Over the years, we have seen publishers and console manufacturers utilise interesting and unique marketing tactics to advertise their latest and greatest products. Though PlayStation fans in the UK (and much of the world) have had to wait an extra week for the PlayStation 5, Sony appears to still understand the importance of these markets. In celebration of the PS5’s UK launch tomorrow, Sony has taken over the London Underground, replacing the signs with PlayStation symbols.
Though the United Kingdom is currently under lockdown due to COVID-19, those who use the Oxford Circus Tube station in London will notice that all the signs advertising the station itself have been replaced with the four iconic PlayStation symbols. Sharing the symbols on Twitter, PlayStation UK tweeted “From one iconic shape to four. We’ve given the Oxford Circus Tube signs a #PS5 upgrade.”
As can be seen, the typical London Underground signs, which are depicted by a red circle with ‘Underground’ written across it, have been replaced by the PlayStation’s Triangle, Circle, Cross and Square symbols and colours (though the circle has remained the same).
It’s time for next gen Oxford Circus. #PS5 pic.twitter.com/XqARZrvj2V
— PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) November 18, 2020
According to The Verge, the changes don’t end there however, as the inside walls of the station have also been rebranded. Furthermore, other stations have also seen changes. Mile End station is now being rebranded Miles End, Lancaster Gate is now Ratchet and Clankaster Gate, Seven Sisters is now called Gran Turismo 7Sisters, and last but not least West Ham has turned into Horizon Forbidden West Ham.
Gaming as a medium has evolved into one of the biggest media industries, and so it's always fun to see marketing such as this take place. If you live in London, be sure to check these stations out.
KitGuru says: What do you think of this marketing? Do you appreciate viral marketing of this type? What other past marketing examples did you appreciate? Let us know down below.