Singer Lady Gaga, known for wearing a variety of funny hats and singing such hits as "Pokerface," "Telephone," and "Like a Virgin," will debut her new songs in a video game. Sorry, Rock Band fans, it won't be DLC. Instead, Gaga will put out tracks for her new album on Facebook game Farmville.
Players have to complete tasks to hear one exclusive new track per day from May 17 to 19, in a special farm called "Gagaville." Additional songs that aren't exclusive can be unlocked over the following three days. The album is due to be released on May 23.
The promotion combines three of the most onerous aspects of modern life: Disposable pop stars of questionable talent, "casual" facebook gaming and non-traditional marketing strategies into one insufferable whole. It's a trifecta of things I dislike and wish I knew nothing about.
"Lady Gaga is as passionate about her fans as we are about our players," said Zynga's Raquel DiSabatino, director of entertainment and media, before diving into a pool full of gold coins and jewels and swimming away.
All of the best people are following Stephen Johnson's twitter feed. Also, email me if you wanna.
