GRID & eBay
Motors to Reach Auto Fans has word that the upcoming continuation of the
Race Driver series will incorporate an in-game version of the eBay
marketplace:Engage In-Game Advertising, an independent video game
advertising company in conjunction with Codemasters, a leading game publisher,
designed a contextually relevant strategy for incorporating the eBay Motors
marketplace within GRID, the highly anticipated, next-generation blockbuster
console and PC auto racing game. The in-game integration of the eBay Motors
marketplace experience allows GRID players to buy and sell performance vehicles
in a realistic setting. The marketplace experience becomes an essential element
in a player's strategy to win races by upgrading cars for optimal performance.
This marks the first time a real world application has been deeply immersed as a
core function in a driving title.
"This is an exciting and creative way to reinforce our brand among core auto
enthusiasts," said Curtis Kroeker, director of vehicles for eBay Motors. "Engage
In-Game Advertising brought the video game channel and opportunity into view.
GRID was the logical platform to reinforce eBay Motors as the leading online
destination for buying and selling all things automotive," said Kroeker.
GRID takes players to dramatic and beautifully realized race locations over
three continents to compete in an unprecedented variety of racing events. Packed
with the most powerful racecars - new and classic, circuit and drift - players
will compete in urban street races, as well as conquer the most prestigious
official racetracks and championships. The eBay Motors experience becomes a
revolving plot point as players continually upgrade or swap out vehicles to keep
up with the competition and changing road conditions.
"It's not often a brand, a game publisher and a common element align perfectly
in a video game environment," said David Smith, president and co-founder of
Engage. "eBay Motors involvement within the game play of GRID is 100% relevant
to the game plot and offers players a functional benefit."
eBay Motors will also sponsor their own race series in the game titled, "The
eBay Motor Muscle Series" allowing players to compete on branded tracks in
downtown San Francisco, Long Beach, Washington D.C. & Detroit, featuring the
eBay Motors Mustang GTR concept racecar.
"The eBay Motors in-game strategy goes beyond simple ad placements in video
games and delivers a whole new level of realistic game functionality for
players," said Peter Chan, director of business development at Codemasters.
Codemasters will release GRID in June for the Xbox 360 video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment
system, Games for Windows, and Nintendo DS. For additional game details go to
http://www.grid-game.com.
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