New Zealand video game promotion goes awry

Everyone loves a good marketing stunt now and then. But here's a clear example of one gone awry in New Zealand.

A promotion for the Splinter Cell Evolution Xbox game jumped the shark when an actor, complete with bandaged hands, pointed a plastic gun at bar patrons last Friday in New Zealand, compelling them to jump under tables for cover.

Said Duane Mutu, the marketing manager for game promoter Monaco Corporation: “It was just marketing gone wrong.” Indeed.