Horrifying Examples of How In-Game Product Placements Could Go Too Far

Product placements are nothing new when it comes to gaming or movies, but could it go too far? Here’s a satirical look at the possibilities, including some horrifyingly realistic renderings of what this could look like. Fortunately, none of these are real, yet.

The Golden Arches of Warcraft (Cover Photo)

In a bold move to combat in-game hunger, Blizzard Entertainment has announced the integration of McDonald’s into World of Warcraft. Now, players can not only battle orcs but also order a Big Mac with a side of fries right from their character’s inventory. Forget about mana potions; the new golden arches in Orgrimmar offer a super-sized solution to low health bars, with Happy Meals providing temporary buffs like “Speedy McFeast” for a quick escape from PvP combat. Who knew the key to defeating the Lich King was just a McFlurry away?

Call of Duty to “Reload Fresh” with Subway

In an unprecedented update, Call of Duty now features Subway restaurants scattered across its war-torn landscapes, offering players a chance to refresh their kill streak with a footlong. Imagine diving for cover behind the sandwich counter, only to emerge with a freshly toasted Italian B.M.T. providing the perfect camouflage against thermal scopes. Now, instead of ammo, players can pick up “Subway Bucks” to customize their loadout with unique perks like “Five Dollar Footlong” for extended sprint or “Eat Fresh” for instant health regen. War has never tasted so fresh.

Thirsty Touchdowns in Madden Football

In a groundbreaking move to quench the thirst for realism in gaming, EA Sports has introduced Coca-Cola into Madden NFL, where the goalposts have been innovatively replaced by towering Coca-Cola bottles. Now, scoring a touchdown isn’t just about crossing the end zone; it’s about navigating through this new, fizzy obstacle. Quarterbacks must adjust their strategy, as throwing the ball between two giant bottles of Coke is no easy feat, and running backs now have to “run between the Coca-Cola bottles” to score, turning every touchdown into a mini-advertisement for America’s favorite soft drink. Fans are already speculating if this means players can gain an extra point for knocking over a bottle, sparking debates about whether “Open Happiness” should be included in the game’s official rules.

Virtual Billboards and Real Profits

In a world where virtual chaos reigns, local law firms have found a new frontier for client acquisition: video games. Picture this: you’re speeding down the digital highways of Grand Theft Auto, dodging cops and causing mayhem, when suddenly, a billboard flashes by, not for the latest album drop, but for “Crash, Burn, & Sue” – the auto accident law firm ready to represent you for any in-game fender bender. It’s not just fiction; this is already happening in racing games, where law firms compete for attention among the explosions and high-speed chases. Now, as you’re about to commit a digital crime, you get a gentle reminder to call 1-800-SUE-FAST if your virtual escapades lead to real-world repercussions. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and enterprise, where “You wreck ’em, we collect ’em!” becomes the new mantra of legal advertisement.

Cleanup Aisle Seven in Among Us

In a bizarre twist that only the world of video games could produce, Among Us has just released a new level set inside a Walmart. Now, instead of navigating through spaceship corridors, players must dodge shopping carts and avoid the “impostor” dressed in a blue vest. The tasks? Forget fixing wires; now you’re restocking shelves, checking out customers, and hunting for the elusive, last-in-stock PlayStation 5. The new “Walmart Mode” introduces unique challenges like “Clean Up Aisle 9” and “Price Match Madness,” where players must quickly find the lowest price to avoid suspicion. Betrayal takes on a new meaning when you’re not sure if the person scanning your items is your teammate or the one about to sabotage your shopping trip by locking you in the freezer section. Who knew that the ultimate test of trust and teamwork could happen amidst the aisles of America’s favorite superstore?

Let’s Hope None of These Become a Reality

While it may be tempting for advertisers to take advantage of the ability to deliver dynamic content to games advertising their products, please, just don’t.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors