Press release: 2000-04-19: Konami Unleashes Massive Marketing Effort for Nightmare Creatures II

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English third-party Original source: The Free Library

Television Ads, Promotion and Retail Strategies Drive Marketing Campaign

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire/ --

Konami of America, Inc. is throwing open the floodgates in a marketing blitz for the soon to be released horror-action game Nightmare Creatures II, developed by Kalisto Entertainment, developers of the 1.5 million-unit-selling original Nightmare Creatures. Nightmare Creatures II will ship on the PlayStation(R) game console and Sega Dreamcast(TM) at the end of May 2000 with a soundtrack by rock legend, Rob Zombie.

"Nightmare Creatures II is a big game for Konami and we are delving deep into its gothic horror content to create a powerful and creative marketing campaign," said Rick Naylor, Konami's Brand Manager for Action Games. The key elements in the campaign include:

-- Television advertising on targeted outlets and shows such as MTV, Comedy Central, WWF and WCW Wrestling, The Simpsons and King of the Hill. A 30-second spot, shot in London by Weiden & Kennedy's New York-based team, begins airing May 26 and runs through mid-June.

-- A cross-promotion with Universal Studios Hollywood involving a sweepstakes with a grand prize trip for two to the famous Halloween Horror Nights(R) at Universal Studios Hollywood in October. For Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios Hollywood will create a Nightmare Creatures II themed area in the park, complete with live characters and creatures from the game, as well as video monitors with gameplay footage on display. In exchange, Konami will promote the Halloween Horror Nights(R) event inside the Nightmare Creatures II game packaging, within the strategy guide from Brady Games, and through print advertising.

-- A pre-sell program will be implemented at select retailers, offering consumers who pre-order the game a free Nightmare Creatures II soundtrack CD containing music from goth rocker, Rob Zombie. Universal Music Group is producing the CD for Konami.

-- Point of sale materials to include posters, standees, and small and oversized boxes. A special pre-sell starburst featuring Rob Zombie has been added to the point of sale materials for select retailers.

-- A dedicated Nightmare Creatures II Web site www.nightmarecreatures2.com with links to Universal Studios' massive, horror-focused site, www.horroronline.com, as well as other horror and gothic music sites.

"The Nightmare Creatures II campaign is an example of the type of marketing programs you can expect to see from Konami in 2000. Our goal for this year is to support our actions games with innovative promotions that extend our reach to the mass market, combined with strong support at retail," Naylor added.

Nightmare Creatures II is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board.

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About Konami

Konami is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game market. Konami's action and adventure titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill and Castlevania, among other top sellers. In addition, the company recently entered into an agreement with ESPN to develop and publish sports games. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. Konami Co., Ltd. is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami America in the US and Konami of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany.

NOTE: PlayStation and the PlayStation logos are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sega Dreamcast, and the Dreamcast logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sega Enterprises Ltd. Konami is a registered trademark of Konami Co., Ltd.
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