Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce

Dynasty Warriors is one of Japan’s biggest video game franchises.

The first game arrived in 1997 as a spin-off to Koei’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and has spawned over 20 sequels and ten spin-off titles, selling nine million copies on the way.

Dynasty Warriors has developed a cult following in the UK too, and it is both this fanbase, as well as action lovers, that Koei is targeting with upcoming PSP title: Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce.

“We believe Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce is the first next-generation PSP title,” says Koei’s PR and marketing manager Mikey Foley.

“The title is something for gamers to get excited about; it really shows off the PSP’s advantages, with cutting edge graphics, real old-school depth and ad-hoc multiplay for four players. The development budget for the game is comparable to our next-gen console titles, so all the lavish CG and intricate detail you would expect of a big budget game is here. It’s a great reason for gamers to get out their PSPs again or invest in one for the first time.”

STRIKING MARKETING
Koei is pushing the title with a heavyweight online and outdoor PR and marketing push.

Koei’s marketing includes print advertising in multi-format publications and PlayStation magazines, as well as ad placements in Neo. The company has also spent much of its advertising revenue on online promotion, with site take-overs on various gaming websites, including Eurogamer.

Finally, Koei has teamed up with the MCM Expo to provide hands-on sampling opportunities to over 50,000 anime, sci-fi and gaming fans.