When it comes to marketing, a dash of innuendo can sometimes give your message the viral edge it needs. That’s what seems to have happened with PlayStation’s recent promotion of the much-awaited Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 game. What’s the attention-drawing phrase, you ask? Treat yourself to 19 inches of Venom and more with the Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Collector’s Edition.
Launched via the PlayStation UK Twitter account, this slogan managed to arouse more than just curiosity; it’s stealing all the headlines and have become a full-blown internet sensation.
So, what exactly does “19 inches of Venom” refer to? No, it’s not some spicy Easter egg hidden in the game; it’s actually the height of the Venom statue that comes with the Collector’s Edition of the game. This highly detailed piece features a massive Venom squaring off against New York’s dual Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The statue captures a moment of drama and tension, with Miles in mid-air, about to land his signature bio-electric punch on the towering villain.
Treat yourself to 19-inches of Venom and more with the Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Collector's Edition. #SpiderMan2PS5
Pre-order here: https://t.co/IH1Z0n3CyV pic.twitter.com/siKtMzSz4s
— PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) September 4, 2023
Yet, the internet being what it is, this seemingly innocuous phrase has been turned into something far naughtier. The reactions ranged from snarky comments like, “Weird choice of words PlayStation,” to cheekier ones asking, “You mean the figurine, right?” Another comment aptly stated, “Someone in marketing today is getting a fat bonus check with the most nastiest side eye the department has ever seen.
It’s easy to see this as an “innocent” mistake but Sony’s marketing team is smart enough to know what they’re doing. Regardless, as a result, the internet has now dubbed the iconic Spider-Man villain as “Daddy Venom.
Ultimately, the reality is that the provocative marketing has done its job. It doesn’t matter if it’s intentional or not, but it drew attention to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and the now-phased out Collector’s Edition, which scalpers have targeted since its initial announcement.
Then again, it’s not as if Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 needed more hype. The sequel, set to launch on October 20 exclusively for the PlayStation 5, is already high on the list of most-anticipated games of the year. The Collector’s Edition, priced at $229.99, also includes a steelbook display case and digital pre-order bonuses, adding to its allure.
But the game isn’t all about suggestive taglines and collectible statues. Developer Insomniac Games has rolled out new gameplay elements that turn you into an acrobatic dynamo, along with fresh takes on Venom and other villains. They’ve also ramped up accessibility features, allowing players to fully customize their gaming experience. Then there’s the file size – 98GB – which hints at a game world potentially larger than its predecessor, suggesting a more content-rich experience for players.
While the Collector’s Edition’s “19 inches of Venom” has dominated social media chatter, it’s clear this is just the tip of the iceberg for what Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 can offer. Beyond the statue and the Twitter hoopla, the game promises a fully immersive superhero experience.
With the momentum generated by this unexpected viral moment, the future looks bright for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, in terms of sales and cultural impact. In an era where game releases often risk drowning in the sheer volume of available content, a little viral marketing – even if it borders on the risqué – can go a long way.
So whether you’re in it for the 19 inches of sculpted Venom or for the acrobatic thrill of slinging between skyscrapers as Spider-Man, one thing is certain: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is an unforgettable addition to the PlayStation 5’s growing library of hit titles.
Speaking of the PlayStation, the flagship console was recently brought up when an insider used it as a comparison for the performance of the next Nintendo console. Finally, it’s believed that Sony is working on a new Astro Bot game.
