IndustryGamers spoke with EA’s Elizabeth Harz, Senior Vice president of Global Media Sales to discuss with her about marketing real-life products using EA’s games.  Topics brought up related to The Sims 3 is the Dr. Pepper controversy as well as the Toyota Prius download.

As for the previously announced Dr Pepper deal, Harz stressed that the deal will be “additive” and will not detract from gameplay in The Sims 3 (or future titles that will be announced as part of the partnership). “It’s important as marketers to be respectful of the user experience… We’re not just sticking a Dr Pepper [can] in a game,” she said.

Another recent example of EA’s marketing approach under Harz’s leadership was the Toyota Prius in Sims 3. Those of you who attended E3 may have noticed the Sims 3 branded Prius parked inside South Hall. The partnership with Toyota enabled Sims 3 players to download a Prius in the game, which she said got a very positive reaction.

IndustryGamers – Interview with EA’s Media Play