Bad Idea: EA in Trouble Over Mercenaries 2 Stunt

Kris Erickson • Sep 8, 2008 • Comments ()

It seems that someone forgot to pass along the memo to EA explaining that rising gas prices have whipped the populace into a near-homicidal frenzy. Particularly in London town, where throngs of mad Englishmen are known to clog the streets in search of even a moderately good deal on petrol, which is what they call it over there. Well, that's exactly what happened this past Monday, as EA kicked off a promotional stunt for Mercenaries 2 smack in the middle of Finsbury park. The plan was to give away 20,000 GBP worth of gas over the course of the day on a first come, first served basis. In exchange, motorists would have to sit through a brief presentation about the virtues of burning off real-world stress in the totally destructible, totally virtual world of Mercenaries 2.

What happened was more or less predictable. According to English MP Lynne Featherstone: "Whilst a lucky few might have got some free petrol, hundreds of local residents have faced misery on their daily journeys this morning.
Trying to recreate Venezuelan-style fuel riots on the streets of London is completely irresponsible and downright dangerous."

The Member of Parliament has called for an official apology from EA, which was only able to dispense about 13,000 GBP worth of petrol before being shut down at 11 AM. So far, no statement has been forthcoming.