Xboxist

Xbox 360 TV Ad Banned In UK

You must have seen the advert by now. The one with the rooftop stunts, ensuing car chase with the ad ending with the tag line 'Jump IN. Xbox 360.' Well in what appears to be an over the top gesture, the UK Advertising Standards Authority has banned the ad as it deemed it violated TV advertising standards rules regarding ‘health and safety’ and ‘driving standard’. This is in response to a single anonymous complaint that the advert could inspire young men to drive 'recklessly', and despite the fact that the ad has been running since last year.

The ASA explained that, “We were concerned that the ad gave the impression that reckless street car racing was exciting and fun...We concluded that the ad glamorized streetcar racing and could be seen to condone dangerous driving. The ad must not be broadcast again.”

Microsofts agency, McCann Erickson stated that care had been taken to avoid any misconception that it was encouraging dangerous driving. The firm also claims they had worked closely with the Broadcast Adverting Clearance Centre, before shooting and in the editing phase, and had taken its advice to run the ad after the 9pm watershed.

Judge for yourself. As mentioned above, the advert had already run for some time before this, and will only be given additional publicity with this decision. It seems Microsoft 1, bureaucrats nil.