What Is This Sony? - Recommend A Friend To Get A PS Vita?

Some of you folks may have noticed that Sony are trying an incentive to pull in more gamers to buy the Vita. What does this mean, really? Well they are doing this by offering $20 in PSN credit, 1,000 Sony Rewards points for convincing someone to buy a Vita. Game-Modo just don’t think this is the best idea.

Do you think this is the best way to get the PS Vita sold? Come check out what Game-Modo think.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Banks do it. It's cheap advertising. Sony has always relied mainly on word of mouth, this is just the first time they've paid people to do it. I do personally wish they'd use more tv advertising though. Maybe when they start turning a profit.

[jujubee88]

I couldn't have said it any better.

I especially like the last part you wrote,

"...wish they'd use more tv advertising though. Maybe when they start turning a profit."

BINGO

[MmaFan-Qc]

People are blowing this out of proportions. This campaign isin't being handled by sony, they didn't even advertise it themselves. This is being handled by an external advertising company, one of those generic referring sites. Click the source and it proves what I'm saying. These contests are held all the time, in addition to doing the referral thing its giving you a chance to win $10k, which proves its being handled by a external advertising firm.

These kind of things happen for all consumer electronics. I've seen a few for writing surveys for the chance to win $10,000 or a wiiU.

gaming medias are so ridiculous sometime, sensationalism is the new thing i guess....

[Rockefellow]

MmaFan-Qc: You should probably take a second and check if you received an email about this before looking like a complete ass. This is officially endorsed and ran by Sony. Not only was it sent from a Sony account, the disclaimer at the bottom clearly reiterates multiple times that this is being handled by Sony, is part of their official mailing list, and all prizes are distributed by Sony directly, no third-party agency in sight.

Not only this, it clearly states that it's "only open to users who are legal residents of the U.S. who receive notification directly from Sony Computer Entertainment America addressed specifically to him/her." Not exactly the type of specifications a third-party company would care about, now is it?

You're completely wrong, bud. Try reading a little bit before flying off the handle next time, okay?

[Derekvinyard13]

Tell your friend to buy it,
Get points and psn card,
Tell your fiend to return it,
PROFIT!!!

[tack129]

Should be:
Tell friend to buy it,
Get points and PSN card,
Rinse and repeat with other friends for more points and money,
???
PROFIT!!!

[ThatGuy2]

Or you could buy another vita and get the points and sell it and do it all over again!!!

[jakmckratos]

what if convinced somebody to do it last summer?

[Knight_Crawler]

Then you get a brownie point or a pat on the back.

[jakmckratos]

Is it a Sony brownie? Did it originally cost $600

[SoundGamer]

It's not retroactive. I already tested it out with a bunch of friends. Sucks because I literally got over 200 people (between, friends, workmates, people on the web, etc.) to get a Vita since its launch. lol

I don't know if I can get anymore.

[Killzoner99]

Tell me about it. I've gotten over 300 people to buy a Vita but I don't care , I'm just doing my part. I don't need an incentive to do something I believe so strongly in.
GO BUY A VITA NOW!!!

[SoundGamer]

lol @ The disagrees. Typical N4G.

[Neo Nugget]

Yeah, well I'm closing in on 400 people. Hah!

[shadow2797]

I'm over 9000!

I'll get my coat.

[Ezz2013]

@killzoner99
*"I've gotten over 300 people to buy a Vita"*

but those "300" got killed at the end
*THIS IS SPARTA*

[SoundGamer]

People act like I'm making stuff up. I run an online game store where I have sold hundreds of Vitas (mainly at launch).

Add that to the people who I persuaded to get one especially around the Holiday season (around 10 people), I have one way or another gotten over 200 people to get a Vita since its launch.

So how stupid are some of you feeling right now? lol

[fredrikpedersen]

How did you get 200 people? I've gotten like 3 of my friends to buy one, and I bought my little sister one for christmas.

[TheUndertaker85]

"I run an online game store where I have sold hundreds of Vitas"

What he really means to say is he's not actually referring people, merely selling them a product.

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

As per usual just because it's Sony this is being blown out of proportion. Their marketing for the Vita hasn't been all that great and when they do try to market it people complain.
Get your friend to buy a Vita and earn $20 to spend on PSN, how on earth has this been spinned into a negative thing.

[GameTechZero]

Please read the article. Thanks.

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

@Game-Modo
I read the article and the headline sounds like a negative spin also I was speaking in general.
We have already had articles up about it being a negative thing saying that it's "desperate" and all the usual Vita is doomed articles. As an early adopter and someone who has loved their Vita since they bought it, It's getting tiring hearing the downfall of the device all the time.
I just don't get why people aren't like wow I could get $20 if my friend get's a Vita, that's pretty cool.

[LOGICWINS]

@Harry- Seriously...why are you being so defensive?

I personally don't like it because its bad for Sony. Many could easily take advantage of this. If I know someone thats getting a Vita(on their OWN accord), I'll tell them about this promotion and score myself $20 for virtually doing nothing.

And lets be realistic here. How many people within a month will spend $250 on a Vita simply because their friend told them to do so? The Vita's been $250 for a year now. If your interested in one, but haven't gotten one yet CLEARLY your waiting for something(better deal, price drop, more games, redesign etc.).

I'm all for Sony trying to sell Vitas, but this is an idiotic way to do so.

[ZoyosJD]

"Just dont see how it will pull in the buyers." -stealth edited out.

Your infering that the idea is stupid, hence negativity.

Also, This is by FAR a proven method. Numerous companies offer similar incentives.

This also requires minimal investment, with a fair-great return on average with practically no impact on how Sony continues to market its product normally.

Haven't your ever tried something and wanted one yourself.

This just gives those with a Vita incentive to show it off.

The article is ignorant of common retail practices at best and trolling for hits worst.

@logic...If the person showing it off has already decided it's worth it for them, why not get the enjoyment out of it and get a discount while your at it.

This is about getting others to try it out. IT means that Sony believes that their product sells itself better than they can. Which I agree with.

[LOGICWINS]

^^JUST because other companies do it doesn't mean it ALWAYS works. I know Showtime offers $25 back if you subscribe, but thats a crap incentive. $25 is NOTHING compared to the $150+ a year your going to spend on a Showtime subscription.

"If the person showing it off has already decided it's worth it for them, why not get the enjoyment out of it and get a discount while your at it."

LOL, because it DOESN'T work! U think showing someone your Vita for 5 minutes will result in sporadically buying a Vita with the disposable $250 that they have under their pillow?

Millions have had the opportunity to play Vita at Bestbuy, Sony stores, Toys R Us, Target, Gamestop etc. If THAT doesn't get them to buy it, they you letting them play with your Vita for a while won't do a damn thing either.

If you truly believe otherwise, then prove me wrong by the end of next month. Show me how many people you can get to spend $250 on something they previosuly had no interest for. Good luck ;)

[Blastoise]

Personally I think its a decent idea

[SonicGameMaster]

I like what this guy is saying. In no way has the article spun this into a doom and gloom case. The article states different ideas for how to market the Vita. It does not say anywhere that the recommend a friend idea is bad. It just explains better ways to market the vita.

[Abriael]

We have. It's a silly article, as it's a method that has been proven to work in many industries, and it's also very low-cost.

Before writing opinion pieces on marketing, one should know how marketing works, otherwise he should go back writing about why he likes this game or the other.

[rainslacker]

@Logic

Since I brought my Vita at launch I've shown it to about 8 people, and 4 of them brought one within 4 months. So yes, showing off the hardware gets people interested. Not all of them brought it right away (Only one brought it within a week), but all of them knew about it because of me.

This promotion gets people to show off their Vita, which is Sony's intent. They likely won't have to pay out to a majority of the people that get others interested in buying it, but the promoting gets done for Sony.

[SonicGameMaster]

@abriel how is the article silly? So what if it has worked in many other industries, the writer has not said its a bad idea or anything but has expressed another idea to boost sales. Nothing wrong with this article from what I have read anyway. Seems a lot of people are upset over this article for no reason whatsoever. Maybe most of you have actually not read it? Seems like it.

[2pacalypsenow]

Directv does it $100 for every member you refer. Stop acting like only sony does it

[Godchild1020]

Time Warner gives away a 150 dollar gift card to Target and they also gave away an Xbox 360 sometime last year.

It's common.

[-Falaut-]

I read somewhere else that this is not a Sony campaign, at least not a direct one. Apparently its done by a company that's known for pyramid like programs. Seeing that you have to give them your psn id AND password, at least from what I've read, screams scam to me.

[-Falaut-]

Looked into it myself and it reminded me I should not trust what I read. Looks legit.

[MYRMIK]

I don't think the article is slamming Sony for doing it, or singling them out as the only company for using this tactic.
But then if Sony spent some cash on expanded marketing, as is the case with most of the products from Sony, this probably wouldn't be an issue.

[EddieNX]

I used to work in Direct sales , selling SKY tv in England , and part of it was telling people about the awesome benefits of recommending SKY to their friends and family.

It's just a NORMAL way of marketing. I'm sure Nintendo and Microsoft have thought about similar techniques.

SKY is a HUGE company , now are they ''desperate'' fr using this technique or are they ''trying to be successful in an interesting and social active way'' ?

I always slate Sony , but in this case they are simply using a common marketing technique.

[GameTechZero]

Im in no way saying its a bad idea I just dont think its the best. If they want to shift more PS Vitas they should market it more and drop its price. :)

[MYRMIK]

While I agree with you that it's not an uncommon marketing strategy, it doesn't look too good on Sony's part to tell people to "convince" others to buy the system. The Vita is a fine system, but that's just a bad choice of wording.

[TheUndertaker85]

... So a word is what's making it wrong?

Isn't advertising time doing the exact same thing...? Trying to "convince" you to buy the system?

Which one would actually cost Sony more? This promotion or advertising time? Isn't this promotion giving something back to the consumer of the product rather than some random marketing company? Wouldn't that be a better thing in consumers eyes?

Here's the best question: As a gamer and consumer wouldn't I be more inclined to recommend the system if Sony is giving me and the new purchaser a $20 PSN card each on top of Sony Rewards Points compared to Sony paying some random advertising company for something that's going to give me, the consumer, 0 bonus/incentive to take that message outside of the advertisement already shown?

[Veneno]

Im also of the thinking that this method is not a good idea to sell a GAMES CONSOLE. in the past game consoles have sold through tv, magazine, and store kiosks because it makes the games look fun. And thats how a games console should sell, cause it looks fun.

[Funky_Homosapien]

Why not drop the price instead? 150 would seem reasonable for a PORTABLE console(maybe 200 max).The xbox 360 is going for 149.99 how the hell can they justify the current price of the psp vita.

[LOGICWINS]

Even at $150, it would still be struggling since most gamers wouldn't know what that $150 is going towards. Go to a college campus or high school and ask anyone about Vita. Most would look at you like you have third eye on your forehead.

I say keep the price at $250, but continue to add value to that $250(8GB memory card minimum with a game).

The key for Vita is advertising and continuing to deliver a variety of titles...not so much a price drop.

[rainslacker]

You spend a lot of time hanging around college campuses and high schools?

Teenagers and college kids tend to be pretty informed. Certainly not 100% of them will know what it is, but they all know who Sony is. When I was taking classes last year I often saw people that had a Vita, a DS, a PSP, or some sort of smartphone, it's not that uncommon.

[broken_back-man]

the 360 that is that price only has 4 gigs... and at best buy its still 199.99 and then you have to buy batterys and yhen even to play online or even use netflix you have to shovel out another 60 bucks just for the year not even includi g games so actually alot more than 149.99 to use the 4 gig system but 4 gigs isnt enough space to do anything with that I can barely put the minecraft that I love so much

[Riderz1337]

Why is this a bad thing...Get your friend to buy a Vita and you both get 20$ to spend on PSN for games. Why do people always find something to complain about when Sony does something nice for their consumers??

[Rivitur]

Actually you can still get 20$ psN even if you bought ur vital last year cheapassgamer has how to do it. My brother did it and it worked.

[jjb1981]

A lot of companies do this so don't pick on Sony for doing what others also do. This is business and it doesn't hurt to ask a friend. I got 400 bucks from direct tv doing this same thing.

[cfountain]

even if you both already bought your VIta you can do it.

I've referred quite a few already and someone referred me too.

[shinkiro]

please refer me

my email address is [email protected]

[cfountain]

and sent.

[SonicGameMaster]

I dont see why everyone is so upset about this article. Its not saying the the recommend a friend idea is bad. Its just explaining a better way to sell the PS Vita.

[delboy]

It's just low,let's see how far Sony will go.
Seams like a desperate move, to desperate for a big company like Sony.

[Hicken]

Seams?

Seriously, though. Why is this such a big deal? Can anybody give a legitimate reason, instead of letting ignorance- like the commenter above- cloud their judgement?

[delboy]

Well it's ok for a small company like a local grocery store.
Some small companys make moves like that before they go bankruptcy.
It's just a desperate move.

[rainslacker]

Yeah...same thing when MS gave away free MS points when they offered a similar promotion in 2011 for signing up your friend to Live Gold memberships. Desperate indeed.

[dazzrazz]

My friend told me dont get it I sold mine last week not enough games on it...

[JimmyDanger]

Or they could put two $20 Psn gift cards in the Vita Box. Same net outlay, but I'd say one that would net them more sales.

[TheTwelve]

So now we see that even when Sony gives away money, they're bad. Ah, the internet. Somebody would complain if it rained gold.

12

[StreetsofRage]

Desperate times calls for desperate measures.

[RTheRebel]

PYrimad Scheme WOOhOoo

[saywat247]

what if i convinced myself to get the vita...do i still get that reward :D

[r21]

My friends were pretty convinced after they saw me playing Uncharted on the go ;D

[Death]

It's a bad idea.

The Vita is a very nice handheld, but the lack of must have software is killing sales. Hardware is typically not profitable. Paying people to recommend hardware sales while software sales are stagnant is not a great idea. If Sony had the developer support and quality software it would be a different story.

Sony needs games to drive hardware sales. I would love to see some killer exclusive games and possibly a modest price drop. I honestly went out to buy one today, but couldn't find any games that really interested me.

[profgerbik]

I am still confused about this, I have not gotten sent any email like this. Both my Sony Rewards account and Playstation account are set to receive emails and promotions from Sony. Are those not the right ones?

So I have no clue why it hasn't been sent out yet to me.

Am I missing something here? Where the hell can I even find this, looked all over the Playstation site, PS blog and nothing. I looked all over the Sony Rewards site and still nothing about this.. Whats the deal?

It very well could be legit but seeing as how hard it is to find on any actual Sony site is little odd to me unless I am just missing it, which maybe I am.

@Game-Modo

You kind of did say it was a bad idea, here is a quote from the first paragraph in your article. Yes I read the entire thing really wasn't that long of a read.

"I just don’t think this is the best idea."

Pretty much meaning you think it's a bad idea but a nicer way of saying it. Sadly I don't see how your ideas for Sony are any better. You say the same stuff everyone on this site says, just drop the price and make memory cards cheaper.. As if Sony doesn't know that themselves or hasn't heard people directly ask them about that probably a thousand times.. How many times have we all heard that idea before, way too many?

What is annoying to me is everyone knows it will happen, so stop giving Sony so much lip over it. Just like every other device in the world the price will drop in due time. Also another annoyance and even as amazing as the Vita is even if the price dropped there is literally no promise at all it will sell that much better.

Yet everyone thinks that is just the easy solution, you even said it yourself kids nowadays are too obsessed with tablets and smartphone to really care about handhelds anymore and the reason the 3DS did so well is because there weren't nearly as much competition back when it released really and it already had a huge user base for a while before everything started playing games.

People will just find something else to complain about with the Vita once the price and memory cards have gotten cheaper. I know they will.

[MYRMIK]

Write the site and ask where they received the information. These aggregate sites are a nice way to get information, but the best way is to talk to the people that write the articles. If they received the email, they would probably direct you to the information. I know some of my friends receive betas and other announcements that I don't receive, so it's probably just going out to a certain amount of people.

[profgerbik]

Thanks for answering back. Appreciated.

Someone sent me a referral, so I finally figured out where it is but first thing I noticed it wasn't even a Sony related site, it's from a site called uRefer.com.

Second thing I noticed when entering the sites url without the referral link at the end it just redirects you Amplifinity.com, nothing Sony related.

I am sure this is legit as it only asks for your Vita's serial number and your PSN ID.

Still why are people saying this is directly from Sony? Like I had said I have spent most the day searching all of Sony's sites and their rewards site and oddly this was no where to be found not even mentioned in the PS Vita section of the their blog.

I am gonna do it cause I'll get $20 PSN but I don't think this was directly created by Sony. Which is a shame because everyone is blaming Sony for this when it's actually a really sweet deal either way.

You don't even need to have a brand new Vita, it just depends on when you got yours. So this deal is super fucking sweet, people are over reacting as always when it's not a bad idea.

Vita owners right now are practically getting free PSN cash which isn't a bad thing.

[profgerbik]

Yea just so people know this is a marketing promotion created by uRefer.com and Amplifinity.com (Which if you go to uRefer it takes you straight to Amplifinity) so everyone giving Sony shit for this needs to chill out.

Don't believe me? Simply Google "Amplifinity Sony" click on the first link.

They are partners with Sony and that is all. This company Amplifinity creates promotions for tons of other places like Gamestop, Express, UPS, Hertz and the Hilton.

So please stop making articles that are misleading people, Sony never had anything to do directly do with this promotion which explains exactly why it's not advertised on any official Sony site or even their Vita blog.

What is annoying is that was so easy to figure out just from the referral but instead people just wrote it off as a bad idea by Sony without doing any real research which I did. Yet all these articles say Sony only, they never mention to company that actually started this promotion.

Not trying to be an ass to you Game-Modo but seriously you journalist need to stop following each others articles, I mean there are tons of articles just like yours and they are all just as misleading going on and on about how it is Sony's bad idea when they didn't even create the promotion.

This promotion rocks anyway so anyone who is dumb enough to pass it up when you don't even need a brand new Vita for it to work, that is your loss.

Trust me on that.

[fredrikpedersen]

I disagree with the article. How is this a bad idea? I've already been convincing my friends to buy a Vita - because it's an amazing device - the only difference now is that both people get free stuff. Who doesn't like free stuff?

[TheUndertaker85]

"Start advertising what the Vita is and how its better than everything else to play portable games on" - Yup, because history has shown us that advertising a device as only doing one thing then having a high price tag works out perfectly. Cause ya know, with that crowd buying Nexus 7s & iPads & such they're going to want dedicated gaming machines... Ya know. That's why they bought such an awesome phone and tablet for gaming. /s

"Drop the price and make the proprietary memory cards cheaper" - So you want Sony to take in less money from a device they're already having trouble making money on then push more cash toward advertisements? Sounds sane from a business standpoint to me. /s

"Force the Vita into the mindset of gamers by advertising the system more and show the public that the Vita is the console of choice for portable games" - There's two words in here that don't add up in this scenario. Gamers and public. Most of the public you refer to, the ones buying 3DS & iPad, really aren't getting those devices simply for gaming.

"This would seem to be a better idea to pull in gamers compared to wasting money on an idea of getting PS Vita gamers to convince someone to buy a vita" - Cause ya know, it's always great to hear it from the horses mouth. I'm going to listen to a company try to convince me to buy their product. I mean hey, they don't want to sell us things. They really all have our best interests in mind. Plus hey, why not listen to the TV or stare at that pic in a magazine a little longer? It'll give you the same information as a person who actually owns the system and uses it, rather daily or not. /s

What the author is suggesting is what I like to call the THQ problem. Throwing money you don't have at a problem that could be solved other ways and for cheaper.

And btw, those quotes really are the highlights of the story. The rest is filler, there to make the story look bigger and more educated than it actually is.