FTC Slams Deceptive and Shady Xbox One Marketing

I'm glad the FTC fished this out.

Posted By | On 03rd, Sep. 2015

Xbox One Logo

The Xbox one may have come a long way since its launch, but back when it was still suffering from the disastrous reveal at E3 2013, it was trying to get all the good publicity that it could get. YouTube group Machinima came up with a program for just that- make a positive video about the Xbox One, get paid extra. And of course, don’t talk about this program, because NDAs.

It was shady and underhanded, and apparently, the Federal Trade Commission in the United States thinks so too. Slamming Machinima for deceptive marketing, done without full disclosure, they released a statement pointing out that a settlement had been reached that would prevent Machinima from pulling something like this ever again.

“In numerous instances, Respondent has failed to disclose, or disclose adequately, that the individuals who posted the reviews were compensated in connection with their endorsements,” wrote the FTC. “This fact would be material to consumers in their purchasing decisions regarding Xbox One and the Launch Titles. The failure to disclose this fact, in light of the representations made, was, and is, a deceptive practice.”

Yeesh. I mean, under Spencer, the Xbox division seems to be a different entity entirely, but yikes, guys.


Tagged With: , ,

Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Share Your Thoughts Below  (Always follow our comments policy!)



Keep On Reading!

PS5 Pro’s PSSR On Par with Nvidia DLSS and Intel XeSS, Says Developer

PS5 Pro’s PSSR On Par with Nvidia DLSS and Intel XeSS, Says Developer

Gergo Horvath, a Graphics Programmer at Gaijin believes that PSSR is not only on par with DLSS and XeSS, but a...

GTA 6 Publisher Explains the Importance of PC: “We Are Selective” About Platforms

GTA 6 Publisher Explains the Importance of PC: “We Are Selective” About Platforms

Take Two's Strauss Zelnick understands the importance of the PC platform, but the company still won't launch a...

Infinity Nikki – Ability Outfits, Curio Domain, and More Detailed in New Overview Trailer

Infinity Nikki – Ability Outfits, Curio Domain, and More Detailed in New Overview Trailer

The free-to-play "cozy" open-world title has reached 30 million pre-registrations before launching on PS5, PC,...

GTA 6 Xbox Series S Performance Concerns Are a Non-issue, Says Take Two CEO

GTA 6 Xbox Series S Performance Concerns Are a Non-issue, Says Take Two CEO

Take-Two chairman and CEO Strauss Zelnick is not worried about any concerns related to Grand Theft Auto 6's pe...

Marvel Rivals – Moon Knight Confirmed, First Trailer Revealed

Marvel Rivals – Moon Knight Confirmed, First Trailer Revealed

Marc Spector joins the battle, wielding the powers of Khonshu to disrupt the battlefield in NetEase's upcoming...

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s Aim is to Ensure That the “Series Lives on for Future Generations”

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s Aim is to Ensure That the “Series Lives on for Future Generations”

Metal Gear series producer Noriaki Okamura wants a newer generation of players to embrace the series whilst ma...