Here are 25 notable and successful video game PR programs from 2024 that showcased innovative strategies, impactful campaigns, and strong engagement with audiences:
Major Game Releases and Campaigns
- “Elden Ring” (FromSoftware) – Leveraged a mix of influencer collaborations, teaser trailers, and immersive event experiences to build anticipation before launch. The campaign utilized gameplay teasers, developer diaries, and a highly anticipated gameplay reveal event.
- “Starfield” (Bethesda) – Employed a multi-channel approach including exclusive gameplay previews, extensive media coverage, and in-depth interviews with the development team. The campaign also featured a major launch event with live gameplay demonstrations.
- “Hogwarts Legacy” (Portkey Games) – Used a combination of influencer partnerships, early access for content creators, and interactive social media campaigns to drive engagement. The campaign also featured a highly anticipated gameplay trailer.
- “Final Fantasy XVI” (Square Enix) – Focused on cinematic trailers, developer interviews, and exclusive content reveals through major gaming conventions like E3 and Tokyo Game Show. The campaign also included a detailed behind-the-scenes look at the game’s development.
- “Horizon Forbidden West” (Guerrilla Games) – Leveraged cinematic trailers, live-action promotional videos, and a coordinated social media blitz to create buzz. The campaign featured collaboration with popular gaming influencers and streamers.
Innovative PR Approaches
- “Fortnite” (Epic Games) – Continued its success with PR stunts such as in-game events with real-world celebrities, cross-promotions with popular franchises, and creative in-game collaborations. The “Fortnite X Marvel” crossover was particularly notable.
- “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” (Nintendo) – Used a mix of teaser trailers, gameplay showcases, and exclusive interviews with developers. The campaign also included an interactive AR experience for fans.
- “God of War Ragnarök” (Santa Monica Studio) – Utilized epic cinematic trailers, behind-the-scenes content, and influencer-driven content to build excitement. The campaign also featured a highly successful social media strategy with interactive posts.
- “Diablo IV” (Blizzard Entertainment) – Focused on a mix of exclusive content reveals, developer Q&A sessions, and influencer gameplay streams. The campaign also included a major launch event with live gameplay and fan interaction.
- “Street Fighter VI” (Capcom) – Employed a global marketing campaign with influencer endorsements, gameplay reveals, and interactive live streams. The campaign also featured a series of character-focused trailers.
Creative Event Marketing
- “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” (Ubisoft) – Hosted an elaborate launch event with live demonstrations and interactive exhibits, allowing fans to experience the game in a real-world setting. The campaign included exclusive early access for press and influencers.
- “Forza Motorsport” (Turn 10 Studios) – Conducted a highly engaging PR campaign with a combination of in-depth developer interviews, gameplay footage, and a virtual tour of the game’s features. The campaign also featured an extensive influencer outreach program.
- “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” (Activision) – Utilized a mix of high-energy trailers, influencer gameplay, and interactive social media content to engage fans. The campaign included a major launch event with live gameplay and celebrity appearances.
- “Metroid Prime 4” (Nintendo) – Built excitement with a series of developer diaries, teaser trailers, and exclusive previews for gaming media. The campaign also featured a unique promotional event showcasing the game’s development process.
- “Baldur’s Gate III” (Larian Studios) – Leveraged extensive media previews, developer Q&A sessions, and influencer partnerships to build hype. The campaign also included a successful early access phase to engage with the community.
Interactive and Community-Driven Campaigns
- “Destiny 2: The Final Shape” (Bungie) – Employed a community-driven approach with live-streamed events, in-game activities, and extensive social media engagement. The campaign featured developer insights and interactive content.
- “A Plague Tale: Requiem” (Asobo Studio) – Used a combination of cinematic trailers, gameplay previews, and influencer partnerships to generate buzz. The campaign included exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interactive fan events.
- “Sonic Frontiers” (Sega) – Focused on fan engagement with a series of interactive social media posts, exclusive gameplay reveals, and influencer collaborations. The campaign also featured a highly anticipated launch event.
- “FIFA 24” (EA Sports) – Utilized a global marketing strategy with influencer endorsements, cinematic trailers, and interactive social media campaigns. The campaign also included exclusive content for early access players.
- “Rainbow Six Extraction” (Ubisoft) – Conducted a comprehensive PR campaign with exclusive previews, developer interviews, and influencer gameplay. The campaign also featured an interactive online event to engage with fans.
Niche and Indie Games
- “Hades II” (Supergiant Games) – Employed a creative approach with teaser trailers, behind-the-scenes content, and influencer partnerships. The campaign included interactive social media activities and early access for select content creators.
- “Little Devil Inside” (Neostream Interactive) – Focused on unique gameplay trailers, developer interviews, and interactive social media content. The campaign also featured a successful crowdfunding phase with strong community support.
- “Slitterhead” (Bokeh Game Studio) – Leveraged cinematic trailers, developer insights, and influencer collaborations to build excitement. The campaign included exclusive content reveals and interactive fan engagement.
- “Tales of Arise” (Bandai Namco) – Used a combination of engaging trailers, influencer content, and developer interviews to promote the game. The campaign also included interactive online events and exclusive previews.
- “Oxenfree II: Lost Signals” (Night School Studio) – Focused on a narrative-driven PR campaign with engaging trailers, developer Q&A sessions, and influencer collaborations. The campaign also included interactive social media activities and fan engagement.
These video game PR programs successfully combined various elements such as influencer partnerships, interactive events, and creative marketing strategies to drive excitement and engagement for their respective video game titles.