# Chaos-Inducing Publicity Stunts EA Gas Giveaway for Mercenaries 2 By Rich | Published 2008-09-08 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-petrol-publicity-stunt-causes-chaos References: [theverychronicles.blogspot](http://theverychronicles.blogspot.com) & [news.bbc](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7599639.stm) Electronic Arts has been slammed for the chaos that was caused by their [publicity stunt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mwcurated) to launch their new computer game title Mercenaries 2. In an attempt to recreate the mercenary Venezuelan-style fuel crisis theme of the game in real life, they gave away £20,000 ($35,000) worth of petrol. Drivers joined an ever-growing queue to get their £40 worth of petrol, causing scenes of chaos and anger as local residents were unable to exit from their houses and streets were brought to a standstill. Despite the anger of locals, those that managed to claim their free petrol were naturally pleased with the [marketing stunt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinz-ketchup-zero), especially in these fuel crisis months! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Interactive Marketing Stunts:** Opportunity for businesses to engage consumers through immersive and interactive marketing campaigns. - **Real-life Simulations:** Creating real-life experiences that mirror a product or service can generate buzz and excitement among consumers. - **Controversial Promotions:** Controversial marketing tactics can generate both positive and negative attention, sparking conversations and increasing brand awareness. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming:** Opportunity for gaming companies to create immersive experiences that extend beyond the digital realm. - **Automotive:** Innovative marketing stunts can pique interest and draw attention to new car models and fuel-related initiatives. - **Advertising:** Disruptive and controversial promotional strategies can capture audience attention and differentiate brands in a competitive advertising landscape. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Gamer-Centric Fast Food Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-to-king.md) - [Bloody Promotional Game Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blood-for-a-pc.md) - [Work-Ditching Video Game Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ghost-your-boss.md) - [Interactive Motorsport-Inspired Gaming Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-worlds.md) - [Virtual Car Meetups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-car-meetup.md) - [Reverse Black Friday Sales](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cards-against-humanity-pays-you.md) - [Disruptive Cosmetics Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/road-to-radiance.md) - [Gamified Scent Marketing Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grab-the-sweet.md) - [Gamified Fast Food Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-side-missions.md)