Eager gamers will be aware that the highly-anticipated PS5 was released in the UK today.
To mark the launch of the new console, the company performed a pre-release stunt which hasn’t been well received by everyone.
In collaboration with Transport for London, PlayStation replaced some iconic London Underground ’roundels’ with shapes you might see on a PS5 controller.
Julie Dixon, Head of Customer Information, Design & Partnerships at TfL, said: ‘We’re delighted to have been able to work with PlayStation to support the launch of the new PlayStation 5 console.
‘This fantastic partnership is a great example of how brands can work with us to use our stations and globally recognised roundels in a fun and creative way.
‘Activities like this help us invest in the transport network for the benefit of all of our customers.’
The Oxford Circus signs are not the only stunt to mark the Playstation launch.
According to the research, game time has rocketed during the lockdown as millions of Britons have been stuck at home.
Market analyst Mintel reveals that sales have reached £1.8 billion in 2020, an increase of 55 per cent since 2019 and by 2021, the market is expected to top the £2 billion mark.
Zach Emmanuel, Mintel Technology Analyst, said: ‘COVID-19 has had a monumental impact on the sales of video games and consoles as Brits looked to stay entertained at home.
‘While consumers’ concerns over finances are expected to have led to a decrease in purchases of technology products overall, it has not been the case for consoles.
‘The market has already benefited from the introduction of the new Nintendo Switch Lite in the first half of the year and the recently launched Xbox Series X, and the upcoming PS5 will provide a further boost to the market.’
Other stations have also reportedly been renamed to reflect upcoming PS5 games, including Mile End becoming Miles End for Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales; Lancaster Gate becoming Ratchet and Clankaster Gate for Ratchet & Clank, Horizon Forbidden West Ham for Horizon Forbidden West; and – easily the laziest of the four – Seven Sisters being renamed Gran Turismo 7 Sisters.
Oxford Circus’s updated signage will only remain in place for 48 hours, and the other stations’ names will be changed back then as well.
I’m waiting for a few months – there are definitely going to be ‘new product glitches’
Clever idea!