Google seems to have a knack for producing emotive, spontaneous, and intensely viral marketing moments; a talent the tech titan flaunted Tuesday with the silent inclusion of a Pac-Man mode in its Google Maps property, not unlike what the company did last year with Maps and Pokemon.
On the surface, Google’s latest April Fools gag stands as a successful co-opting of an event, and an impressive feat of viral positivity.
Shut the front door. Googlemaps let you play Pacman. If there is 1 thing I love, it’s a good game. @googlemaps you’re playing to my heart.
— Elise Kovi (@elisekovi) March 31, 2015
The virtual streets of Google Maps are being transformed into Pac Man video game for April Fool’s Day.
— Eric Taschner (@EricXFMNews) March 31, 2015
I wonder if Google Maps is tracking which are the most difficult neighborhoods to play Pac-Man in are?
— KWANZA (@kwanzer) March 31, 2015
Pac-Man Google Maps has officially shut our office down #ProductivityAtitsFinest
— MGiraldi (@MGiraldi) March 31, 2015
A more nuanced inspection of Google’s latest piece of virality shows the latent potential of gamification as a marketing tactic when infused with highly emotional connectors such as nostalgia or novelty.
Just discovered the Pac-Man feature on Google Maps and I must say … that is the COOLEST gamification feature I’ve seen on a search engine
— Ebony Shamberger (@EJSham) March 31, 2015
Right this moment, Google Maps is demonstrating the importance of gamification as a marketing strategy. Skeptics, stand aside and feel icky.
— Blender and Game (@blenderandgame) March 31, 2015
Brilliant piece of marketing by @googlemaps allowing users to play Pacman whilst planning their journeys! #WorkDistractions #Genius
— JamesAlexanderStride (@James_A_Stride) March 31, 2015
Good prank ^_^”@RebekahLSutter: Great marketing scheme with the PacMan theme on Google Maps. I applaud you! #genius“
— armonieboucharens (@armodu06) March 31, 2015
