Stop The International - Another Big Viral Game Begins!

November 17, 2008
by Alex Billington

Who would've ever thought that Sony's The International would be the focus of the next big viral marketing game? Earlier today I received a package from FedEx with some very interesting documents inside (see below for photos). In addition to a letter from Chief Inspector Louis Salinger of Scotland Yard, I received a photos, a note, and some actual currency. The information pointed me to the newest viral website to pop up - stoptheinternational.com. It's fitting that The International has a viral like this because the plot is all about money laundering and banks controlling the world. And if you're a Los Angeles local, you'll definitely want to keep reading - since the next clue can be picked up in person on Wednesday!

The letter from the inspector says that the money contained within is "blood money" that has been used for murder and crime. You can head to the website and enter in the serial number of a few bills and it will tell you the history of each them tell you the current location of the bill (which would be where you are). Additionally, it mentions that the International Bank of Business and Credit (IBBC) is a ruthless, worldwide enterprise operating under the guise of a private bank. Now we have been recruited to their agency to help them recover evidence and take them down. Sounds pretty enticing - I'm in!

  

Additionally included in the package was a printed version of the map found on the website and two photos as well as a note. The note reads: "An informant has hidden vital evidence around the world!" This is where local people come into play. If you click on Los Angeles on the website (which has an active countdown timer) you'll be taken to a Security Brief. The brief explains that Los Angeles operatives should go shopping at a place called Sincere Gifts in Chinatown (at 483 Gin Ling Way) on Wednesday, November 19th. Between 1:00 and 2:00PM, you must strike the right gong four times to "signal your contact."

Beyond doing that, we have no clue what is going to happen next. There apparently is an evidence drop being made, so I'm guessing someone there will exchange evidence. We'll be there in person on Wednesday ourselves and will be sure to keep everyone updated as to what happens next. This Los Angeles location is only the first of four locations worldwide, in addition to New York, London, and Berlin. I'm excited to get involved in a big viral like this again and I'm interested to see whether The International will provide enough good content for a viral game. The Dark Knight had a lot to draw from, but this is a bit different and there aren't characters (like the Joker) to really guide us. We'll let you know what we find out!

Discover More: Cool Stuff, Hype, Viral Marketing

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