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SEGA has admitted to releasing misleading trailers to promote Aliens: Colonial Marines, which launched to swathes of negativity back in February.
Whilst the game was reviewed poorly, it was the fact the final game didn’t match up to earlier footage which angered the majority – as shown in VideoGamer.com’s video comparison.
As a result of complaints lodged with the ASA the authority contacted SEGA to discuss the issue, with the publisher later acknowledging it was in the wrong.
“[SEGA] explained that their online trailers used demo footage, created using the in-game engine. SEGA Europe understood the objections raised about the quality of the game in relation to the trailers, but explained that they weren’t aware of issues when the trailers were produced, in some cased several months before release,” explained a letter in response to the original complaint.
“SEGA Europe acknowledged your objection that the trailers did not accurately reflect the final content of the game. They agreed to add a disclaimer, both on their website and in all relevant YouTube videos, which explains that the trailers depict footage of the demo versions of the game.”
A note on the ASA website in relation to SEGA Europe adds: “After consideration by the ASA of complaints received, the following companies and organisations agreed to amend or withdraw advertising without the need for a formal investigation.”
Because of SEGA’s written assurance no formal action will be taken.
Source: ASA
