A Homefront promotion for the Game Developers Conference involved releasing hundreds of red balloons in the downtown of one of the most environmentally conscious cities in America. Many floated into its neighboring bay. Bad idea? Yeah, you could say that. [Update] GameStop has released a statement, saying publisher THQ initiated the promotion and used environmentally-friendly balloons.
GameStop's statement:
We understand the concerns consumers have regarding the impact balloons can have on the environment. However, the balloon drop stunt in San Francisco was created by THQ, the publisher of Homefront, and GameStop had no prior knowledge of it. THQ has since informed us that they released soy-based, biodegradable balloons .... Comments and queries should be directed to THQ media relations.
The original item follows:
The Los Angeles Times gleefully surveyed the Twitter reaction to the release of the balloons - non-biodegradable, of course.
@gamestop just released a couple hundred balloons in downtown SF, presumably a promotion for their new game "Fish Choker"
wrote Emily Heller.
Really looking forward to watching @GameStop respond to the @-reply anger about their balloon campaign. #schadenfreude
GameStop's Twitter feed, as of 6 p.m., was silent on the issue.
Gamestop releases balloons in San Francisco that go over like a lead zeppelin [Los Angeles Times, thanks Edward. Image via L.A. Times]