Gruesome Shockvertising

Sony PSP Retry Ad

I am certain that soldiers, fighters and armies all over the world would love this retry feature. The “Retry” Ad for Sony's PlayStation Portable player gives you a gruesome visual with limps and organs all over the place; a retry is most welcome!

The ad was photographed by Kaustubh Kamat with art direction by Pavel Roy for the Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art advertising school, Mumbai, India.

Implications - One way for a company to generate instant interest in its products is by creating advertising that heavily rely on shock value. By investing in marketing that immediately spawns a contentious debate, the company lures in consumers, critics and the media alike, creating an immediate uptick in brand recognition.

Shockvertising
Companies can create edgy advertising campaigns that rely on shock value to attract consumers and increase brand recognition.
Retry Feature
Products can incorporate a retry feature that allows users to start over when they encounter difficulties or failures.
Gruesome Imagery
Images and graphics can be used in advertisements to evoke powerful emotions and capture the attention of viewers.

Who This Affects Most

Gaming
The gaming industry can use the retry feature to provide a better user experience and keep players engaged for longer periods of time.
Advertising
Ad agencies and marketers can experiment with shockvertising to create memorable and impactful campaigns for their clients.
Education
Art and design schools can teach students how to effectively use imagery and shock value to create powerful advertising campaigns.
SCORE
6.9 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 98%
Activity 100%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X