US Ad of the Day: Rockstar Energy inserts actor Angus Cloud into PUBG Mobile video game

Launched in 2018, PUBG Mobile is a popular, free-to-play mobile battle royale video game. According to the brand, Cloud’s in-game avatar is inspired by his IRL fashion sense, donning a gold puffer jacket, black hat and sunglasses.

The work marks the latest iteration of Rockstar’s ‘Fuel what’s next’ campaign, launched late last year. In the new, action-packed ad spot, an avatar of Cloud is seen in a number of challenges, like dodging bullets on a dirt bike, before running across a chaotic landscape of falling buildings. From one challenge to the other, he dares to ask his opponent, “What’s next?“ echoing the campaign’s name.

“I grew up playing video games with my friends and always thought it’d be cool to be in one, so it’s beyond crazy to me that Rockstar Energy and PUBG Mobile actually made that dream come true,” Cloud said in a statement shared with The Drum. “You know, I just hope that people playing with my skin see it as inspiration that anything is possible if you follow your passions and continue to push the limits.”

Moreover, gamers will be able to compete in the ’What’s next in-game challenge’ over the next four weeks to unlock in-game rewards and Rockstar Energy-branded items. The first US player to beat the challenge will score the grand prize: a real, one-of-a-kind ’Rockstar Energy Polaris Slingshot,’ valued at $38,000.

Anthony Crouts, senior director of marketing for PUBG Mobile, added: “It’s exciting whenever we have the opportunity to partner with an immensely popular celebrity who connects with our players in PUBG Mobile, so when Rockstar Energy approached us with the idea to bring Angus Cloud into the world of PUBG Mobile, we felt it was a perfect fit. We’re always striving to create ways to provide unique experiences for our players and this partnership is a great example of how we bring compelling content, challenges and in-game rewards to the battleground.”

To celebrate the game’s launch, Rockstar Energy will host a Twitch performance from rapper Don Toliver from the NRG Castle in Los Angeles on April 27 from 7:30 pm. Gamers can tune into the livestream via https://www.twitch.tv/nrggg. By participating in the live chat, they will get a chance to score Angus Cloud in-game skin unlock codes and Rockstar Energy merch.

The crossover was previously teased in November of 2022 with a trailer that placed Cloud in what appeared to be a wrecked spaceship.

Credits

Agency: Goodby Silverstein & Partners

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