Blogs Does game branding matter?

http://www.bit-tech.net/blog/2010/03/09/does-game-associated-branding-matter/

 

In a word? No.

Unless it comes under the more broad category of looks mattering, in which case yes. But having a specific label or name on it means nothing to me; function and form (in that order) are all that matter.

 

When looking at branded products I'm thinking I have to pay an unnecessary premium for the license I don’t care about. For the same amount of money I should be able to find better, unbranded hardware.

 

I have never bought a game because of brand association, and I doubt I ever will.

 

Game branded products look cheap and tacky, the Happy Meal toys of the gaming world. I'd avoid them in favour of an alternative product.

 

I automatically overlook any branded/licensed hardware without giving it too much thought.
Partly as I use my system mainly for other things than gaming, so something like a specialised keyboard would be a nuisance. But the key reason is that I'm struggling to think of a branded piece of kit that isn't either overpriced, inferior quality, or just plain ugly (although they're often a combination of the three).

 

No, infact it's something to avoid when buying a peripheral, I'd never buy something that had a game tattooed across it, same as I'd never buy anything made by Thermaltake, it's just cheap tacky rubbish. I can see how something like the Z-board would be quite handy but I always like the feel of a decent keyboard so that one is out for me too. I'm currently using a Logitech G9 corded laser mouse, and a Logitech Wave keyboard which are aimed at gamers I suppose but were bought because of the decent specifications and build quality (something that game associated branding products lack)

 

+1

 

no

 

+2

I can't think of a single situation where a branded piece of kit was better than an unbranded piece of kit. Most of the time, the only thing the branding brings to the table is a higher price.

 

Let's go against the grain here, i'd say yes. Too bad there aren't that many products for "my" brands, but it's still something that can give a product a certain aura of WANT.

There's no inherent quality in a branding sticker, but there is perceived value. If i enjoy using a product better because it has a nice logo, that's value to me, no matter how unsubstantial or subjective it is. Isn't this also the reason we engrave characters of our favorite game in sidewindows?

 

Depends, say I was in the market for a steering wheel, and the best one had a Ferrari logo along with a manufacturer's logo (e.g., Logitech, Saitek, Microsoft), then if it was the best at a reasonable price I'd still buy it.

But not because there was a Ferrari logo on it.

 

maybe, it really depends, if the price is right and i really like the game, then why not?

 

+1

Whether it's Gran Turismo-branded steering wheels or WoW T-shirts, I can't think of a single item that was improved by game branding. (Sorry - this probably isn't what the advertisers want to hear, is it...) The sad facts are that if a product cannot stand upon it's own merits - i.e., it needs association with a game to sell - then it's not worth buying.

 

If I cared about branded products, I'd be using a Mac.

Game-branded peripherals? Tacky.

 

If it does all the things I'm looking for and it's the best even within the price range, why not?!

Buying just because it has some kind of ad to a game I like or don't, it isn't enough for me to buy it, it has to do what I want.

 

No, if anything I subconsciously ignore game-branded hardware.

Right or wrong, I automatically assume that more effort has gone into acquiring the brand rights rather than product development. Then there's all the other issues that have already been raised, it looks cheap/tacky/dated etc.

Although not PC related, for some reason this article reminded me of Xbox 360 faceplates. How many Xbox's do you really see without the default faceplate? In the end it turned out to be a pointless idea inspired by 1990's mobile phones that nobody cared for. I guarantee, if asked, most people would prefere a non-removable fascia that's more durable and not as plastic-y.

 

On average I'd go with no. I buy logitech for my keyboard and mouse and steering wheel.

For flight controllers though, Saitek all the way. None of these appear to be branded however.

 

I'd agree, it's a waste of money.

In fact I work for a company that has sold branded products and non-branded products. Both products were identical (apart from the branding obviously) and the non-branded product easily out sold the branded. Which didn't surprise me at the time.

 

No, complete waste of money. But sure, if somebody would pick a present he would choose the one related to the game you like most (not minding the money that is)