MTV Multiplayer » Publicity Stunts We Fell For

Electrified Sheep Play 'Pong' On A Hill, Possibly Fake

Stephen Totilo — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:00:30 +0000

I missed this when it first hit the Internet in March, but a viral video created to hawk Samsung products possibly shows LED-wearing sheep on a hillside being made to play "Pong." That's what might be happening in the image above, a still from an entertaining clip that has been viewed by six million people on YouTube. The clip either shows some amazing feats of "extreme shepherding" or some clever computer-manipulation of just plain normal shepherding. I was expecting a cameo by sheep-loving developer Jeff Minter. No such luck.

EA Sent Me Brass Knuckles, DSi Stylus Not Back Compatible [Lunchtime Video]

Stephen Totilo — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:00:25 +0000

It's a Lunchtime Video double feature today! Marvel at my tests of DSi-DSLite power cord and stylus compatibility! Gasp at the absurd EA mailing I received from one "M. Corleone!

(Videos not viewable by users logging in from Canada or the U.K.)

This Video Game Came With Worms [photos]

Tracey John — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:00:41 +0000

To go along with their new DS title "Lux-Pain," Ignition Entertainment sent me a box of "Larvets" which according to the box are "original worm snax." That's right -- worm snacks.

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The note that came with the game simply said, "We would 'Larvet' if you would cover Lux-Pain!" Yeah, it came with puns, too.

So what does this game have to do with worms? According to the box, worms called "Silent" infect a place called Kisaragi City and cause its citizens to commit terrible crimes.

But for me, the only thing these worms are doing is making me lose my lunch. Check out the pictures to see the nutritional information, and then watch me eat them:

Okay, so I lied about eating them. No way. But I might try to get Stephen to eat them in the next Lunchtime Video. (I know he likes BBQ.)

While Delivering New Game, Nintendo Forces Me To Dance, Sing [video]

Stephen Totilo — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:00:54 +0000

Yesterday, Nintendo brought the upcoming DS game "Rhythm Heaven" to my office... and made me the laughingstock of the MTV newsroom. Witness my humiliation in the clip above, followed by an in-game version of what we did in real life. Yes, this was more embarrassing then when a woman dressed as Lara Croft made me do gymnastics in the newsroom.

(Videos not viewable by users logging in from Canada or the U.K.)

'Dead Rising' Postcards Feature Technology, Teamwork, Brain-eating

Tracey John — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:00:33 +0000

Take a look at the funny "Dead Rising" postcards we got in the mail.

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In Stephen's Lunchtime Video earlier today, he showed some "Dead Rising" postcards he received along with his special "Resident Evil 5" package from Capcom. We found them pretty amusing, so we scanned and posted them for your viewing pleasure.

Capcom Wants Your Blood For 'Resident Evil 5'

Tracey John — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:00:31 +0000

Capcom, partnering with the American Red Cross, is asking Los Angeles-area gamers to give blood on "Resident Evil 5"'s launch day.

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In a press release, Capcom announced that the company is teaming up with the American Red Cross for a blood drive on March 13, the day that "Resident Evil 5" is released. Gamers in the Los Angeles area are invited to stop by the World of Wonder gallery in Hollywood to donate blood. In doing so, they'll have a chance to win copies of the game, the "RE5" limited edition consoles and "exclusive limited-edition Resident Evil 5 Blood Drive collectibles."

If you're in the area, are you going to donate blood? (We're assuming those infected with Las Plagas are not welcome to donate.)

The full details are below:

Come Give Resident Evil 5 A Shot and Make A Positive Change For the Community on Resident Evil 5 Launch Day

Capcom will usher in the launch of Resident Evil 5 (on Xbox 360® and PlayStation 3) on Friday, March 13th by partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. On the way to pick up their very own copy of Resident Evil 5, gamers in the LA area will be invited to give back to the community by donating blood at the World of Wonder gallery on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, Calif. from 11 am – 5 pm. In addition, fans of the series will have the chance to get exclusive limited-edition Resident Evil 5 Blood Drive collectibles, win copies of the game, enter a raffle for one of several exclusive red Xbox 360® Resident Evil limited edition consoles and most importantly, do their part to help a good cause.

Kiosks showcasing the game will also be on-hand for fans to get a sneak peek at the eagerly anticipated new game before heading to retailers to buy their own copy. Generous fans who donate blood will receive exclusive Resident Evil 5 limited edition items created specifically for this event, including a series of hand-numbered stylized posters, bumper stickers, buttons and a chance to win a copy of the game or an exclusive red Xbox 360® Resident Evil limited edition console. All Type‘O fans will learn that they can B Positive agents for their community, and they will find that AB it of blood can go a long way.

If you are interested in covering the event, please contact Melody or Laura (all contact info is below)

Those who would like to participate can pledge and schedule appointments by visiting http://www.capcom-unity.com/snow_infernus/blog/2009/03/04/give_resident_evil_5_a_shot__win_a_red_xbox_bundle. For more information on blood donation eligibility requirements visit http://www.givelife2.org/donor/faq.asp.

When:
Friday, March 13, 2009
11 AM - 5 PM

Where:
World of Wonder Gallery
6650 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Rapper Puts Himself In 'Super Mario Bros.'

Stephen Totilo — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:30:45 +0000

An MTV News producer has discovered a playable rap re-mix of "Super Mario Bros." that rewards players with a surprise.by Daniela Capistrano, MTV News producer

MC Charles Hamilton may be into Sonic the Hedgehog [LINK ], but Detroit rapper Finale has taken old school gamer love to another level - by putting himself in the game.

"Super Finale," an homage to the classic Mario Bros. (using LEFT, RIGHT AND UP arrows to control) title, features surpringly hard-to-kill goombas and also conveniently provides a link for players to purchase Finale's debut album, A Pipe Dream and a Promise, available April 7th, 2009.

Gamers be warned: don't be disappointed if this doesn't measure up to the original version for you - you'll never reach Princess Peach. It's worth giving it a try though, players who can make it through the familiar 8-bit adventure will win a remix of Finale's "One Man Show" produced by Black Milk. When's the last time Mario hooked you up with some free music? (this doesn't really count).

- spotted on Wired.com's Underwire blog

EA Sends Reporters Steaks

Stephen Totilo — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:00:49 +0000

The first odd public relations stunt is upon us as Electronic Arts sent reporters such as me some steak to promote the pending release of "Skate 2."

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Because "Skate 2" features a "hall of meat" skater-mutilation mode -- and because people at "Skate 2" publisher Electronic Arts had to know I wouldn't be able to resist posting about this -- I was sent two steaks today.

EA purchased these steaks for $59.99 probably about $25 from Omaha Steaks, and got them delivered to me today in order to "kick off 2009 with a hearty dose of fun and protein."

Really, EA, thanks. They're sitting in their Styrofoam cooler right now, packed with dry ice. Next to them is that expensive popcorn maker that Activision sent me that I still haven't figured out how to give to charity.

See Hideo Kojima, Megan Fox And More Get Star Treatment At Spike VGAs [photos]

Tracey John — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:00:17 +0000

If you didn't catch the annual Spike Video Game Awards on TV Sunday night, we rounded up a few images from stock supplier photo Getty Images to show you what you missed from the star-studded event.

Make the jump to see photos of host Jack Black, various celebrities (Megan Fox, 50 Cent, Mike Tyson), game developers (Hideo Kojima, Will Wright, Ted Price) and nearly-nude models covered in body paint (yet again). But there were also some men sporting just tighty whities to balance it out this year. Take a look, if you dare...

Hideo Kojima looking as serious as ever on the red carpet.
[Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images]

Ted Price, CEO of Insomniac Games, sports a classic, striped shirt.
[Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images]

Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans dons shiny red shoes.
[Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images]

2D Boy's Ron Carmel keeps it simple in a white collared shirt. [Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images]

Geoff Keighley, host of Spike TV's "Game Trailers," does his best Nixon impression.
[Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images]

Tyson Ritter, frontman of the night's performers The All-American Rejects, likes the taste of this particular "Rock Band" guitar.
[Photo Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images]

Model Vida Guerra and actress Stacy Keibler show off their "Rock Band" skills.
[Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images]

Host Jack Black performs in his tighty whities among other underwear-clad gamers.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Parry/WireImage]

Host Jack Black and partner-in-crime Kyle Gass of Tenacious D explode with... excitement on the stage.
[Photo Credit: FilmMagic/Getty Images]

Host Jack Black carries the torch for his upcoming game "Brütal Legend."
[Photo Credit: FilmMagic/Getty Images]

Judas Priest's Rob Halford, Double Fine's Tim Schafer and host Jack Black are brütal legends themselves.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Pro skater Tony Hawk applauds... very softly.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Parry/WireImage]

Boxing legend Mike Tyson of "Punch Out!" fame makes an appearance.
[Photo Credit: FilmMagic/Getty Images]

EA Sports' Peter Moore gives his spiel.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Two greats come together: Tony Hawk brings Will Wright to the stage.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Will Wright accepts the "Gaming God" award for, well, being one.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Actress Megan Fox stands pensively next to two scantily-clad, silver-painted women.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

50 Cent, whose upcoming video game is called "Blood on the Sand," takes the stage to perform.
[Photo Credit: Kevin Parry/WireImage]

Kim Kardashian, Vida Guerra Test The Wii at 'Rayman' Launch Party [photos]

Tracey John — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:30:42 +0000

Doing my daily search in the database of stock photo supplier Getty Images, I stumbled on some photos from a the launch party for "Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party" held last night at the Apple Lounge in West Hollywood, California.

Take a look at the pictures from the Ubisoft event showing famous people getting their Wii on, like celebutante Kim Kardashian, model/actress Vida Guerra and "America's Best Dance Crew" judge Shane Sparks.

Only one of them was photographed sitting on a Wii Balance Board. And only one -- hopefully -- played it in high heels:

[Photo Credit: FilmMagic/ Getty Images]