Ubisoft has some explaining to do pending the Far Cry 4 release date. Insiders are silent regarding details of the game's characters, controversy about their personalities.
Initial cover and promotional art for Far Cry involve highly suggestive images. There is no official confirmation or denial from the developers regarding the symbols, involving gay characters and themes.
Ubisoft has a history of avant-garde marketing strategies, even before the Far Cry 4 release date. In light of the recent layoffs in competitor Electronic Arts Studios, the stunt may be its way of taking advantage of the situation.
The cover art in question depicts human submission and suggestive, effeminate illustration. The colors of gay pride are strewn across the side, and the foreground character is surrounded by weapons placed like phalluses.
Correspondent Michael Boccher dug deeper on the controversy and called Ubisoft's Public Relations Manager. Marie-Michelle Crevier was very hesitant to disclose information, but Boccher managed to squeeze a quick confirmation.
Further inquiries prompted Crevier to refer Boccher to the San Francisco office. "We weren't planning on releasing that information yet. Yes. But sir you'll need to contact the San Francisco office and speak to Scott Fry for any more information. He's the person handling PR for Far Cry 4.″
The Far Cry 4 release date is highly anticipated, and according to Boccher (myxboxlive.com), the controversy may be a marketing stunt meant to boost hype, especially prior to the June 9 E3 event. Using stereotypes to gain an advantage is a bit of an underhanded tactic, though.
The game's preorder page takes on a similar tack as the cover art. Check out the pictures; it's all speculation still, but the gray area is broad enough to accommodate prejudice.
It's fortunate that the gaming market has matured enough not to judge a title's merits through hype. A good, playable demo, and great reviews prior to the Far Cry 4 release date (November 18 US, November 20 Europe, Middle East, Africa) should be enough. In the end, great gameplay is the only thing that'll keep people hooked.
