Grey London, Pringles Seek Qualified Person For Virtual Role In A Video Game

As part of its Stay In The Game campaign, Pringles and Grey London have launched a new activation offering someone the chance to get paid to work in a video game as a non playable character (NPC), billed as a world first opportunity.

The campaign, the latest from Pringles Mind Popping brand platform, has invited applications and will select a candidate to appear as an NPC in Train Sim World--the train simulation game available with Xbox Game Pass--as a Pringles vending machine re-filler with a prize of £20,000 ($24,000+) 

To support the launch, Grey London has produced a series of films showing existing NPCs in Train Sim World being less than happy about the fact that a human is going to become an NPC in their game and be paid for it.

In this video, we meet virtual commuter Steve who’s disgruntled in that not being human, his application to enter the competition was rejected. He took his anger out on a Pringles vending machine and as punishment has been left to sit and stew.

Those actual people interested in applying were invited to post a creative video or selfie with a Pringles can explaining why they would be the best Pringles vending machine refiller NPC in under 50 words on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

The application process closed on July 6. Fifty applicants will be put on a shortlist, where each will be judged on its creativity, originality, and rationale as to why they will make the best Pringles vending machine refilling NPC. 

One successful applicant will then be chosen, and their likeness will be virtually reproduced and 3D modeled, so they appear as themselves in Train Sim World from September this year. 

Laura Jordan Bambach, president and chief creative officer of Grey London, said, “Pringles is paying a flesh-and-blood human to do a virtual role – the metaverse just got real. It’s a privilege to work with a client who says yes to these bonkers ideas!”