In early June two viral advertisements hit the web that claimed to be brand new “leaked” spots for Sony’s next video game console, the PlayStation 4. The first video dubbed “Leaked Launch Trailer” (see above) features a man inside a lab facility who is wearing what appears to be an advanced pair of 3D glasses that literally brings you into the game. In the video we watch (along with Japanese testers) the man experience the PS4’s virtual reality capabilities for the first time. At first the man is spooked by what he sees, but then a glimmer of hope (and success on Sony’s part) is revealed when the man gives a satisfying smirk at the conclusion of the test. The second video (look after the break for it) is titled “Leaked Viral Video” and plays out like a true viral video, shaky cam and all. This one follows two frantic Sony employees into a large facility; once there, they find a gamer who is frozen with excitement over the powers of the PS4 system. The employees remove glasses from his face but cannot pry the game controller out of his hand. The gamer squeals in joy.
After some investigation, the web realized they were douped when 24-year-old filmaker Han West spilled the beans. West created these fake viral videos for a school project that required him to produce “one viral ad and one more ‘polished’ commercial.” “Leaked Launch Trailer”, the polished spot above, took 12 hours to shoot and cost $500. “Leaked Viral Video” took four hours to capture and cost a mere $20. In the end, his timing was impeccible; these video “leaked” onto the web just days before E3, leading many to suspect Sony would announce the vision with the PS4 during their press conference. Job well done, Mr. West.