Since footage emerged earlier this week of the infamous President Bush shoe incident, there have been a number of equally viral virtual spin-offs that let Internet users wing their own wingtip.
Soon-to-launch comedy site PopJam has launched an interactive Flash video game called ‘Sock and Awe’ which allows players to recreate the Bush shoe scene as Bush jumps around the screen.
At this stage, the top three ranked Bush-shoeing countries are the United States in first place, France in second place and Australia in third place.
Viral Virtual Shoe-Tossing
‘Sock and Awe' Game Throws Footwear at Bush
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Shoe-tossing Games - The rise of virtual shoe-tossing games presents an opportunity for the gaming industry to develop and monetize more interactive and engaging gameplays.
2. Viral Political Parodies - The viral nature of parodies like the 'Sock and Awe' game provides an opportunity for the media industry to explore new forms of online content for political satire.
3. Interactive Flash Videos - The trend of interactive flash videos for comedic and social commentary purposes is growing, paving the way for creative industries to explore more ways to engage with audiences.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry can capitalize on virtual shoe-tossing games and add new features to optimize user experience and monetize the games.
2. Media - The media industry can leverage the virality of games like 'Sock and Awe' to create more engaging and shareable online content.
3. Creative - Opportunities exist for the creative industry to develop innovative ways of using interactive flash videos for comedic and social commentary purposes.