PlayStation has been a main sponsor of the UEFA Champions League for decades, but we'd argue that its brand promotion has just reached new heights. The prestigious European football tournament typically airs on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, which allows for some primetime advertising for PlayStation. The boards that surround the pitch are often coated in PlayStation logos, while advertising breaks always begin and end with a nod to the gaming giant.
This latest round of Champions League matches have presented a new kind of PlayStation plug, though. In between broadcasting breaks, PlayStation characters like Kratos (God of War), Aloy (Horizon), and Ratchet (Ratchet & Clank) are now popping up in quick sponsored segments. One such segment sees Kratos and his son Atreus walk out into a packed stadium, while another has Aloy deploying tactical maps with her holographic technology.
Here's the Kratos segment:
Aloy's tactical tinkering:
And finally, Ratchet and Clank jumping into action:
It's clever advertising on Sony's behalf. Not only are the segments well made, they push some of PlayStation's most recognisable characters even closer to the mainstream eye. Let's not forget that each of these Champions League matches are watched live by tens of millions of football fans all around the world.
Which one of these cameos is your favourite? Imagine Kratos actually playing football in the comments section below.
Comments 18
I laughed out loud at the Ratchet & Clank one ngl. It's more clever than I want to give it credit for.
Come on Sony, pull the trigger on a new PS Allstars game, all these crossovers that keep happening, let's have the big one now.
I don't see Kratos playing football to be a very safe idea haha. Any foul on him will risk his wrath and what if he tries to outmuscle opponents in the air? Atreus however could be a safe opponent in football. He would be my pick to play football lol.
Kratos the clear answer to the United cdm problem
Is that the AV bench?
I saw the Ratchet one at half time of Liverpool game last night and got a good chuckle out of it, my dad had no idea who they was 😂😂
@CynicalGamer - I'd hate to be the guy that has to call 'foul' on Kratos... no amount of money is worth potentially unleashing the God of War's Spartan Rage.
Seeing Ratchet & Clank just appear and without hesitation; immediately begins to escort the injured player off in search of medical assistance, is just so wholesome.
Clank - "Do not fear. We are here to help"
Cool advertising for the PC er erm I mean PlayStation
The one with Aloy doing tactics with her focus is ace.
@RBMango Yeah I laughed too, it's the best one!
I hope Kratos doesn't try to go after Cristiano Ronaldo, because that man is a god!
Loved the ads, R&C one is my fave.
Love these commercials, very well done. My favorite is Aloy, probably because I'm playing Horizon right now. Would love to see more characters, like Deacon St. John or Ellie.
They’re brilliant, especially the Aloy one. There’s also Nathan Drake using his grappling hook to climb up the stadium. It’s brilliant marketing from PlayStation.
Link: https://twitter.com/thetitangate/status/1450555137903284224?s=21
They are brilliant. Haven't seen the Aloy and Drake ones, will keep an eye out for them
@AdamNovice The game needs to be like Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, or like MK without the fatalities; instead of Smash. Sony chracters have another vibe making it like smash was a big mistake.
@GodKing Couldn't agree more mate. Sony can't outdo Smash for sales, praise and content. So the best move is go the other way. I've always said I'd give the job to Arc System Works and have them do for PlayStation what they did for Dragon Ball.
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