Marketing and all things related

Okay, boomers. If you don’t know Tony Hawk, just ask the neighborhood kids--if you can tear them away from the videogames. Tony Hawk is a real life skateboarder, a guy who performs stunts that would kill mere mortals like most of us. And, Tony is a virtual performer as well, with a series of his own videogames which allow players to match his moves, narrowly escaping death without leaving their family room, bedroom or basement. But you should also know that Tony Hawk drives a Jeep in these games. And when he cruises over to Venice Beach, he is likely to park his digital wheels next to other Jeep Wrangles, Grand Cherokees, and Liberties. This is paid placement, naturally—but unlike television, the 13-25 year males who play these games enjoy countless (and we do mean countless) exposures to the brand. And a majority of players studied by Neilsen said that relevant advertising like this actually enhances the quality of the game. Business Week has more (paid subscription required.) Photo Credit: Activision