More $ spent = More Sales 

A games best form of advertising is through word of mouth. Yet, sometimes a big marketing budget can go a long way. Most publishers don't seem to be willing to spend tons of money on a marketing budget as it is a bit risky, but which games could've been / could be much more popular if it had a better marketing strategy and bigger budget. Proof that it works? Here are 2 examples:

1) Pokemon: Apparently, when Pokemon was being localized, Nintendo was skeptical of Pokemon taking off outside of Japan. They were fearful that American kids wouldn't take to the game or the cute Pokemon. So...they decided to spend $50 Million on a marketing strategy to help sell the games. I think we all know the result.

2) Halo (3): Microsoft decided that they wanted to push the series to become more mainstream in order to sell more 360's. They launched a $40 Million marketing campaign that advertised the game from commercials, to toys, to soda, and more. It worked and become the most successful launch in gaming history.

What games or series could've been bigger or could be bigger if they had better advertising? You can mention past, current, or future games that haven't released yet.

I'll post mine in the 2nd post of this thread :)

LittleBigPlanet: I don't know what Sony was thinking when they decided to give it a less than great marketing plan. They should've had toys, shirts, figures, and TV adds all ready to go around launch time. If Sony actually gave the game a big budget marketing campaign of around $20 Million or so, I have no doubt it could've been much bigger than it is today. Sony would actually of had another 10 Million selling IP on their hands.

Pikmin: This was Miyamoto's newest creation and I can't see why Nintendo didn't feel the need to market it better. Sure, the game doesn't have the most mainstream gameplay out there but they could've done much better to get the word out. Many people would've found the Pikmin to be "cute" and cute does help sell. Plus, they just seem perfect for the likes of a TV show or book or something. It could be a 5 Million+ selling series similar to Zelda if Nintendo did it right. Here's hoping for a good marketing plan for Pikmin 3!

This is kind of insulting, but I do understand where they are coming from.

Marketing = wich needs is your product going to fulfill to wich customer.

Advertisement = delivering the message.

Advertising is a part of marketing, but it isnt the same as Marketing.

More money spent on marketing means more R&D. More money spent on advetisements means more exposure to the product.

Now choose wich one you're really trying to adress.

I know this is a losing battle but i still keep trying to teach this to people. Its a common misconception.

Every Nintendo IP that isn't Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, or Pokemon

The Nintendo of America team originally wanted to change the Pokemon to make them tougher looking and more bulky. Luckily, NOJ said heck no and left them as is...

What about Donkey Kong or Super Smash Bros.? I remember those games getting quite a marketing push.

Killzone and inFamous

Forza could use some more aggressive marketing. Tout your high metas above the competition, and Top Gear support.

Any series could be bigger with better marketing really. What you should be asking is what series you'd want to see marketed better.

So I'll answer what im currently playing is metro:last light