Item/NPC/Tavern naming rights and product placement?

[Chaos Theory]

Really looking forward to helping design and name an epic item in the game, but then I got to thinking-- what if a company jumps in on a bid to "name" an item, NPC or tavern for the sole purpose of product placement?

 

Are we going to be bringing our Viagara Sword of Doom into the Ye Olde McDonald's Tavern, etc? Talk about an immersion killer...

Edited September 15, 2012 by Chaos Theory

[generic.hybridity]

I imagine in that case they would refund the money. Given the colossal amount of pledges they've received within 24 hours, I doubt they would be compelled to include such anachronisms. Though it is amusing to contemplate.

[Hurlshort]

I'm also guessing the developer has final say on anything, you will likely have certain constraints so we don't end up with Sir Justin Beiber as an NPC.

[Chaos Theory]

I'm also guessing the developer has final say on anything, you will likely have certain constraints so we don't end up with Sir Justin Beiber as an NPC.

 

I was thinking more along the lines of "Sir The Situation, Knight of the Realm".

[Littlefinger]

I'm sure the backers will be asked to change their suggested names before getting their money back, but I'm sure the final decision will be taken in favor of keeping the game free of such immersion-breakers. I'm guessing similar meassures will be taken against such suggestions as "Pink Dragon **** Sword" or "Magical Ring of xXx_420_blunt5m0ker".

 

What worries me more are the anahronistic names that might end up being used. Imagine a good-willing backer who just wants an NPC named after him. Well, I just don't see a Kevin Smith in a fantasy setting. Maybe the developers will allow themselves some creative freedom? As in, naming the NPC "Sir Kevin the Smiter" or something like Kevin, the son of a local smith.

 

No, wait, that's just ridiculous.

 

EDIT: wait, "****" got censored? Oh wow.

Edited September 15, 2012 by Littlefinger

[Chaos Theory]

 

What worries me more are the anahronistic names that might end up being used. Imagine a good-willing backer who just wants an NPC named after him. Well, I just don't see a Kevin Smith in a fantasy setting. Maybe the developers will allow themselves some creative freedom? As in, naming the NPC "Sir Kevin the Smiter" or something like Kevin, the son of a local smith.

 

 

This was my other concern. And even moreso than product placement, this could be a very touchy subject. Folks are paying a grand, and I'm sure many, if not most, will want to be their own walk-on NPC (I would).