Microsoft’s Questionable Advertising Tactics for Modern Warfare 3
Hey gamers! Have you ever turned on your Xbox Series X/S expecting to dive into some gaming action, only to be met with a surprise advertisement instead? Well, that’s exactly what happened to Xbox Series X/S owners recently when they found themselves on the store page for Modern Warfare 3. Talk about a plot twist!
A Not-So-Welcome Surprise
Now, we’ve all seen banner takeovers on websites, and sometimes even on the Xbox dashboard itself. But this time, it’s different. Microsoft took advertising to a whole new level by replacing the console’s homepage with the actual store page for Modern Warfare 3. Complete with a buy button and an exit button for those bewildered gamers who just wanted to play their favorite titles.
Twitter exploded with reports of this unexpected encounter, and it seems like it’s a one-time thing. Our very own Jim Trinca experienced it firsthand, and let me tell you, it was quite a sight. Check out the image below:
A Familiar Strategy
This aggressive advertising tactic may seem like a new move, but Microsoft has actually dabbled in it before. When Starfield was released, the Xbox app on PC underwent a complete transformation to match the game’s aesthetics. Gamers couldn’t miss the fact that Starfield was available to play, whether through Game Pass or by purchasing it directly.
But the Modern Warfare 3 ad takes it to a whole new level. Nobody expects to turn on their console and be bombarded with a store page. It’s a little, well, desperate. Especially considering that Modern Warfare 3 has already faced criticism for its campaign and its Zombies mode. While the multiplayer beta received positive feedback, there are still doubts surrounding the full game.
A Cause for Concern
Beyond the game itself, this advertising move marks Microsoft’s first promotional step since acquiring Call of Duty. If this is just the beginning of more aggressive marketing on Xbox, then gamers have every right to be worried. Especially considering Microsoft’s history with Xbox dashboard ads, which haven’t always been met with open arms.
Modern Warfare 3 is set to release on November 10 for PC, PS5, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Get ready for some intense action, but maybe keep an eye out for unexpected store pages along the way!
Conclusion
Gamers, it’s time to take a stand against intrusive advertising tactics. We love our gaming experiences, and we deserve to enjoy them without being bombarded by unexpected store pages and aggressive ads. Let’s demand a better gaming environment, where our consoles are dedicated to gaming, not advertising.
So, the next time you encounter an advertising plot twist, speak up! Share your experiences on social media, let your voice be heard, and together, we can shape a gaming world that prioritizes our enjoyment and immersion. Stay strong, fellow gamers, and game on!