Microsoft’s ‘Destiny Fragrance’ is Incredibly Clever; Already Paying off

If you’re attached to the gaming realm, you’ll also know that every single advertisement for Destiny has featured a PlayStation 4 logo at the end. This is no coincidence, as Microsoft has pointed out in a ‘non-advertisement’ featuring a ‘Destiny fragrance’. With their hands already tied behind their back – from a marketing perspective – Microsoft made an incredibly bold, and smart move. And it’s already paying off.

[antbolton89]

So pathetic

[xHeavYx]

I'm sure millions of PS4 users are going to switch their pre-orders now! /s
Like someone else said, the fragance should be called "Eau de Salt"

[Mr Pumblechook]

Pre-orders at GAME in the UK are predominantly for the PS4 edition of Destiny and my guess that it is probably going to be the best selling version in all territories.

However the viral ad by Microsoft has been clever for raising an awareness that the game is also coming to Xbox platforms. But aside from all the hype on GAF and forums it doesn't mean anything unless it directly translates to sales. Before you might wonder if I'm downplaying the power of this ad ask yourself this one question; will a PS4 owner or potential PS4 owner swap their order to Xbox One because of that ad?

[Volkama]

They aren't trying to convince PS4 users in particular. They are trying to increase awareness that the game is available on the XBox.

With that in mind, I don't know if the campaign has been remotely successful or not. Everyone that visits the gaming websites that are covering the story already know about Destiny being multiplat.

If the ad extends beyond sites like this then it can be said that it is paying off.

[nX]

They were the ones who started this crap (with CoD) and now they can't handle the consequences - pathethic indeed.

[GiggMan]

I can't wait to see Sony advertise Advanced Warfare, the card game.

Then have a size note saying that they couldn't advertise the game as usual. But, you can get a better version of the game and potentially play with 5 million more people. Lol

[Kidmyst]

Only time will tell if it pays off. The title says it's already paying off but because people talk about the game and it's trending doesn't mean it's payinf off for MSFT, Unless retailers start seeing XBone sales go up. Most gamers who know about Destiny know if they are getting it or not and on which system. For those who don't pay attention and Destiny sneaks up on them, then this advert might help if they own an Xbone.

[Kidmyst]

Only time will tell if it pays off. The title says it's already paying off but because people talk about the game and it's trending doesn't mean it's paying off for MSFT, Unless retailers start seeing XBone sales go up. Most gamers who know about Destiny know if they are getting it or not and on which system. For those who don't pay attention and Destiny sneaks up on them, then this advert might help if they own an Xbone.

[Death]

Depends on who those 5 million people are...

[FITgamer]

They need to do something. The PS4 Destiny bundle hasn't even released yet and it's already tracking better than the Kinect-less Xbox One on Amazon's "Best of 2014". It's gonna be a bloodbath.

[u got owned]

So much salt on this threads

[wsoutlaw87]

The only people who are going to know about this is people who already know about destiny on the xbo so sadly for them, i dont really think its accomplishing much.

[MeliMel]

Why exactly would Microsoft be salted about Destiny?

I hope you guys have great replies.

Edit: I read some articles online that MS had first dibs on Destiny. Dont know how serious the talks were but they had their chance. BtW, doesnt MS have a small stake in Bungie still? Lol......yep theyll be salting all the way to the bank..

[darthv72]

People are going to want to know if maybe MS will actually release this exclusive fragrance. that would be a trinket worth having.

[gangsta_red]

The only salt I see are from the sony fanboys who actually want to believe this game is a Sony exclusive.

Once again, they blow up this nonsense and make a big deal out of nothing. While at the same time defending Sony like sheep.

[Pogmathoin]

This is a great advert, brilliantly crafted. But it will easily be seen as a negative. Just hope fairness is applied when judging what is trolling and what is right. Seen many negative things about MS on this topic left alone, while anyone who seems to bring up the P and the S and a number in a slightly dark way will be tagged......

Darth, then you will see the 'fragrance is good when sony says so' ad.....

[spicelicka]

Yea and i'm sure millions of Xbox users are gonna switch to ps4 just because it has more preorders.

[Dee_91]

@Volkama
Then even if it does extend beyond sites, will anybody actually get it? This targets a small group of people that are on the internet and doesn't know that destiny will be on XBOX, because anybody not keeping up with whats on what will have no clue what this is about.
It just seems like to me MSFT got angry because the fans called them out on the Tomb Raider thing, and this was an attempt to say this Destiny on ps4 is sort of the same thing... well its completely different considering Destiny is releasing on the same date on both platforms.. but you kind of get my point..
Regardless I think its funny.. not one of those laughing with you type of funny but more so laughing at you type of funny... I don't know, maybe a bit of both.

[Eddie20101]

Microsoft have had deals for exclusive advertising on games since the beginning of Xbox 360, seems they can't act mature when the shoe is on the other foot.

Lame!

[_FantasmA_]

Eau de Butthurt

[WilDRangeRfc]

Sony takes potshots at MS all the time Andrew House is a disgrace,I own both so I don't really care but what goes around comes around,so I suppose the game sharing thing at E3 2013 was ok,Phil Spencer shows nothing but respect to Sony and Sony just jibe and troll,that troll House did it again at this E3 upgrade from 360 to PS4 version of GTA V anyone,I'm glad MS finally decided to act like Sony

[aconnellan]

I think the marketing itself is clever, but the reasoning behind it does seem a bit like Microsoft's complaining about being left behind.

That being said, I don't agree with marketing multiplatform games in the same vein as exclusives (something I've always held against Microsoft with CoD)

[Death]

Both companies are marketing to gamers that haven't picked up a new console yet. The company with more exposure can potentially pick up more sales if the game is indeed a system seller. Sony knew this which is why they bought the excluse rights to advertise. Contrary to what some believe, this isn't a new practice Sony picked up to get back at Microsoft. It's been awhile since Sony could afford to do this. Both companies use their marketing dollars the same way, allthough the perfume is new.

[uptownsoul]

@Death Its been a while since Sony could afford to do this? Don't know where you been for the last 9+ months but Sony didn't need to do this type of thing and CoD:Ghosts, Madden, FIFA, and almost all other multi plats have sold better on PS4 than Xbox One

[asadachi]

Aren't you the one who wrote this crappy opinion piece? Are you backtracking now?

[ipach]

what is there to agree or disagree with? that activision is cashing those checks or that sony/microsoft are writing them?

i don't find either side of the deal to be more 'wrong' than the other...

maybe gamers should complain to microsoft for not reaching into their wallets and making a better offer to activision and getting this kind of treatment for the Xbox platforms.

or better yet, not giving bungie better autonomy and a bigger budget in the first place when they practically had them as a first party studio...

and btw, i too, think the ad is pretty clever. and yes quite complainy...

[k3rn3ll]

I would say if they were upset about it they wouldn't do anything to draw attention to the fact that they can't advertise destiny

[-Foxtrot]

It's smart but it comes off kind of desperate in my opinion.

I never saw Sony react like this when Microsoft had all those adverts promoting multiplatform games as exclusive last gen. It's just business

[Blaze929]

lol you all are such babies. It's desperate because Microsoft found a way to still win and actually have to spend no money to do so? For a game that's still hitting their system(s)?

grow up. You all are digging way too much into nothing. If this was sony everyone would be applauding them like that used game sharing skit from E3. Was that desperate or low? No.

Sony paid for exclusive content and advertising. MS said ok, change the product and keep the name - market that. Why would they LITERALLY sit around, and not market one of the biggest games of the year because a contract says they can't do so? LOL this is America - contract smontracts. If you a business and don't know how to get around contracts you have an issue.

It's a genius 1up and may change how exclusive deals go down in the future now.

If Sony does a CoD parody advert in November, i bet the tone will be much different.

@Loktai @-Foxtrot "What exactly did they still "Win"?" "Win? What the hell are you talking about win. I'm sorry I didn't know this was a game of Chess. "
uhh, that's exactly what business is. a game of chess. you always gotta be ahead of your competitor.

How is it a win? you thinking win in terms of something else I'm quite sure. It's a win because they were told they can't do something, and still ended up doing it - just in a different way that can get them into no trouble with little to no financial loss.

How is that NOT a win? I don't expect you to comprehend. SO it's ok

[Loktai]

Blaze929

What exactly did they still "Win"?
All this really does is give existing
xbox fanboys a hard-on and makes the
rest of us chuckle and shake our heads.

[-Foxtrot]

@Blaze929

Win? What the hell are you talking about win. I'm sorry I didn't know this was a game of Chess.

Digging into nothing? I've wrote a line and a bit, that's hardly digging into something, the only person here digging is you.

My, my....you really take offence to things like this.

Deep breaths

"i bet the tone will be much different"

Well probably, because Microsoft already set the stage for a counter attack.

[xHeavYx]

@Blaze
You accuse people of acting like babies and telling them to grow up, while defending MS like a sheep, irony much?

[Tony-A]

@Blaze

Bruh.

With all due respect, you summed up exactly why stories like this continue to gain ground. Both parties are reading a bit too much into it. While MS may very well be putting this out there as a "salty attack" of sorts, I don't think their motive was "win" anything. What the hell are they winning? They haven't won a damn thing this entire generation. What it does positively for them is make people aware of another version. Will this sell units? You're g**damn right it won't. But those few people who have an XBO and somehow didn't know this existed for it will now probably pick up a copy.

This does nothing for or against Sony. If they decide to do the same thing for COD, I doubt the tone will be different in the way you think it will. Most of us will know by then that it was a response to what MS is doing now and everyone will say "okay, expected." End of story. Besides, after 5+ years of MS doing exclusive COD marketing, you'd have to be brain-dead to not know it's multi-platform.

[Death]

"All this really does is give existing
xbox fanboys a hard-on and makes the
rest of us chuckle and shake our heads."

This is alot of the problem that many here face. Let this sink in, you are not the center of the universe.

Once you recover from that earth shattering realization keep reading.

Sony didn't buy exclusive marketing and content as a way of thanking people that own a PS4. There are actually other people that exist that don't have one yet. I know 10 million is a big number and numbers can be both scary and confusing, but there are more people out there. Those are the people Sony is trying to make aware that Destiny is being released on their console. If they have exclusive rights to the marketing, they can also make it look like their console is the only one which may confuse new buyers that want the game and aren't sure which console to get. It's a solid marketing tactic that both companies use.

Microsoft wants exposure too since Destiny is also being released on their console. It's more of that crazy marketing stuff that no longer applies to those that own a console.

So no, this isn't to give fanboys on either side a "hard on" or chuckle out of ignorance because they have no idea what marketing is or who it's aimed at. You are a number, one of 10 million, not one of the other few billion that are being targeted by this.

[coolvibu93]

Not desperate. Smart and funny. Kind a like a tongue in cheek. Sony probably didnt do things like that because they didn't think about it first.

[Mikelarry]

i already cancelled my ps4 pre-order and switched to xbox version /s

[NegativeCreep427]

Yeah I did too...then I woke up.

[badz149]

^^^

what a nightmare, ha?

LOL

[noctis_lumia]

have fun playing this on the crappiest console wit hless exclusive content and map and ofc with the worst community of the two

[Mikelarry]

Damn! some of you don't get sarcasm even after adding /S at the end of the comment

[marlinfan10]

You know whats even more pathetic? The reaction from the fanboys on the opposite side

[Fizzler]

Sony's been taking shots at MS since the beginning of this gen, and this site is always saying how funny and deserving their subtle remarks are, but when MS does something, it's not funny at all and it's actually offensive.
What the hell?

[jrshankill]

Well said good sir. Bubbled up.

I am enjoying the taste of the tears though. Yummy.

[Concertoine]

Agreed.

This isnt desperate nor pathetic. Its a funny half-solution to a genuine problem: one of the biggest games of the decade being advertised solely for the competition. The fact that people are coming in here saying "cancelled ps4 pre- order /s" and getting agrees in spades is what's pathetic. They have managed to completely miss the point of this ad, to make people aware not to steal sales.

What a bunch of sensitive wusses these people are. People just took offense to a fake perfume ad, for crying out loud. This website sickens me with its hivemind sometimes.

[Dewitt]

Microsoft was smart enough to find a loophole. Sony never was or obviously they would have exploited it. Agree 100% with the cheap shots from Sony this gen, then Phil congratulates them. Difference between these two companies direction at the present time. Also, I want to smash Andrew House's face in, I hate that smug asshole so much.

[user9597082]

Couldn't agree more.
I've never seen such negativity that compares to what Sony fanboys wield.

[towelie1288]

its pretty funny actually calm down
get off your high horse for a second.

[mhunterjr]

What's so pathetic about it? It's a freaking joke. It's about as light-hearted a concept as it gets. What's pathetic is how sensitive gamers are. Why does it hurt your feels that MS wants people to know about the xbox version of the game?

I'm sure Sony isn't crying over this, why should you be?

[JeffGUNZ]

It's for humor people, relax. Why is everyone so defensive? This late in the game, most series gamers have this game already pre-ordered and pre-loaded.

[GTgamer]

I don't know how people talking about MS Destiny fragrance equals more people buying destiny for Xbox one since people already locked down their pre orders and the game comes out next week but hey keep thinking this changes anything.

[Volkama]

It is not for the pre-order crowd. It is for the less informed crowd that are about to get blitzed with a "Buy a PS4, you can play this hot new game!" ad campaign.

[ThinkThink]

I haven't pre-ordered my copy yet. Why would i? It's not like they are going to run out of digital copies. Nobody I know pre-orders games anymore. I thought this was kind of funny and funny usually gets my money.

[Aceman18]

Meh I still associate it with PS4 lol.

[SonofGod]

If Sony did something like this it would have been "funny" and "innovative".

Or if Sony had DRM (which they had originally but they backtracked when they saw what happened to MS) in the beginning and MS made a Xbox used game instructional video people would have said:

"Oooh that is so pathetic!" "That's low!" "Typical MS!"

[k3rn3ll]

Or when Sony was applauded for being upfront about their games at gamescom after the backlash against tomb raider. Even though in every conference of every year before this year Sony announced the same kind of way as every one in the industry.

The way people act like they are revolutionizing the industry is apalling. They are just waiting for the trolls to cry out against MS, and pouncing. Careful tho man, I've lost bubbles before for saying that DRM was going to be industry wide but Sony changed after MS conference last year. Even though this was done to satisfy publishers people think MS did it for themselves

[Consoldtobots]

if I were Sony I would be firing up the legal cauldrons so I can take MS to the cleaners for violating an exclusive marketing contract between 3rd parties.

it is all fun and games after all.

[ramiuk1]

yet more embarassing stuff from MS.
its ok for them to constantly go on about maps for cod coming 1st etc but they cant handle the fact nobody gives a shit about there parity clause and that devs are shifting towards sony

[Death]

Indies are shifting towards Sony, not "devs" in general. EA Access, Sunset Overdrive and Tomb Raider are shifting towards Microsoft. EA Access was refused by Sony since it competes with their services, Sunset and TR because Microsoft helped fund development. As a gamer, I would rather see more games that actually use the hardware than indies which are mainly a low risk cash grab flooding the market.

[coolvibu93]

Its a damn tongue in cheek joke. Its embarassing that you guys are taking it that seriously. Its only meant to remind already xbox one owners about the game. Calm down

[xDHAV0K24x]

stop being sensitive

[mcarsehat]

It isn't there to convince anyone. It's to say to the Xbox One owners "hey, we're still here, you can buy Destiny on your Xboxes. Don't listen to Sony."

That's all.

[Buff1044]

Had Sony done it, the attitude here would be different.

[MRMagoo123]

Yes the xbone fanboys would be saying Sony is trash and to "stay classy" and they smell desperation and salt, but it's MS so it's "funny" or "smart" .

[Consoldtobots]

had sony done it they would be on the phone with Ms lawyers right now

[pingthing]

MS may have only intended to antagonize the haters. Erm, did it work?

[Gamer1982]

Thing is Sony could easily sue for this as they do have exclusive rights to advertisements.Its not exactly advertising the game but its on the lines.

[nachokingp]

I think it's rather clever myself, although Activision and Sony's lawyers may not agree.

[FanboyKilla]

Lmfao!! nice one ms. Clever. Like me. Lol

@antbolt89 i think sony looks pathetic, grasping on to destiny like it isnt on every console under the sun lol. The best place to play destiny is ps4 lol. The game is the same on all platforms. Its your choice.

Sony, your fanboys already seem brain washed. I dont think its going to work on the rest of us. Lol

[Bytor]

Call Of Duty the only place to play which is a flat out lie.

[reko]

@lamefan

youre clever? nah youre dumb as a rock, who said you were smart? LOL

[Spotie]

If it's not improving sales poof the console or preorders of the XB1 version of the game, how is it paying off?

People talking about the ad for a product doesn't translate into people buying the product, especially in gaming, where most people with interest already know about said product.

[metalmatters]

Just when I start liking Microsoft thinking to myself "I like their honest approach" they come out and show their true colors havent changed one bit. Still the same old shady staff running the xbox division.

The marketing idea is great, the execution is corrupted and shady, shows how butthurt they can be when they feel powerless against their competition, fair play?

[coolvibu93]

Calm down. Its not a massive multi million dollar campaign on every tv, magazine, etc. Just this small fake perfume on internet. Are they not allowed to remind Xbox one owners the game was coming out. I honestly had forgotten about the game coming this soon

[Infamazdre]

Coppin it

[MWMonroe2395]

This proves Microsoft is just a butt hurt group of little kids.

[Azzanation]

@antbolton89 *So pathetic*

Wow its gamers like you who make gamers look bad. Sony troll MS all the time and MS come out with a (smart idea) and this is all you say? Go back to your cave and don't come out until you understand how to socialise and give a good opinion on forums.

[AndrewLB]

If by "pathetic" you mean "clever, funny, and smart", then i agree with you completely. But I have a feeling you are just blinded by your love for Sony and have no ability to recognize good marketing when you see it. See... I thought it was brilliant when Sony kept quiet about their DRM which was just as intrusive as Microsofts, and let them go public first and in effect, hang themselves. Then remove the DRM with the day 1 patch while trying to make Microsoft look bad, and acting like they never had any DRM. Was that ethical? Not really. But it was very smart.

I must admit though, that quite a few Sony fans have been honest about this piece of marketing and recognized it for what it is. Unfortunately quite a few of you are beyond help at this point.

[assdan]

Here's the big difference between sony jabs and this one. Look at this video from after e3 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/wat...
So, is this somewhat childish like the MS add? Yes, but there's one big difference. This ad revealed an ADVANTAGE sony had. Destiny just brings attention to the fact that Destiny is being advertised like it's an exclusive. It could potentially be even more harmful. It could be easily thought of like this "Our best dev may prefer sony now, and we aren't getting Destiny, so here's our version of Destiny!" Stupid ad. This ad makes them look petty, stupid and childish all while hurting brand recognition.

[Enemy]

This is actually real? How sad. Who the hell's gonna wear a cheap Destiny cologne? "I want to smell like legend, mom!"

[aconnellan]

The fragrance isn't real, if that's what you're asking (not too sure). It's a 'non-advertisement', in which they advertise without breaking the contract that says they can't advertise.

If you mean the marketing campaign, then yes, that's real

[christocolus]

Lol. Nice and clever marketing.very bold move too. Reminds me of the samsung vs apple ads,that never gets old. Lmao.

[llxKonanxll]

+ for funny. Thanks for the laugh. :)

[Neonridr]

/facepalm

[Big_Game_Hunters]

Reading is a thing man...
the fragrance is not real.

[SonofGod]

Your level of intelligence is showing.

[bosoxs505]

You're the biggest fanboy on the website.

[mrpsychoticstalker]

Best advertising ever, smart and clever without breaking the laws. I personally lost the interest in Destiny, ever since the master chief collection was announced. But the fragrance idea is awesome.

[FlunkinMonkey]

Wowsers, a coincidence that you are here downplaying Bungie's NEW game that is multi-platform with a collection that is only available on the Xbone?

I think not..

OT: I didn't actually realise MS weren't allowed to run adverts for Destiny, that's got to hurt..

Not a bad advertising scheme giving the circumstances.

BELOW:

If it was anyone else making the point about the MCC collection I wouldn't have a problem, i'm not looking forward to Destiny either.. But he is entirely transparent, wake up and smell the troll.

You poor naive thing.

[jrshankill]

What's so hard to believe about it?

Like mrpsychoticstalker, I am also dodging Destiny like the plague and waiting for MCC.

You might be surprised, but some of us were not that impressed with Destiny. We all don't have the same tastes. Sorry about that.

[strangeaeon]

OT: I didn't actually realise MS weren't allowed to run adverts for Destiny, that's got to hurt..

I would think that it is mostly hurting Bungie, wouldn't you say? Because, you know, sales.

[FlunkinMonkey]

strangeaeon

With MS already trailing behind by a rather large margin in hardware sales, and considering this is Sony's biggest bundle of the year, with Bungie (the biggest developer for MS last gen), deciding to partner with Sony more so than MS this round, I would say it is hurting MS more than it is Bungie.

If it was going to hurt Bungie so much sales, why would they choose this route with this project?

Because, you know, logic.

[Death]

Logic would dictate a developer would want equal exposure in all places. Money would dictate what actually happens. Bungie wants to gain as much favor with Playstation fans since they were a former first party with Microsoft. Sony wanted to stick it to Microsoft so they made sure they had exclusive content and advertising. Bungie is trying to double their sales by releasing on multiple platforms. It's a calculated risk. They know they will lose some of their fanbase on the Xbox and hope to compensate and add sales on the Playstation.

I've been a huge fan and supported Bungie since Halo was announced. I have no regrets and enjoyed everything they have released. With that said I'm a little dissappointed in the way they treat the fans that made them who they are. People treat you the way you allow them to treat you. I have no intention on buying Destiny at this time. If it trully becomes a must have game I will be sure to buy it used. It has nothing to do with being "salty" and everything to do with the way they treat us gamers. Bungie could have handled things differently if they wanted to. It is very clear loyalty means nothing and money means everything to them. I couldn't see Naughty Dog ever doing anything like this to their fans. They are a much classier company that balanced loyalty and money.

I'd rather put the money towards an Xbox One for my kid and a couple copies of MCC for us to play together anyway.

[CerealKiller]

How is it "paying off" ?

[NegativeCreep427]

All the MS sycophants have something to "brag" about. If that is even the right word.

[strangeaeon]

Wow,sycophants? Someone learn a new word today?

[NegativeCreep427]

Hey I'm here to help strangeaeon. You interested in other new and big words??? Like "Deflection"? Something just tells me your psychological profile is filled with it.

[Death]

syc·o·phant
[ síkəfənt ]

1.fawning flatterer: a servile or obsequious person who flatters somebody powerful for personal gain

Word of the day boy and girls.

[Blaze929]

who's talking about the Sony Destiny ads?

Alright, now who's talking about the Microsoft Desinty ads?

Which company has a headline on N4G with 130+ comments that only took 2 hours to get heat and will make rounds to hundreds of other gaming websites/blogs?

Which company will use this advertising to get social media talking?

How exactly is it 'not' "paying off" when they had to literally spend nothing to do it? Vs Sony who spent actual dollars securing the deal to do the same thing?

So yes, how is it NOT paying off?

[DanielGearSolid]

And which console will it sell more on?

Oh yea, and which console has aa Destiny bundle topping the sales charts?

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought "paying off" included monetary gains when it comes to advertising

N4g comments don't = sales

[jrshankill]

Preciously. Sony must have spent a TON of money to secure the advertising deal. It has backfired. The Ponies have a hard time acknowledging defeat.

Besides, it can only be good for sales of the game across both platforms. It isn't going to sell more Xbox One consoles, but it is still funny to see this backfire. It also should teach a lesson... throwing money at companies for exclusivity can also be an absolute waste of time and resources (this goes to Xbox One also with the Tomb Raider debacle).

Kudos to MS.

[XabiDaChosenOne]

The only people talking about this are gamers in the know, who already know what platform they will purchase said title on. If you think this will result in an actual manifestation of sales that is even noticeable than you are beyond help.

[aconnellan]

It's gaining them a lot of attention in an area where they haven't really had it.

If you mention Destiny, people automatically associate it with PlayStation; now Microsoft wants some of the attention without breaking contractual obligations Activision set in place

[Infamous298]

Even tho I admit it's clever ,i still think it as an act of desperation or a sign that they made a mistake like not securing the advertisements rights of destiny. Sony didn't do that with COD last gen.

[die_fiend]

This perfume reeks of desperation on MS behalf. I'd be pretty annoyed if the people that MADE my console had shut the door on me too but still.

[InTheLab]

I don't understand why this would bother anyone. I think Sony should do it for all the other games MS has exclusive advertising rights to...

[NatureOfLogic_]

I don't think Sony should follow. MS is in a desperate situation with Xbox One. No need for Sony to appear salty like MS. MS have CODAW exclusive marketing, but PS4 will most likely still sell more even with a Xbox One bundle coming.

[JeffGUNZ]

Can we stop with "MS is in a desperate situation" nonsense? It hasn't been a year and MS is still doing well overall. Sony is EXCEEDING everyone's expectations. Sony is killing it, doesn't mean MS is dead.

[Nightcyberspud]

5 million consoles sold is hardly desperate especially considering MS only launched in a fraction of the regions that Sony did.

This reminds me of the Coke vs Pepsi Ads of the 80's . That wasn't desperate, just good marketing. So is this.

[izumo_lee]

I don't think Sony has to. Last gen Microsoft had all the advertising rights for games like Tomb Raider & Final Fantasy 13. Despite all of the Microsoft advertising both these games did considerably better on Playstation consoles.

With Destiny i doubt this will sway people who have already made their decisions. It's just Microsoft trying to get their own fans to 'remember' that this game is also on the Xbox.

[BattleTorn]

That's precisely where you're wrong.

Sony never used any non-advertisement ad campaign to promote Call of Duty release on Playstation.
At least thay I can recall.

This cologne ad reads as //legally, we can't talk about the game. So instead, we're here to talk about not having permission to talk about it. We didn't make the rules, we're just abiding by them//

But the thing is Microsoft DID create the rules, when they first created exclusive marketing campaigns.

[n4rc]

Lol.. And who said they created it?

[mhunterjr]

Is that how you read it? You need to lighten up. It was certainly more "due to standard business practices we can't advertise this awesome game, but we've found a funny way to circumvent the issue :)"

I didn't get the sense that they felt the co-marketing deal was wrong or unjust. Rather that "it is what it is" so, They are just having fun with it.

You focus more on the intro, when it only existed to give context on an image that would be totally ridiculous w/o context.

[BattleTorn]

@above

I get it. It's intended to be 'har har, poke poke, gab gab, get it? get it?'

But it's less funny when you figure theyre probably abiding by the same line of legality that they originally wrote in their deals with Activision meant to keep Sony from doing COD TV ADs.

The humour, in the context of this email, is meant to highlight how silly 'nondisclosure clauses' are - and how easily they are to work around - by 'not talking, by talking about not talking.'

The rules that Microsoft follow in regards to Destiny (Activison-Sony) were undoubtably shaped by the rules of Call of Duty (Activison-Microsoft)

[joeorc]

Its manipulative Astroturfing as they are very proficient in it. But thats alright, they do what they do best..lmao
You got to hand it to microsoft they lost all shame quite a long time ago.

[Phene]

Yeh u guys are taking this way to seriously. Which gamer doesn't know Destiny is coming out for their platform of choice? All in all, clever idea and I give them credit ...and I own a PS4.

[Slevon]

Thank you for posting the only comment that hasnt given me a palm right to the face. By the amount of downplaying or bragging about a single advertisement going on you'd think they'd be making marketing money themselves

[MCTJim]

Wow just look at all the mods in this topic.

Its clever marketing in reality, but if you know about Destiny, you already know it coming to both current consoles.

[gamerfan0909]

It's funny when people write these long blog posts about gaming journalism being corrupt and they hate being down upon as gamers and hate biases in game journalism. Then you see threads like this where you can see people clearly picking and choosing when to use their moral high ground. I just find that kinda interesting.

[Askanison4]

Why wasn't this marked as a duplicate?

[TheRedButterfly]

To everyone wondering:

"Lastly, it’s absolutely working – everyone is talking about the funny ‘advertisement’ from Microsoft, showing off a Destiny fragrance. ‘Destiny‘ is trending on Twitter (where it wasn’t earlier today), and not many people are discussing the game. Today, it’s all about Microsoft, Xbox, and their latest fragrance."

^ That's how it's working.

[polow got sol]

This is funny lol kudos to ms.

[SliceOfTruth888]

Its amazing to me how much the gaming community sucks. Nintendo has exclusive advertising, Sony has had exclusive, Sega and so on...ALL before Xbox even existed. Any Xbox fan pissed about sonys exclusiveness get over it any Sony fanboy who still needs to be assured they made the "right" choice you did you win yayyy. Hoping for a competitions demise is not what we want. What we should be embracing is how competition makes this industry better. This ad was funny the end

[mhunterjr]

I've never seen people get so butt-hurt over a harmless, tongue-in-cheek marketing ploy. I've seen everything from MS is ruthless, shameless, showing fear, showing bitterness, showing desparation, etc, when really, they are simply showing a sense of humor.

Amidst all the hooplah about exclusivity and co-marketing, they've found a way to make light of the situation... People are ready WAY TOO MUCH into this...

[marlinfan10]

Meant to agree, well said

[paulogy]

This is clever, but I question how much this will really "pay off".

I'm more surprised they're not counter-advertising one of their own exclusives, like the Master Chief Collection, with wording specifically aimed at Destiny. Seems like it would be easy to pump up their "original guardians" angle.

[mhunterjr]

Because they want people to buy both xbox games

[paulogy]

Sure, but I suspect they'd rather people buy Xbox Ones to do so.

[spence52490]

Sources say this stuff smells terrible, bottles of it was sprayed at every major Xbox One release in Japan to help set the mood and the lines of people quickly dispersed as soon as the stores opened.

[Flamingweazel]

It wont have any effect on sales....so other then making Ms look like a spoiled child how will or has it paid off? MS invented underhanded marketing.

[ScorpiusX]

No that compliment of underhanded marketing goes To Apple .lol

@Summons75 how is it desperation , I see smart marketing remind people that game is on their platform with out a major cost and while doing it while the other Plat thinks they got it all figured out . That is clever and again Bravo MS/Xbox.

[chaosx]

Underhanded would be taking the Space from between Play and Station to screw over nintendo….

[FullmetalRoyale]

It is a clever move, and quite funny. Now I've had Destiny preordered digitally on Psn for ps4 since before the beta(obligatory Psn is Jack_Dangerously so you know I have one).

Even as someone who is primarily a PlayStation user(I love my 3ds), I have nothing but the upmost respect for the work Bungie have done. Nobody that was around could deny the significance of the original Halo: Combat Evolved. It was always the one game(not a dig) that I wish I could play.

This fact is obviously not lost on Microsoft. This is Bungie that is being advertised on PlayStation. That was arguably their biggest development team, now SEEMINGLY aligned to PlayStation.

That is huge. Microsoft would be fools not to take some action. This is an appropriate response. It's like when you slip and fall, you have to be one of the ones that are laughing. It's all in good fun, and it serves a purpose.

*Changed Sony to PlayStation.

[joeorc]

What many I think are missing is Microsoft is doing this because they can get around the "intent" of the contract without outright breaking it. Legally they are in full rights to do so, but morality wise its just business as usual.

They were able to break a contracts intent without breaking the contract, good for them right? Everyone does it.Microsoft is just better at it than others.

But it is as to be very blunt a direct manipulation of the intent of contract law.

When you do that it outright makes your actions defensive due to that part of the contract being disadvantageous to the person trying to circumvent such limitations.

Many may say thats "clever" marketing but, what bungie may say about it may not be happy about another company they charged good money to get exclusive product promotion, see another company get to do advertisement on the same product for "free" and in the future try to get that rate down for exclusive marketing charge reduced for future products.It than makes the contract process go that much longer, working put future deals.

Hey its in all good fun right?
Most likely nothing will come of this, but this may effect future "exclusivity" add revenue that Bungie could get in effect from other companies due to contract circumvention, but thats ok its all in good fun right?

[Chanogram]

Sir, you've put too much thought into this, just like 75% of the people on n4g. If you saw it and got irritated or started thinking about the contract and the morality of it you missed the point entirely.

Gamers are all for fun and games, except when it's the company they dont own a product for. Were you qestioning Sony's tactics during E3 2013? They were pretty low and screamed desperate to me, but most people applauded them and laughed. That was outright HOSTILE and mean. This is neither, but somehow is seen worse. I don't get it.

[joeorc]

No it is you and others that are missing the point. I am far from irate, or anything of the sort, I completely understand why Microsoft did do this, I also understand by circumvention of contract law is quite legal, it also opens up the problems tied directly with such actions.

You cannot have it both ways , if you are just counting this as light hearted joke, the higher ups that put out deals for the company and the contracts they make just make it that much harder to get deals done with less restrictions, because of such actions..of being quote lightened up its just a joke.

And what Sony did was not circumvention of a binding contract.
Bringing up company's ethics is one thing, companies always work for the best interests of the company, but circumvention of contract law is another' because of stunts like these it not only makes more work, and more restrictions!

Its all fun and games unless you are the one having to freaking draft up contracts!

[PFFT]

Yeah it is funny and clever indeed but how exactly is it paying off????

[Chanogram]

People are talking about it. That's all they want.

Some of you make it sound like they invested millions of dollars into this Destiny Fragrance thing. It's a freaking website, and not a lot of money. ANY talk about it is a "win" for MS on this one.

[joeorc]

How is this a win for Microsoft, lets say more companies that are not going to pay for exclusive marketing deals now, because they than can point to this as a reason, that means less money for the company asking for some other company to pay for the privilege of exclusive marketing for your product to get the highest return on that cost the charge to the 3rd party for that exclusive right to do so.

By doing this it only hurt Bungie's ability to gather more licensed advertisement revenue for Bungie!
At a higher price point.

How does that help Bungie for dealing with companies durring future contract deals for rights of promotion for better revenue for bungie in the future? Thats because it does not help, it makes it that much harder.

[tlougotg]

the desperation,the jealousy and the salt is rea lol No one is bothered by this bu they are calling a spade, a spade and the hypocrisy is crazy on Microsofts part.

[marlinfan10]

Hows the hypocrisy crazy by ms? They arent complaining about the exclusive ad deals between bungie and sony, they just found a clever work around to remind people that its coming out for xbox. You guys are reading way too much into it. I wouldnt expect anything else from you guys though

[ScorpiusX]

Bravo MS/Xbox marketing well done , good job.
Keep up the Cleverness.

[Summons75]

Since when is desperation = cleverness?

[Pinkdolphinyfg]

Microsoft does a jab at sony - "Wow thats real low Microsoft you guys are so desperate to win this generation its sad just give up."

Sony does jab at Microsoft - "Wow lmao Sony that was funny well played idk why evrybody is being so salty they're just having fun with the console wars get over it people"

[DigitalRaptor]

I think you're overlooking something:

Microsoft does a jab at Sony - it's painfully hypocritical and evident of the fact that they can't handle the damage of not being the top dog in town.

Sony does a jab at Microsoft - they're not being hypocritical, but making a valid point that most sensible people have proven that they agree with.

[MetaReapre]

So many people hating on this. I feel it's pretty funny. It's not persuading me to buy the xb1 version over the ps4 but I like this ad, it's clever.

[Predaking77]

I hope Sony sue Microsoft for this. Is there really a need to be so desperate and lack professionalism like this Microsoft?

I'm glad Sony does not behave like this.

[76erz24]

Yeah Sony is always soooo professional. Like at e3 2013 when the highpoint of their conference was them ridiculing Microsoft. (The best part about that was that they did it just to draw attention away from the fact their conference was actually quite bad.)

But as you said Sony is the apex of corporate professionalism.

[Ryan741]

Looking forward to the PS4 exclusive content.

[Summons75]

Its not clever its desperate. Their money couldn't buy them exclusivity on something g and they're throwing a fit despite them being the ones blocking someone else from advertising.

[mhunterjr]

Where do you see a fit being thrown? They spent a couple bucks on a tongue-in-cheek site. The only people throwing a fit are the Sony fanboys who seeing can't take a harmless joke.

[Summons75]

Its not a joke. MS clearly says they can advertise destiny but screw everyone we're above the law and will do what we want. You Dont see sony doing this with call of duty when MS yet again pays for the exculusive stuff because they Dont have the exclusives to sell their system.

[mhunterjr]

Again, where do you see a fit being thrown by MS? Yes it was a mischeivous act, but it was clever and it was humorous. It's a shameless plug. They are simply MAKING LIGHT of a situation in which a popular title isn't being marketed for their platform.

The only people who are throwing fits are people like you, who are making it a bigger deal than it is.

[aerisbueller]

I hate to sound like Microsoft and Activision, but shouldn't Activision sue for this? How is this not advertising Destiny, the game? They specifically mention the game itself. This wouldn't be the first game advert that doesn't directly show the game. How is this any different?

[metalmatters]

Not Activition, Sony

[GodGinrai]

They showed no game footage. They did not say to go out and buy it on abox one. they simply stated that it is? Is MS not allowed to say destiny is on X1? Because last time I checked it is. Its not an advert for the game. simply a clever play on the rules. Nothing to stop sony doing the same with CoD.

I see a destiny ad on XBL webpage right now. That is more of an advert for the game on Xbox consoles than this is.

So, Nope. Activision wont do a damn thing. And I dont think bungie really care.They just want everybody to play their game.

[Acadius]

First off, I own both PS4 & Xbox One. Just have to put that disclaimer out there.
Anyway, why is it fine for the Call of Duty series commercials to have the "Get the ultimate experience on Xbox." but most of the Internet blows a gasket when Destiny has the PS4 logo followed by each commercial?
At the end of the day, it's business for each system. We don't see Sony making loophole ads telling gamers that Call of Duty is also playable on their system as well because everyone just knows it is.
I'm just perplexed by this whole, "Sony is getting what they deserve" attitude.

[feraldrgn]

Trying ways to get round something MS themselves introduced.
Not clever, this just shows how it came back to bite them.

Also, how is this not breaking some sort of agreement?
If not, I'm sure they've just closed the door on a few companies trusting them with future contracts.

[XtraTrstrL]

That's what I was saying, they created this monster. I love how they give the sad sob story and look for sympathy, while breaking the agreement basically.

[MonsterChef]

Well your not getting it, this whole generation Sony has been the jerk and pour o'l Philly is a victim I mean he complemented Sony so many times in a gesture that sent Shockwave around the world and his good hearted approach to the gaming scene is a god send - end sarcasm I'm all good for this Microsoft found a way to promote a game it lost the ads to and that's fine was it clever yes but it comes of a little desperate like they choose the wrong horse in titian fall.. Anyhow im sure all gamers know what platform this game is available for already, this doesn't do the general population any favors unless this makes the television ads

[cell989]

Salty is salty. The salt runs through their veins right now #butthurt

[GodGinrai]

I dont think bungie mind. Its free advertising for them.

[metalmatters]

Pathetic and cheap imo. They cant stand the fact that they missed out on the exclusivity rights with this game. They have to go this low? Just when I start liking them, they have to pull stunts like these smh*

[GodGinrai]

"Pathetic and cheap imo."

It takes a fanboy to assume that perspective. read your whole post back to your self from a third person perspective, and you will see how your comment reads..

"Just when I start liking them, they have to pull stunts like these smh*"

Who ARE you kidding? LMAO!!

[Ethereal]

Ugh will this industry ever grow out of this?

[qwerty676]

i know, so many oversensitive gamers cant take a lighthearted joke and cant enjoy a few harmless laughs.

its sad people have stooped this low where they take offence to everything.

[Juangie3]

Lol these comments though.

[Flames76]

This is awesome microsoft is always 1 step ahead of sony

[Jayszen]

One step ahead? er,,too much MS kool aid? Considering the debacle of 2013 and lagging behind Sony in every market as well as the laughable release in Japan yesterday, I wonder how you justify that statement?

[Duke19]

Still getting it for PS4, but that is pretty funny. People need to lighten up around here

[scark92]

Coming soon, Assassins Creed Shampoo, Far Cry Conditioner, and Grand Theft Auto Body Wash.
Xbox.. Its does Personal Hygiene.

[iistuii]

They are in competition & its a business. Get over it.

[Nightcyberspud]

But you can't argue that this hasn't worked. People are talking about Microsoft and Destiny in tandem. and this ad will definitely catch the attention of the people out there who are either: a.)not avid Gamers thus are up to date on the console wars and "exclusivity" in its very loose form when it comes to this game. and b.)those who are buying games and systems for others such as nephews, Grandsons, kids and significant others. or C.) wanted to buy the MS console but were on the fence because they were unaware that Destiny would be on it.(again see non-avid gamers)

[MannGamer]

Well I am glad MS find a loophole to this thing. Which I think will be worst for them in the long run cause they are the one who are really going to need making multiplats look like exclusive since they are behind.
Now Sony can just copy this method and maybe this practice will go away

[BabyTownFrolics]

people take all this way too seriously

[gamertk421]

Plenty of salt today, and I'm not talking about MS, lol

[ocelot07]

Wait Destiny is also on the Xbox One?

/s

[pingthing]

It isn't about anybody swapping their pre order, *sings*'your so vane, I bet u wish this ad was about you'.
Destiny is a system seller, the ad is aimed at those on the fence, the undecided. Was the ad successful? I dunno about Joe public but its deffo trending on Twitter, and compared to how much it probs cost (providing Sony don't find a way to sue) its been a viral success.

[Silly gameAr]

But, I wonder if trending on Twitter will translate to sales. It's just funny that MS felt the need to do this with all the deceptive advertising they've done in the past.(and still do)

[Ra3030]

Oh that smells so good on my PS4.....thanks Microsoft. Now you should go clean up that stink that was your Japan launch....that was a real stinker for you Microsoft! Lol, lol! Hahaha!

[ipach]

hilarious. did you guys even click the 'order now' button? it only shows console bundles! you can't even pre-order the game alone through this 'non-ad' ad. and yeah, this looks like it's only for UK customers. weird.

[Droidbro]

Double post. Noooooooooo.

[Droidbro]

Funny how butthurt the SDF has gotten over a joke. A good joke too.

[Max-Zorin]

Simba: Hey dad, what's a sense of humor?
Mufasa: I don't know son, we're the gaming community.

[NeoGamer232]

I wasn't going to buy Destiny until it was cheap...

Now, because of this little marketing exercise, I actually feel like getting it...

On my X1...

[RosettaStoned]

Good Heavens, this site is full of thin skinned girls.

[turdboy69]

this is a smart move for bungie. bet they are loving it.

[AceofStaves]

The whole situation is hilarious. This is no different than Sony's "This is how you share your games on PS4" video from E3 2013, only then it was the Xbox fanboys whining about how petty and mean it was, while the PS fanboys thought it was a joke, good fun, and a clever bit of marketing.

Will it get people to choose Destiny XB1 over Destiny PS4? Probably not. But it was good business for MS to try to raise awareness of the XB1 version of the game.

[Sh0ckWav3]

Lol.. How I miss the old Sega vs SNES and those clever commercials days...

[xx4xx]

BEST ADVERT......EVER!!!!!!!!!

[mixelon]

As clever and bizarre as this is I can't see it actually translating to many, or even any? More sales on the X1 side.

Pretty strange move here MS.

[Exies7]

As a person who is buying Destiny on PS4 (not really for the "exclusives"), I laughed. It was clever.

I wish gaming would rely less on multiplat titles, and their exclusivity, and instead just make solid first party titles. This stuff with Destiny and Tomb Raider is ridiculous.

[Spid3r6]

The Greatest advertisement ploy ever...Every one is talking about it...From now on I will think of the fragrance called Destiny and not the game LMAO...great Job Microsoft. This Blue bottle is all over the internet!!

[Azzanation]

What I don't understand is first PS gamers hate Halo and now PS fans are more excited about a game that's a Halo clone? PS fans are looking forward to this game more then actual upcoming PS franchises... If they loved Destiny so much then why didn't they just invest in a Xbox since Destiny and Halo are so similar? and you get both..

[DevilishSix]

Sony should sue MS. I am sure Sony paid a good amount for exclusive DLC and marketing rights to Destny. You don't see Sony pulling this crap on Microsofts marketng deals for COD or Madden for example. Yes Sony should sue MS pants off for this Unethical business practice.

[DOOMZ]

I think its Awesome!!!

[DarXyde]

If I can make one statement, about this generation right now, let it be that Microsoft has advertising that really works. They've managed to market Destiny and keep it legal. Let's be honest, Sony is talking about it like it's exclusive and that's okay because they want Bungie to invest in future relations with them. Now, we actually see this odd marketing tactic, and everyone is talking about it.

Remember Tomb Raider? That caused an uproar that tech sites, business sites, and everyone on Facebook and Twitter had an opinion on.

[chaosx]

Pretty clever work around really ! and a nice middle finger to Activision at the same time.

[optimus]

Well I hope they got the press they wanted out of it cause the ad was taken down.

[JMyers]

MS forgot to stick to COD... This Ad money could be used for game development.

Sony's COD fragrance incoming?

[noctis_lumia]

this wont change anything
ps4 version double xbox version in pre orders worldwide

and that cheap eau de crap lol...pathetic attempt
i stick with my classic christian Dior-Fahrenheit

[Adolph Fitler]

Hahahahaha.. "Clever"?? Hahahahaa... Yes, much more clever than spending this wasted money on actual games... lol. Apart from US hardcore nerds, NOBODY else is going to even get this. Meanwhile in Sony land, they are talking about remote play on Vita with the game, exclusive content, etc, etc.. I know what I think is more clever, & more what I want & expect as a gamer... If Sony was playing MS's game, & MS was playing Sony's....I would be properly pissed, & contemplating trading my PS4 for a XBOne... No fanboyism needed, just merely wanting the best as a consumer/gamer... Anyway, luckily I have the PS4/Wii-U combo, as if we swapped out the PS4 or Wii-U with XBone, THE ONLY GAMES I have ANY interest in are Sunset Overdrive (which is totally unproven as of yet, & coming from a developer that's last few efforts have been well below ANY standard, let alone of Insomniacs ilk), & the other, Quantum Break (which I hope is more Max Payne, than Alan (I can't stay-A)Wake)...

Sorry MS fanboys, but this just shows your beloved company values high school insults, over ACTUALLY catering to it's fanbase....ahahahahaha. Glad you guys think it's funny, as I'm sure PS4 owners think the XBOne games lineup is hilarious, over the coming years... PS4 already has 2 indie titles that outscore, outperform & are better quality experiences than anything on XBOne, at this stage... Velocity X2 & Resogun outshines the ENTIRE XBone library. hahahhaha.

[WilDRangeRfc]

Lol I have both systems Resogun better than X1 game library really??? Your either drunk,jealous,easily pleased or trolling or all of the above,X1 has best Driving game best shooter best fighting game and far superior AAA line up at present and for the rest of 2014,QB,SSOD and MCC say hi!!! Oh and don't even come back with TLOUR says hi cause I have it also because I game on both platforms and can afford to unlike you;) Resogun ( space invaders remastered ) lol GTFO

[Nodoze]

Sony should release a call of duty, and tomb raider fragrance. MS is just jealous. The only headlines this generation for them deal with being handily outsold by Sony.

Where is Aaron Greenburger now? No more witty twitter comments? Enjoy your humble pie.

[WilDRangeRfc]

Andrew House ( little troll ) takes jibes at MS all the time but that's fine isn't it?? Sony have acted without class on many occasions but that's funny isn't it? Phil Spencer and the Xbox division show nothing but respect to Playstation,at this years E3 they had MS employees talking about their favourite gaming experiences and they mentioned Playstation games aswell,do you see the difference between these two companies because I do,glad MS realise that it's time to take the gloves off cause Sony took theirs off from day one

[T2X]

What's the big deal? Here's How I imagine it works:

TV ad spot comes up showing game that interests me.
I check if it's available for XBOX and find that it is.
I order it.
The end.

Odd that they care so much about it when, as stated by someone else here, they always shovel out tons of money for timed exclusive stuff etc. maybe they should make a few ads and plug they're Logo in jumbo letters and make the SONY logo small and hard to read? LOL!