180 Amsterdam’s New Campaign Positions PS4 as ‘For The Players,’ Not the Player-Haters

Last month, “#4ThePlayers Since 1995″ had us feeling all kinds of nostalgia for Playstation memories from bygone eras. Now, 180 Amsterdam looks toward the future with their “For The Players” international PS4 campaign targeting the Christmas gift market.

The integrated campaign runs in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and the Middle East, comprising “teasers, events and an interactive social media experience ‘The Players Monument” (playstation.com/4theplayers) where people can declare themselves players, adding themselves to a digital interactive monument, and becoming part of the PS4 community.” Make no mistake, this is a huge campaign, one of the most anticipated of the year.

The sentiment behind the campaign is that the design of Sony’s next-gen system centers around the player. Unlike recent Xbox One spots, which emphasize the system’s capabilities as an entertainment system with multiple uses, Sony is very clearly positioning PS4 as a gaming system. While Microsoft attempts to scoop up the casual “attach this to your TV for a high-quality Netflix/Blu-ray player that you can play games with as well” market, Sony is going for the gamers.

The spot features a first person perspective through an immersive world where multiple gaming worlds have been set free. You’ll recognize some of “the most famous heroes and villains ever to play a part in PlayStation’s” gaming worlds throughout the ads scenarios. I won’t give away too much, as spotting these for yourself is part of the fun. It’s a great way to build anticipation from nostalgia, and look toward the future as the spot highlights upcoming PS4 titles as well. The spot was shot in Budapest by director Scott Lyon for production company Outsider. Al Moseley, President & Chief Creative Officer, 180 Amsterdam described the campaign as “drenched in gaming culture, incredible effects and with every detail and every pixel it delivers to the true gamer.” If all that’s not enough to get you excited for the PS4, this should be. Credits after the jump. continued…

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Soccer Rules Qatar Airways in ‘The Land of FCB’

What if an entire country was built around the theme of a sports team? Every wall, building, and inch of space would be swathed in team colors and logos. While some European cities may resemble this set up (as does Green Bay, Wisconsin), there’s nothing as extreme as the land of FC Barcelona, a fictional place created by 180 Amsterdam that brings together one of the best soccer teams in the world with its sponsor, Qatar Airways, for a light-hearted spot.

Everything seems rather cheery in the land of FCB. I’m not sure of crime rates, prison systems, recidivism,  or income inequality, but I do know that Lionel Messi teaches soccer performing arts. Pique works at an airport. And Carles Puyol walks around with his long locks waiting to head falling potted plants. Even if the ad is a little corny, there are a few smart, subtle easter eggs, like streets named Tiki and Taka. Although, I imagine the quick movements on those roads makes for some queasy driving.

Credits after the jump.

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