The legendary name that is Seth ‘Scump’ Abner has seemingly got some new teammates-they are certainly away from what was expected! Simple within the OpTic Gaming deity appearing to bear the US Navy along with greatest promotional activity that has landed the gaming personality on everyone else’s lips.
The potential partnership story broke when Dexerto tweeted about Scump joining Navy personnel in what would be a military-gaming crossover. And I personally think: such a wild marketing idea might exist in 2024 by all means.
Then what is the verdict? From the torrent of replies, I might say the majority of gamers consider this some sort of promotion, or marketing campaign, with the achievement of Scump actually joining the navy frowned upon. @olusegun04 had this to say: “It is likely part of a collaboration or ad campaign rather than an actual team change.” Looking at it, it is pretty unexpected for Scump to turn in his controller for naval warfare if anything.
From here, the reaction of the community is exactly what everyone had predicted: confusion mixed with excitement. @Zaynnode pretty much sums it up: “nah, that’d be wild! 🤣 Imagine Scump in the Navy tho…”, while @CyberSavant__ said jokingly, “Scump out here recruiting like it’s a squad-up mission 🎮🚢 America’s Navy leveling up, who’s ready?”.
Though there are some who have expressed resistance to the idea. 0x_lordwhite gave a good question when posing it: “Is it even right to use the navy uniform to play games? What right gives that?” When you look at it, it’s kind of a fair point-it’s walking a thin line in the use of military imagery in game promotions. Though, especially with this many military shooters taking over the gaming market, I mean, this should have been done ages ago.
Funny thing is that @StasStriker basically said the same thing: “Idk why this hasn’t been done before.” And honestly? I totally agree! The US military has been involved with gaming for many years through esports sponsorships, recruitment, and booths at events. But now this takes it a step further by dragging one of the biggest CoD competitive history guys into it.
Now, that is a very lovely touch from @Dragoonneth: “Scump really prestige’d into a recruitment ad.” That’s probably the closest one-liner to the actual situation: He’s not working in-game, but brand partnerships, he leveled up. And let’s be real-as if anyone could do a military-gaming collaboration without one of the most recognizable faces in competitive Call of Duty.
And that’s a good time for that, too. Military shooters continue to dominate the esports scene and normal biodiversity, and this kind of partnership makes even more marketing sense. It crosses over actual, actual virtual warfare with real military service in a way that… well it’s either brilliant or just a little bit scary if you know what I’m talking about.
@King_Jayded probably got the real story here: “More like has the U.S Navy found its next recruitment angle?” Because, let’s be honest here – what better way to reach potential recruits than via one of the biggest game industry influencers? Really, that’s my marketing 101, and with whose following Scump’s is, he’s the perfect face for it.
This is just a natural evolution of what gaming and military have been even since the last few decades. Remember when the Army had its very own esports team? Or when military recruiters started setting up tents at gaming conventions? This, however, is just the next logical step-a step beyond working with established gaming celebs for that coveted 18-25 demo.
We can’t forget the entertainment factor that this partnership brings. @0xVeepul called it a “wild crossover,” and let me tell you, this description fits perfectly. Visualizing Scump running drills with actual Navy personnel while keeping his rank in the gaming scene offers the room with an echo of laughter. Though some really-theoretical probably have nothing to do with real Navy drills but might just be the image and promotions.
Even if this really ends up being a one-time event or a promo stunt, at least it got the people talking-and in this marketing and influencer partnership space, that’s usually half the battle. So keep an eye out for more information about this collaboration because if the community response is anything to go by, everyone is excitement-fueled to learn what happens next.
