10 Video Game Blunders We'll NEVER Forget

4. More Than 99 Red Balloons, Floating In The Bay

Nothing says "buy our game" like causing environmental damage. Wait, no, I've got that wrong. That'll do the opposite.

To be fair to THQ, I'm sure the attention was good-natured. Marketing is all about getting the intention of the buyer, and in some cases, the bigger the better. But... why balloons?

They're all fun and games until they deflate and clog up streets, parks and in this instance, the San Francisco bay. Thankfully, the offending balloons were biodegradable and cleaned up, but San Franciscans were less than happy.

American retailer Gamestop, who's name adorned the balloons, placed the blame firmly on THQ. Denying all notion (despite the contrary), all ire was to be directed at the publisher for the stunt. Which, when you think about it, was a bit sh*tty of them to not take their share.

It wasn't all bad news, as Homefront preorders were surprisingly good numbers for THQ. But whilst biodegradable, it wasn't an instantaneous clean up, with some lasting up to six months in the water and surrounding areas.

At least Deep Silver didn't try it for Revolution. They just made a terrible game instead.