The Japanese are really creative in marketing, big game companies Capcom In order to promote the upcoming horror survival game “Castlevania 9: Requiem》（Resident Evil Requiem), officially announced that it has cooperated with the well-known TV shopping company “Yume Group” to launch a limited edition co-branded product called “Terror of Nightmare Set” (Terror of Nightmare Set), which was sold out within just 5 hours of going on sale.
Capcom launches “Castle 9: Requiem” co-branded fitness equipment “Horror Nightmare Set”
This “Horror Nightmare Set” is priced at 19,800 yen (tax included) and is limited to only 50 sets worldwide. In addition to the PS5 or Switch 2 version of the game software, the most eye-catching content of the package is a “Dream Suspension Health Equipment” (a fitness frame that can be hung straight/inverted/leg-raised) with the logo of Umbrella Corporation.
To promote this product, Capcom also produced a promotional video imitating an infomercial style. In the film, Dream Group President Shigehiro Ishida and singer Yusato Hosuka appear in person, introducing this fitness equipment in their signature exaggerated tones, and even invited the game director of “Castle of Evil 9” Koshi Nakanishi to make a cameo. The scene is both absurd and full of comedy.
Why fitness equipment?
Although the combination of horror games and fitness equipment may seem awkward, the official explanation is that this is actually to allow players to have a strong body to deal with the scary scenes in the game. The promotional text even joked: “When you are chased by zombies, a strong arm may save your life.” This kind of black humor also successfully aroused heated discussions in the player community.
Additionally, this isn’t the first time Capcom has released weird co-branded merchandise. In the past, they have launched “Castle in Evil” themed scents, curry rice and even typewriter keyboards, and they have successfully created buzz every time.
This event is currently only available in Japan. Even if you want to buy it, it’s not that easy (laughs). You may want to consider buying it.Statue of ObsidianIt might be easier:
The Evil Dead 9: Requiem, the official promotional video of the Horror Nightmare Group,Official websiteYou can also check it out, it’s seriously funny:
point of view
Capcom’s marketing team clearly knows their way around meme marketing. The cooperation with the president of Dream Group, who is very topical on the Japanese Internet, is a huge joke in itself. This method of breaking the fourth wall and combining the horror atmosphere with funny TV shopping not only eliminates the sense of distance in horror games, but also makes the brand image more accessible and interesting.
Although the hunger marketing strategy of limited to 50 sets is slightly deliberate, the fact that this “large piece of garbage” (after all, fitness equipment takes up a lot of space) was sold out within 5 hours is enough to prove the strong appeal of the “Castle of Evil” IP. For die-hard fans, this is not just a piece of fitness equipment, but a unique collectible that can be displayed at home: even if it may become a fancy clothes drying rack.
Source: KOCPC Chinese