Thursday, May 16, 2013

Coca-Cola Never Ever Markets to Kids and Is Part of Obesity Solution iPhone Edition

So yesterday I downloaded Santa's Helper - an iPhone game produced by Coca-Cola.

Apple's app folks determined it was for users aged 4+ (see that little symbol I circled in the top right corner)


And you should know too that Apple also has a 12+ designation which according to their guidance system means,
"Applications in this category may also contain infrequent mild language, frequent or intense cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence, and mild or infrequent mature or suggestive themes, and simulated gambling which may not be suitable for children under the age of 12."
And while I realize there's no violence in the game, the age of 12 is where Coca-Cola claims to draw the line at advertising,
"We have historically not placed – and continue the practice today of not placing – advertising for any of our beverages on any media that is primarily directed to, and has an audience of 50% or more, children under the age of 12."
So who is this game for, this game where the goal is to help a Coca-Cola drinking Santa drop presents down chimneys while little Coca-Cola trucks pass by on the streetscape below?

Aside from Apple's suggestion it's for children above the age of 4, it doesn't explicitly say, but after spending a few minutes with it I can tell you this - the gameplay's dead simple.

So simple in fact that even a young child could play it.

So simple in fact that only a young child would want to.

But don't you fret. Coca-Cola's part of the solution, not part of the problem.