... and we're not talking phones. Seems games developer
Electronic Arts is lining up to launch a Sims-branded credit card. The official
Sims 2 site is currently
allowing people to vote for one of four card designs. The site doesn't give away much other than that people should "stay tuned for more info" but has already caused quite a lot of
interest in the Sims-centric blogosphere.
The general feeling seems to be that it would be a great idea to have a card with the Sims on it, although one blogger, micster, suggests it "would be much better if you could have a picture of
your Sims on the card".
Whether the image comes from a gallery chosen by EA, or the gamers themselves, leveraging affinity groups is certainly a huge opp for issuers. The bond that exists between people and a card that means something to them is a whole lot stronger than the bond between people and standard plastic (if there is one at all). In short, a card someone can relate to is far more likely to end up in a front-of-wallet position.
Branded cards are a great way to acquire new customers, too, even if they do only represent a niche sector. Monetizing niche sectors, niche tastes, is the essence of the
long tail and is something that's easily achieved with the latest advances in customization and digital printing technology. The Sims are symbolic of the shape of things to come. Or should be, anyway.