A website advertising in-universe energy drink OverCharge Delirium XT and a Twitter account for its mascot, Fizzie, have been launched to begin promoting Insomniac’s upcoming Xbox One title Sunset Overdrive.
The site details several characters and retail outlets prominent in the game’s setting, Sunset City. Presumably, the state of the city as detailed on the site is before the catastrophe that turns much of its population into mutants as reported by Polygon at E3 last year—the OverCharge energy drink perhaps having a direct link to this event.
As well as promoting the chance to sample OverCharge at upcoming video game conventions in Los Angeles, San Diego, Cologne and Seattle, much of the site is devoted to giving players an idea of the game’s attempt at a satirical take on consumer culture. Fast food outlet Sexburger and jewellers Gilt Trip are two hints at the sly sense of humour that the game world looks to be deeply soaked in, something not too far removed from the pun-happy game world of the Grand Theft Auto series.
Fizzie, described as “the world’s greatest mascot” in its Twitter bio, is further evidence of the slightly amoral, black humour that the game looks set to employ. Having taken potshots at targets ranging from Coca-Cola to Microsoft’s own Major Nelson in the account’s first day on Twitter, Fizzie certainly has the capacity to be a memorable character and perhaps a very potent marketing tool for the game.
Hi, Twitter! It’s me! Fizzie! I’m here to spread the joy of OverCharge! And you’re here to listen and obey me! We’re gunna have so much fun!
— Fizzie! (@FizzieSays) May 5, 2014
Sunset Overdrive will almost certainly have a major presence at this year’s E3 event in June ahead of its expected release later this year. As one of the flagship titles for the Xbox One this year, you can expect to see a lot more of Sunset City—and Fizzie—in the coming months.