V big, and soon. I'm so anxious to play it that I might cry. 'Cause when I do play it, it's gonna be so great that I know I'm going to cry.

[Microwave]

They can treat us like dicks because they can. If a less popular franchise tried this "strategy" they would sell nothing.

[omggtav]

I wrote that article guys 

Well here are you reactions good article

Thanks dude

 

I applied to write for them after reading a few articles on the site. I've also just finished my dissertation which I have a thread about on here. It's pretty much on the same thing.

 

http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=514438&hl=

 

Oh and it is just a coincidence that I live in Edinburgh and only have the one article on there

Awesome article bra

[saintsrow]

 

I find it strange that you bought and played a game that you didn't want - I think R* were clear MP3 wasn't an open-world title, and there'd be no driving, like there'd been no driving in the previous Max Payne games - but fair enough, if the game doesn't give you what you want from it, you're under no pressure to like it.  However, while I agree the open-endedness of games like GTA and RDR are a great thing, there are some people - e.g me - who it it's equally great to throw Max into a room full o' goons and, in one single fluid motion, drop each and every one without being shot once. 

 

Also, MP3 - and other TPSs like it - aren't "pop-up shooting arcade" games.  If you want examples of games that are, look up Operation Wolf and Virtua Cop, if the history books go back that far.

I did not buy MP3 yet (though it probably sounds like I did). I already knew exactly what it was, from the pre-release publicity. I just watched a number of the HD walkthroughs on the web to see it, and to check if there was anything interesting or surprising in terms of gameplay. In fact, I will buy MP3 when it comes down to $20-30, plus the Season Pass DLC, just so I can free-roam the virtual environments (without getting my @ss shot to hell).

 

I totally agree that some players get great satisfsaction from tight shooters. It sounds like I am disparaging it, but I don't mean to. I used/wasted many hours of my young life on things like Quake and Unreal Tournament. When GTA III came out (and I bought it because of all the moral outrage in the popular press), I was transformed in terms of my realizatiion of what video games were all about - not just a single-purpose shooter or a racing game, but a fantastically rich and complete crime/chaos simulation environment with humor and pretty good story.

 

GTA-VC and GTA-SA raised the bar even further; then there was no going back Games like MP3 and LA Noire seem like a throwback to the single-purpose games of old. But their HD virtual world designs are beautiful.

 

OT: Now that the article author has shown up here on the forums (the marketing student bio in the article was kind of a clue) I would be glad to see more analysis of this type, but in relation to successful past marketing of Rockstar games and other big blockbuster games. For example, I think that GTA-SA and RDR were marketed much better, and the fan community had a lot better experience leading up to the release of these games.

 

I just felt like the article is trying to make sense of what Rockstar MKarketing is intending and doing now in real time (which of course we have discussed endlessly here on the forums), and it was just one more point of view making the assertion that this strategy and campaign has all been carefully and exactly planned by Rockstar Marketing. In my opinion, it has been a screw-up. But I'm not a marketing major.

 

Nontheless, of course I will gladly (fanatically) buy GTAV for both xbox 360 and PC, and all its DLCs (except zombies) and I will play and replay GTAV for the next 6 years until more GTA comes out, just like I am doing now with GTA IV and TBOGT.

 

@MosquitoSmasher

 

Hey dude, where's that pool picture from?

Thanks for asking. It is a picture of the Stahl House on Flikr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilanddina/5515131094/

 

If you go to Google Images and search for "Stahl House" you will get hundreds of pictures of that house. As you know, a re-imagined version of this crib was sort of promised in GTA-SA (early pre-release screenshots, which even implied that it had an interior) but when you finally obtained it as a safehouse, the interior was generic . I hope that in GTAV, this house will be a prize we can obtain / buy near the end of the game, and we can stand in the living room and overlook Los Santos and think, "Yeah, man! Top of the World! It was all worth it..."

[bobgtafan]

Rockstar's marketing stragety is sh*tty if I ever saw one. The average guy with a job, wife and kids isn't on here discussing this bullsh*t. The average person wasn't impressed with the sh*t that was GTA IV

 

http://kotaku.com/5840484/gta-iv-overtakes...-lifetime-sales

 

Hell it didn't even sell as many as San Andraes. And now they're going back, assuming with only one already over done city and trying to get the average motherf*ckers of the world to care by not telling them anything? Wow yeah that sh*t isn't going to work. When it comes down to it there is a reason Call of Duty sells more than GTA. Good f*cking marketing.

[ivor1977]

"INCOMING!!!!"

[jogy]

Rockstar's marketing stragety is sh*tty if I ever saw one. The average guy with a job, wife and kids isn't on here discussing this bullsh*t. The average person wasn't impressed with the sh*t that was GTA IV

 

http://kotaku.com/5840484/gta-iv-overtakes...-lifetime-sales

 

Hell it didn't even sell as many as San Andraes. And now they're going back, assuming with only one already over done city and trying to get the average motherf*ckers of the world to care by not telling them anything? Wow yeah that sh*t isn't going to work. When it comes down to it there is a reason Call of Duty sells more than GTA. Good f*cking marketing.

Time for your pills!

[AlanRikkin]

Funland.

 

GTA IV

 

>

GTA CW

 

Mont.