National Video Games Day is upon us and brands are taking the opportunity to reach this lucrative market through social media. Naturally, game developers and publishers gave a shout-out to the masses, but here are a few non-game-related brands that found creative ways to connect.
Pizza Hut
Pizza and video game parties go hand-in-hand, so Pizza Hut wanted to extend a thank you to its gamer fan base.
Pixel Pizza Perfection. #NationalVideoGamesDay pic.twitter.com/8ZlNhvBCMV
— Pizza Hut (@pizzahut) September 12, 2016
US Air Force
Even the military got in on the action, knowing full well that gamers have some of the best reflexes on the planet. To test those skills (and inspire enlistment), the US Air Force promoted a video game on their website.
Have what it takes on #NationalVideoGamesDay? Take the #Airman Challenge and find out. https://t.co/4FZB9mEu5v pic.twitter.com/2lqxaolA6C
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) September 12, 2016
Yelp
The online business locator and review site is catering to the Pokémon GO craze by offering a special filter for Pokéstops—designated areas that offer free in-game items. Players can also place a “lure” at the location, attracting Pokémon creatures to the area.
Trying to fill your Pokédex? Catch 'em all over lunch with the help of our Pokéstop filter. #NationalVideoGamesDay pic.twitter.com/igWwzbBL2S
— Yelp (@Yelp) September 12, 2016
Burger King
The social media account for Burger King Philippines created a Pac-Man level out of a chicken patty, chicken nuggets and french fries to mark the occasion, which looks as fun as it is delicious.
#VideoGamesDay today? 😱 Game ka ba mag-laro Burger King style? 😉 pic.twitter.com/zocdp77Yri
— Burger King Philippines (@burgerkingph) September 12, 2016
Coca-Cola
The soda’s United Kingdom Twitter account offered this simple but effective way to show off different versions of Coca-Cola with four bottles playing a video game together.
Grab an extra life on #VideoGamesDay and get to that next check point… #TasteTheFeeling pic.twitter.com/RY2T58si8Q
— Coca-Cola GB (@CocaCola_GB) September 12, 2016
Subaru
Subaru created and reinforced brand awareness with gamers through nostalgia, reminding (or informing) players of the BRZ model in Forza Motorsport 6.
Anybody remember Colin McRae Rally or designed a livery for the Subaru #BRZ in Forza Motorsport 6? #VideoGamesDay pic.twitter.com/Ch5l3pMacH
— Subaru UK (@subaruuk) September 12, 2016
New York Islanders
Hockey fans were treated to an NHL 17 video game giveaway, courtesy of EA and the New York Islanders on Monday.
Happy #NationalVideoGamesDay, Isles fans! RT to win one of the first copies of #NHL17 courtesy of @EASPORTSNHL! 🏒🎮 pic.twitter.com/IytoIAKBiH
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 12, 2016
Laporu Nails
Laporu Nails, a mobile app for finding and booking nail appointments, posted this clever mash-up of nail art and video games to promote the brand.
To all girl gamers out there (and guys): Happy #NationalVideoGamesDay! #nails #beauty pic.twitter.com/1gVzpU61E5
— LeporuNails (@LeporuNails) September 12, 2016
Classic FM
A classic music radio station in the UK celebrated the beauty of video game soundtracks with a two hour broadcast.
At 8pm we celebrate #VideoGamesDay with 2 hours of #VideoGamesMusic played by @londonsymphony, @LPOrchestra & more! pic.twitter.com/BVgc4Ud1II
— Classic FM (@ClassicFM) September 12, 2016
Jacamo Outfitters
This company out of the UK provides clothing “for the real man” in all shapes and sizes. You don’t want to be facing down a fire ball with pants that are too tight!
Happy #VideoGamesDay! 👾
Whats you favourite game?#NationalVideoGamesDay
(credit @giphy) pic.twitter.com/vX35NhiNS0
— Jacamo (@Jacamo) September 12, 2016
Short and sweet—these Twitter shout-outs allowed brands to join the conversation of a lucrative, growing and enthusiastic community. Not into video games? Don’t worry, September 12 is also National Chocolate Milkshake Day and National Boss/Employee Exchange Day, in case your boss walks in to find you with your feet on his/her desk while slobbering chocolate syrup all over the TPS reports.