Sandbox recently helped organize top tier press visits to Iceland for CCP’s annual EVE Fanfest convention, where journalists and fans got the chance to play DUST for the first time, as well as witness players in EVE Online and DUST 514 coordinating with one another during real time gameplay across both platforms at the DUST 514 Keynote. G4 said that “CCP has something truly magical and spectacular;” IGN noted that DUST will “be a vision for gaming’s future that opens up opportunities never thought possible before;” and GamesRadar said it “gives us a glimpse into the future of gaming.” There are also positive hands on impressions from PC World, The Escapist, PC Gamer and more. Expect to hear much more about DUST 514 at this year’s upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Alan Wake’s American Nightmare
Remedy’s Alan Wake returns in February 2012 in Alan Wake’s American Nightmare for Xbox LIVE Arcade, a standalone fast-paced pick up and play experience with a pulp feel. The game’s trailer was revealed at the Spike Video Game Awards, and then was shown to press across North America, including IGN, Complex, Gamespot, 1up, G4, and DigitalTrends. Kotaku wrote a preview and a syndicated piece. Following up on the first reveals, the game was announced to be the kickoff game for Microsoft’s XBLA House Party, and Sandbox accompanied Remedy to CES to show the game to Spike TV’s CES All Access Live, Destructoid, Major Nelson, and more.
DiRT 3
Sandbox handled the North American marketing for Codemasters’ brilliant DiRT 3, working closely with distributor THQ, the motorsports stars of the game (Ken Block and Tanner Foust), and promotional partners that included ESPN, Monster Energy Drink, Ford, DC Shoes, Rockstar Energy Drink, and Etnies. On-air TV integration, a multilayered social media push, two separate promotions on Xbox LIVE, and live promotions (Global Rallycross and the DUB tour) were all part of the mix. DiRT 3 was the fastest selling game in series history.