Aap! - Alternative Advertising Possibilities

GTA IV, “the new open-world, action-driving video game released today around the world will easily “top last year’s record-breaking $300 million first-week sales of Microsoft and Bungee Studios’ first-person shooter “Halo 3″ — and all without a similar marketing bonanza or budget. 

According to the AP report - ‘Grand Theft Auto’ Promo Campaign Kept Quiet’  Rockstar has been trying to keep their marketing message on the “downlow.”

We’ve been truly impressed in Rockstar’s ability to communicate and build hype directly with gamers through viral internet teasers and low cost non traditional out of home media including amazing phony wanted billboards, graffiti, and viral websites. (Even Bagel Bags, Coffee Cups…)

Some of the ficitional wanted adverts have included in them an e-mail address where residents of “liberty city” (the game’s fictional universe) can send in “tips” to LibertyCityPolice.com, a website which undoubtedly will be accessible inside the game’s internet function.

From a marketing perspective all this has been absolutely brilliant. From a CFO’s perspective the campaigns have demonstrated the value of low cost non traditional media and most importantly from a gamer’s perspective they have even been critical in building trust, interest and a direct relationship with players.   Seen in certain European and US cities, while we love the work we are just a little curious to see if these posters raised any objections.

Of course knowing Rockstar this was probably the intent…

GTA IV out today. Instead of enjoying the marketing - go play the game…

Review of GTA IV @ IGN 

Other Related Articles of Interest 

GTAIV ads pulled because of San Andreas flap Chicago - Transit Authority gave up a contract potentially worth more than $200,000 in revenue because people complained about another ad campaign more than three years ago.

While there are countless  websites providing a creative outlet for review and critique of advertising (Ads Of The World, etc) - Oshiuri (オシウリ), a recently launched Japanese site  throws something new into the mix.

Besides providing a space for the advertising community to share work - the forum provides a mechanism in which any idea/pitch hosted on the site can be bought and sold.

The site aims to become the creative agency of the internet allowing brands to scope pitches for brands directly from creatives.  Brands can also submit ads for creative pitches and will provide the best with contracts.

Not sure how the site is going to work collectively and avoid “idea” theft but so far there are some creative ideas for brands ranging from Axe to National Geographic that have been purchased through the site.

With pricing starting as low as 100,000 yen to priceless - the venue might be an opportunity for brands to connect directly with creatives.

The site was launched by Design Barcode, Inc - the little design studio that specializes in Barcode Design (Read our coverage on their amazing work for artistic product barcodes)

Visit Oshiuri [Sadly only accessed from Japan...]

We’re big fans of Graffiti Research Lab and some of the work they have done in theorizing and implementing new “open source” tools for communication.

A new documentary is due out soon on the work of these technology-hacker-graffiti urban artists.  BoingBoingTV features a preview of the film (embedded above) and will premiere in New York on May 4th. Hot!

[Update]

Anti-Advertising Agency cohorts, the Graffiti Research Lab are premiering their “Complete First Season” as part of PopRally at the Museum of Modern Art on May 4th @ 8PM + PARTY after with Javelin and special guests.

A panel after the film include Evan Roth, James Powderly, Steve Lambert, Bennett4$enate, and surprise guests.

GET TICKETS NOW

In great open source nature - if you know command line wizardry, how to concat and use parity files, the whole DVD can be downloaded from our server 50mb at a time. Otherwise it’s on Pirate Bay.)

Aap!Straps are the leading advertising straps for public transportation systems.  Used throughout Japan - we’re pleased to showcase our newest Aap!Strap that have been designed specifically for a metro authority in the Americas.

The new strap features a larger horizontal space  suitable for western writing scripts.  The high quality polycarbonate ring provide riders with comfort and the slotted advertising box offers the opportunity to interact with passenger in a unique and fun medium.

More information on Aap!Straps

Yup - there is indeed a Japanese  design company focused on the exciting niche service of designing creative, functional barcodes for products sold throughout Japan and the world.  The Design Barcode Inc. a Shibuya based graphic design studio has won several awards including a Cannes Titanium award for their work incorporating unique designs and motifs into conventional barcodes. Great example of some level of attention put into some products.

More @ Design Barcode Inc. [Japanese only]

We’ve written about aroma marketing before and we’re big fans of innovations in mobile marketing - so what better way than to combine the two and cover NTT DoCoMo’s new fragrance cartridge equipped devices that interact with cellphones via IR and emit signature scents.

The company hopes to partner with mobile content providers so that horoscopes the weather report,  web video, and more come paired with signature scents.  The platform is still in pilot stage, and we’re not sure what user reaction will fair or how accurate the scents are - still its exciting to see new innovations that aim to tie the senses.

From an outdoor media company’s perspective - the fragrance systems could be installed in transit shelters to create a fuller sensory experience.  Imagine waiting for the bus and smelling freshly baked cookies triggered by a coupon on your cellphone…

Read the NTT Communications Press Release “NTT Com to Pilot Test Mobile Fragrance Communication Service” for more information.

Starting today (April 21) and running until May 6, Laforet in Harajuku is hosting the “KIKS TYO x YONE x AKI HOSHINO Sneaker Lover Pop-up Shop.”

“The LaForet Pop-up Shop will stock exclusive KIKS TYO collaboration items released in conjunction with Champion, New Balance and G-SHOCK. In addition, the Pop-up Shop will feature a special, LaForet limited KIKS TYO x YONE x AKI HOSHINO Sneaker Lover tee, only available at LaForet.”

Semi-clad girls + kicks (sneakers for those newbies) + pop up shops + limited editions = Absolute Marketing Genius

Aap!Global will present and attend the annual Future-M

> Meet us and other seasoned entrepreneurs, top executives and professionals from some of the hottest Silicon Valley companies get together to create a forum for networking and learning.

The 3rd annual event from VSC Consulting and the Haas School of Business Technology Club brings together seasoned entrepreneurs and top executives from some of the hottest companies in Silicon Valley, creating a forum for interaction, networking and learning.

Speakers Include:

Nitin Bhandari, Founder & CEO, Skyfire – Skyfire offers the desktop PC experience on your mobile phone.  Whether you are viewing video, Java or any other PC-exclusive Web feature, Skyfire allows the exact same viewing experience on your mobile phone.

Tim Chang, Principal VC, Norwest Venture Partners – Norwest Venture Partners manages more than $2.5 billion in venture capital and has funded over 400 companies since inception. Tim focuses on investments in wireless and digital media as well as business development initiatives in Asia-Pacific.

Vijay Chattha, Founder & CEO, VSC Consulting (Moderator) – VSC Consulting is an award-winning strategic public relations and digital marketing boutique. VSC is ranked among the top tier of boutique agencies in the United States, according to PRWeek Magazine, and has won 16 awards for its work in consumer technology, mobile, gaming and advertising.

Jameson Hsu, Founder & CEO, Mochi Media – Mochi Media builds tools and services that monetize and support the creation and passion of casual game developers.  Their most popular product, MochiAds, is the world’s first advertising network for casual games.

Matt Marshall, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, VentureBeat - VentureBeat is a daily blog offering news and information concerning venture capital funding.  Intended as a resource for entrepreneurs and other interested professionals, it focuses on private companies in Silicon Valley, but also features news from innovation hubs around the globe.

Robert Patterson - Founder,  Aap!Global - Aap!Global is a global leader in alternative advertising mediums .  Aap! develops and manages high impact advertisings spaces in partnership with established media companies.

Wed 4/9 (6PM) at Faculty Club @ UC Berkeley , Berkeley, CA (Map) 

More info @ Going.com