What ended the video game mascot wars?

[TonyTheTiger]

I would argue that they're technically not over even today If you look at the fact that Mario, Kratos, and Master Cheif sell systems to this day, or rather, their games (all of which are exclusive to one particular manufacturer) do.

I'm going to go with this. It's not so much that it ended, it just expanded to the point where it's not really about just one mascot anymore. The consoles no longer have a "face" because of the implicit limitations of that. While Nintendo sticks with Mario for his Mickey Mouse-esque quality, Microsoft and Sony would be loath to pin down their machines (often promoted as living room media centers) to a single image. As much as Kratos sells, it'd be a pretty terrible idea to make him your mascot. You'd scare away more people than you'd attract. Same story if they go with Sackboy.

[treismac]

The consoles no longer have a "face" because of the implicit limitations of that.

I never considered it a matter of straight jacketing your brand, but you're absolutely right. How many "hardcore" gamers scoff at the Wii at least in part because of their Nintendo's Disney-esque/family friendly franchises? I've read more than a few comments of Kotaku that have, if not overtly said something to this extent, at least carried overtones of this sentiment. There are, of course, many other valid reasons why the so-called "hardcore" gaming crowd balks at the Wii, but I wonder how much the syrupy sweet image of Mario turns them off, either consciously or subconsciously.

[Bazoo]

First of all, some awesome points that I did not consider. Particularly the 3D case scenario, where you're really looking either in first person or behind another. That's interesting.

I think it's also worth noting that, beyond Sega, Nintendo was the only to really "own" its IPs. Once Sony entered the race as the main contender, it was hard to really attach a name to it. Sure, Spyro and Crash were exclusives, but they weren't really "owned" by Sony itself, so they wouldn't appear on the console name.

But then again, have you seen that one commercial with all the video game characters in it? Seems to denote some kind of mascot-ry.

[treismac]

But then again, have you seen that one commercial with all the video game characters in it? Seems to denote some kind of mascot-ry.

What commercial? Can you give some more details, or, better yet, embed a youtube video of the commercial?

Oh, by the way, welcome to Digital Press, Bazoo!

[Jack7]

What commercial? Can you give some more details, or, better yet, embed a youtube video of the commercial?

Oh, by the way, welcome to Digital Press, Bazoo!

I think he might be talking about the PlayStation Michael commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdWkKKSckNk


also my two cents about the mascot devotion dying. it was over saturated everyone wanted an animal, some games came out ok: sparkster/rocket knight, aero the acrobat

and some just horrible: awesome possum or bubsy.

hmm new thread idea

[buzz_n64]

Crash Bandicoot Commercial with Nintendo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTi5EaocGaY

[Jorpho]

I think he might be talking about the PlayStation Michael commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdWkKKSckNk

Gaaaah. So cheesy.

How about this? We all got older and the world got darker, and the marketing appeal of cartoon characters wore off, failing to appeal to the next generation of young'uns. I mean, do you even see cereal box "mascots" much anymore?