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Playstation/Gaming Discussions => Gaming Discussion => Topic started by: Weltall on June 28, 2001, 08:06:00 AM

Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Weltall on June 28, 2001, 08:06:00 AM: Microsoft, arguably one of the most powerful forces in the world, finds itself stumbling once again for the second time in the same week trying to win over the Japanese gaming market. A re-prelaunch was attempted again yesterday in select Japanese cities.

The lack of actual understanding of the Japanese culture and basic geographical knowledge in marketting appears to be hurting, analysts say.
For example, an ad showing Bill Gates in Judo attire with the quote in bold oriental-looking text, "My system is coming to take over your country like a ninjer!" was shunned by the public.

Other ads feature Gates saying nothing but little-understood English. The Japanese that do understand were either offended or laughed at Gates\' attempts to win them over.

The popular Japanese magazine "Da!" had no less than 10 ads in one issue this month. All featured Bill Gates holding some food product and show a quote of his pertaining to the game machine.

The first inner page shows Bill Gates holding one chopstick in each hand, looking comically confused about it as he tried to eat a slice of pizza with them. This one has the text "These chopsticks have caused a General Protection Fault! Ha! Buy XBox!"

An ad towards the center of the mag has Gates wearing Iron Chef attire and Geisha makeup. His quote for this ad is "Happy! Happy! XBox will feature countless dating sim with nothing but picture and text! Silly stupid game like you Chinese like! Hello XBox!" This sparked a lot of bad blood with Japanese gamers for numerous reasons.

Higher-ups in the gaming market found distaste in a popular money magazine\'s ad telling the readers "You owe us for the tariff thing... so buy a U.S. system. Happy-Hyper-Super!"

The ads unintentionally belittling other Japanese gaming mainstays such as Mah jhong, Pokemon, a picture of Bill Gates dress like Chun Li of Street Fighter fame, and a back page ad showing Gates dressed like a World War 2 vet for no apparent reason are best left not mentioned.

A spokesperson for Microsoft informed us they researching the feedback they received from polls and market observations and will use the results and learned lessons to forge a third attempt
this coming weekend.
Japanese analysts largely agree that the Xbox is not looking good to the market but there are several possibilities for success, including Bill Gates dying or the entire nation of Japan being held at gunpoint to buy one. Another analyst pointed out even little details, like Gates\' addressing the nation as "Chinese" can be ironed over to give a better impression.
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: on June 28, 2001, 08:37:23 AM: So wait, he mocks the culture, cross-dresses (I\'d like to see that) and puts on WWII attire when we BOMBED them, and he expects this to work?

Who the fsck is in charge of marketing over there? With a $500 million dollar budget you would think that they could manage a little better.

Hell, I could do a hell of a lot better, and my understanding of Japanese culture comes from Anime.
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: RamonGTP on June 28, 2001, 08:44:55 AM: I\'m curious to know what your source is for this information??? I find it hard to believe that even Microsoft would be that stupid.

-Ramon
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Faithdies on June 28, 2001, 10:35:22 AM: HOW IS IT THAT ANYONE IS TAKING THIS SERIOUS?!?!
THATS THE FUNNIEST PART!
These articles rock.
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: STROKE on June 28, 2001, 10:42:46 AM: Quote
Originally posted by Faithdies

These articles rock.

Yes, and XBOX sucks. That\'s all you have to know. :)
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Toxical on June 28, 2001, 10:43:56 AM: LOL :D
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: cloud345 on June 28, 2001, 10:45:24 AM: LOL! Stupid Bill Gates! A ninjer? LOL! LMAO! I can tell from this, x-box is gonna be not that good at selling in japan!
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Nu on June 29, 2001, 12:53:19 AM: LOL!... The funniest thing about this thread is that some of you are actually buying it.

Its a JOKE! My god... :laughing:
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: fastson on June 29, 2001, 03:40:15 AM: LMAO!

Is it a joke, or not???
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Nu on June 29, 2001, 03:50:18 AM: Quote
Originally posted by fastson
LMAO!

Is it a joke, or not???

...
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: fastson on June 29, 2001, 03:55:16 AM: LOL!

Its pretty funny :)

And I dont think Bill G. would every say things like that ;)
:D
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: DirectXbox on June 29, 2001, 05:28:58 AM: Quote
Originally posted by STROKE

Yes, and XBOX sucks. That\'s all you have to know. :)

PS2 sucks harder like a Japanese ho. "Sucky, sucky, two dolla!"
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Animal Mother on June 29, 2001, 07:10:27 AM: Hm... Well, If it sucks, than why is it #1 in the world? yes, this is a question for your opinionated fanboy ass to anwser.
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Toxical on June 29, 2001, 07:37:50 AM: Quote
Originally posted by DirectXbox

PS2 sucks harder like a Japanese ho. "Sucky, sucky, two dolla!"

As for the PS2, i think it\'s #1, and will remain there for a a couple years longer :D
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: Lord of Darkness on June 29, 2001, 07:41:02 AM: Quote
Originally posted by DirectXbox
"Sucky, sucky, two dolla!"

::remembers scene from Full Matal Jacket::

lol
Title: Second MS Japanese pre-launch disaster
Post by: fastson on June 29, 2001, 08:50:39 AM: Quote
Originally posted by DirectXbox

PS2 sucks harder like a Japanese ho. "Sucky, sucky, two dolla!"

Pathetic!