However, as SEGA has ”agreed to amend or withdraw” advertising for the game, the ASA won’t be pursuing a formal investigation. SEGA ”weren’t aware of issues” when airing the trailers.
The reception of Aliens: Colonial Marines was a very poor one and gamers were left outraged at being sold such a completely different experience than what was teased.
The ASA was informed and told of a breach in advertising standards by SEGA Europe and so they asked for the publisher’s position on the complaint. It seems SEGA is willing to hold their hand up and admit fault, although they argue that they weren’t aware of troubles when releasing marketing materials.
”They explained that their online trailers used demo footage, created using the in-game engine. SEGA Europe understood the objections raised about the quality of the game in relation to the trailers, but explained that they weren’t aware of issues when the trailers were produced, in some cased several months before release,” read the ASA letter.
”SEGA Europe acknowledged your objection that the trailers did not accurately reflect the final content of the game. They agreed to add a disclaimer, both on their website and in all relevant YouTube videos, which explains that the trailers depict footage of the demo versions of the game.”
The official ASA website noted: ”After consideration by the ASA of complaints received, the following companies and organisations agreed to amend or withdraw advertising without the need for a formal investigation.” Aliens: Colonial Marines released on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC February 12th. Complaints centred on major bugs, poor AI, unbalanced gameplay and even low visual quality throughout singleplayer and lacklustre multiplayer co-op.
