Several years ago, the gaming industry surpassed the film industry in revenue, becoming the most lucrative sector of entertainment. Consequently, it’s no wonder that major companies are eager to collaborate with game publishers and developers. Yet, some of these promotions can appear quite bizarre. Our article focuses on the most peculiar partnerships between video games and external brands.
Monster Energy’s Energy Player in Death Stranding
The inclusion of an energy engineer in the Death Stranding universe is unsurprising, given that future couriers must traverse vast distances bearing heavy burdens. An extra boost of energy is undoubtedly beneficial. Yet, the presence of a real-life brand, Monster Energy, in Hideo Kojima’s game raised eyebrows among many players. Moreover, Monster Energy is not typically regarded as a premium energy drink, and a more renowned brand like Red Bull might have seemed a more fitting choice.
Bananas by Razer
Razer is known for its computer peripherals, including mice, keyboards, and headphones. The company recently entered into a partnership with the creators of the popular clicker game, Banana. Until the end of this summer, daily, one player will have the chance to obtain a rare fruit, designed to resemble Razer’s products. In total, there will be 69 such fruits, and undoubtedly, each will be highly valuable.
Cadillac cars in the style of Genshin Impact
In China, numerous renowned brands have partnered with Genshin Impact. These include the KFC fast-food chain, Pizza Hut, and even the China Merchants Bank. However, the collaboration to spotlight is with Cadillac CT4 sedans, which showcase various characters from the game such as Xiao, Ke Qing, Kazuha, Xiangling, Beidou, and Barbara. Beyond the car, purchasers are rewarded with a substantial bonus of 20,000 Primogems, a premium in-game currency that enables players to acquire the game’s most sought-after heroes and their corresponding weapons.
Xbox Series S that looks like Oreo cookies
Last year, Microsoft unveiled a partnership with Oreo, known for its cream-filled cookies. This collaboration led to the release of a limited-edition Xbox Series S, which notably resembles a branded cookie. Users have also observed similarities between this design and Sony’s PlayStation 5 console, Microsoft’s primary competitor currently.
Dragon burgers from Luxxo Burger in the style of King’s Bounty 2
In 2021, Fulqrum Publishing, the publisher of King’s Bounty 2, collaborated with the British restaurant Luxxo Burger for a joint promotion. This led to the introduction of special ‘dragon burgers’ on the menu, notable for their red chili peppers, which were styled to resemble the teeth of a dragon. These spicy burgers were not for the faint of heart. As an added incentive, customers who braved the heat were given the chance to enter a contest to win a digital copy of the game.
Tesla in the PUBG universe
In 2021, the battle royale game PUBG Mobile released an unusual update. It introduced the Tesla Gigafactory to Erangel, the game’s most popular map. Players could use it to assemble a Tesla Model Y with an autopilot feature, allowing for swift travel between pre-set points on the map.
Additionally, the update included high-speed HyperLines tracks and Tesla Semi trucks, which players could destroy to obtain ammunition and resources.
Pringles chips with the flavor of mysterious stew from Minecraft
In the world of Minecraft, the mysterious stew provides a sense of fullness along with an additional effect, ranging from health regeneration to night vision. Pringles has brought this experience to life, allowing fans to taste what the dish might be like. Those who have sampled them report that the chips are savory and satisfying.
Members of Le Sserafim in Overwatch 2
The South Korean K-pop group Le Sserafim emerged in 2022, and a year later, its leaders orchestrated a collaboration with the shooter game Overwatch 2. The game features skins, emotes, and victory poses for Brigitte, Tracer, Sombra, Kiriko, and D.Va, all styled after the members of this music group.
Skins for League of Legends heroines from the French fashion house Louis Vuitton
The partnership between Riot Games and Louis Vuitton has produced exclusive skins for champions Qiyana and Senna. Notably, the French luxury brand extended its creativity beyond virtual designs to launch a real-world clothing line inspired by League of Legends.
Yogurt Actimel in Fortnite
Following a recent update to the Zombie Hunter map in Fortnite, the Actimel Immune Station has been introduced. At this station, players can obtain a unique yogurt that bestows a special aura, enhancing their ability to repel enemies and swiftly eliminate the undead. This effect persists for 30 seconds, providing a significant edge against adversaries.
