Gas is expensive. Like, “really freakin’ expensive and you need a second job just to pay to be able to get to the first job” expensive. So, when EA decided they would promote their open-world actioner Mercenaries 2, they would do so by giving away gas. It’s amazing, but someone actually became mad because of free gas. Who?
Politicians, of course.
While the promotional stunt went off fine in Los Angeles, things didn’t go so well in North London.
Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone fired off her complaint, demanding an apology for the traffic jam caused by people who wanted the free liquid:
“Whilst a lucky few might have got some free petrol, hundreds of local residents have faced misery on their daily journeys this morning. They deserve an apology for being the victims of such an ill-thought out media stunt.”
Police eventually shut down the event due to the commotion, and EA still had some gas left to give.
EA’s Free Gas Stunt Angers Politician, Police, Local Residents - [GamePolitics]
