Penguin launches Rough Guide for Xbox game

Book publisher Penguin has teamed up with video games developer Ubisoft for the launch of its latest Xbox game, Far Cry Instincts, to produce a spoof Rough Guide. It is the first time that such a spoof has been produced.

Ubisoft commissioned Penguin to write and produce a spoof Rough Guide to the Jacutan Archipelago, the imaginary islands where the Far Cry game is set. The guide is officially branded Rough Guide to the Jacutan Archipelago and offers insights into the game, which launches later this month.

Ubisoft is distributing 20,000 guides by mail order, insertion in specialist print magazines, giveaways at events and targeted mailers to Xbox gamers. There is also a viral website, www.visitjacutan.com, where gamers can obtain more information on the islands.

Ubisoft describes the Rough Guide to the Jacutan Archipelago as “the ultimate pocket travel guide to this tropical paradise” and says that Rough Guide is a perfect fit for its target market.

Other information in the guide includes a colour section highlighting the best the archipelago has to offer, advice on visas and insurance, the practicalities of getting around the islands safely and tips on how to get the most out of a host of leisure activities.

Ubisoft brand manager Ian Chambers says: “We wanted to give gamers the feeling that they can take a trip to the Jacutan Archipelago from the comfort of their living room. The Rough Guide is just one example of how the visual beauty of the game is being used in our marketing campaign.”

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