Is it 'pathetic'? Last I checked they're making a crapload of cash. That's all that matters in business. A flashy marketing campaign that doesn't sell your product doesn't have any worth.
You have your existing product (in this case cards). Your prime goal is to sell as many of these as possible. You have your merchandise (toys, video games) as well. Your existing base of hardcore users spends a fair amount but like any business you NEED to find new consumers. Younger consumers in this case.
You know what is a great way to target kids? cartoons. Many of you would not have played Beyblade (including myself) if it wasn't for the cartoon. You get newer consumers to buy your product via the cartoon and other marketing strategies such as large scale tournaments move them up the consumption ladder.
These cartoons as silly as they may seem help add validity to the product (especially the merchandise) and build their brand name. Now I've not seen their parent company's financial statements but considering how it's still here I think it's safe to assume that Yu-Gi-Oh is a cash cow and I doubt it would make any sense to kill a marketing strategy that seems to work.
Just throw on a fresh coat of paint and get the kids to bug their parents.
You have your existing product (in this case cards). Your prime goal is to sell as many of these as possible. You have your merchandise (toys, video games) as well. Your existing base of hardcore users spends a fair amount but like any business you NEED to find new consumers. Younger consumers in this case.
You know what is a great way to target kids? cartoons. Many of you would not have played Beyblade (including myself) if it wasn't for the cartoon. You get newer consumers to buy your product via the cartoon and other marketing strategies such as large scale tournaments move them up the consumption ladder.
These cartoons as silly as they may seem help add validity to the product (especially the merchandise) and build their brand name. Now I've not seen their parent company's financial statements but considering how it's still here I think it's safe to assume that Yu-Gi-Oh is a cash cow and I doubt it would make any sense to kill a marketing strategy that seems to work.
Just throw on a fresh coat of paint and get the kids to bug their parents.