Microsoft caught faking Japanese Kinect launch success

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Website BusyDizzys has found a few problems with the photographs of microsofts "successful" launch of its kinect in japan, not only have they published details of one of the people hired to stand in line but also photos of the kinect launch at other stores showing no people at all, so it would seem that ms had carefully staged managed its launch with the emphisis on "staged" Microsoft’s Japanese launch of Kinect has predictably turned into a marketing farce of epic proportions.

One eager gamer, Microsoft would have people believe, queued for hours to be the first in line for the device as “I wanted to be the first in Japan to get one!”

Unfortunately, 2ch recognised the man from a previous “this product is so amazing people are queuing all night for it” shill piece – that time the same man was interviewed for the Japanese release of the iPhone, obligingly saying “Well, it’s a worldwide thing isn’t it? You just have to ride the big wave!”

He also helped with manufacturing a sense of popularity on the launch of the iPad

For this he became known as “Big Wave.” In fact, on his homepage he identifies himself as “Butch,” and helpfully lists his occupation as “sakura” – i.e. rent-a-crowd

Just how much of the queue outside Yodobashi Camera was hired for the benefit of cameras is not clear, though the PR stunt soon backfired as 2ch and non-corporate gaming sites began to ridicule Microsoft for having to go to such lengths – although TV and gaming rags obediently reported a packed launch event in central Akihabara.

http://www.maxconsole.net/content.php?43092-MS-caught-faking-Japanese-Kinect-launch-success

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"Microsoft caught faking Japanese Kinect launch success" :: Login/Create an Account :: 12 comments

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souljaclevPosted:

can't believe microsoft would do sumn like tht!! :O

shadow1Posted:

Sonicdevron Microsoft did this because they know their market in Japan is week compared to in the US/UK, whereas Sony has a much stronger audience there compared to the US. I think as long as Kinect backs up the hype which I believe it did, this is fair.


you mean weak?

RealiityPosted:

Unlike America Japan isn't stupid they know Kinect is a cheap eye toy and a gimmick were it's sales only come from the hype just like the 360.

algoPosted:

l3lack5h33p banana


Uhm , yeah because that was so ON topic ?

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anyways , i could always see microsoft doing this , and just trying to play things off.

FAIL>

SonicdevronPosted:

Microsoft did this because they know their market in Japan is week compared to in the US/UK, whereas Sony has a much stronger audience there compared to the US. I think as long as Kinect backs up the hype which I believe it did, this is fair.

KING-KONGPosted:

naw cause all japanese people do is play ps3

Aznboy38Posted:

Pssh us asians don't need that kinect crap we stay home and study precalculas all day.

TTG_JosephPosted:

really, Microsoft is an epic failure

SecretsPosted:

That is just sad!

-Galaxy-Posted:

haha i dont know why, but this made me laugh