Note to flacks: Cops arenât considering concepts like viral marketing or cosplay when an actor staggers into a pub district to point a plastic gun at the patrons. Promoters of Splinter Cell Conviction just learned this in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Herald reports that the stunt provoked an armed police response to Aucklandâs Viaduct Basin, a popular nightlife area, Friday night at 8 p.m. local time. Some two dozen patrons said the guy, who had bandages on his hands, pointed a pistol at them. They dived for cover and out came the po-po, ready to shoot.
Police quickly figured out the gun was a fake, but werenât at all amused by the situation. Monaco Corporation, a marketing partner of Ubisoftâs in New Zealand, apologized for the provocation, although they said they hired out another marketing company to put the event together and had no idea that a gun was to be used.
âIt was just marketing gone wrong,â said a Monaco representative. No kidding.
Promotions Prank Ends in Armed Police Callout [The New Zealand Herald, thanks Solid_Moose]
