Christmas cards from game companies (2008 edition)

Each year I receive a stack of holiday greeting cards from various game and entertainment companies. Some come with small physical gifts (*cough* Sony *cough*) while others simply highlight a few featured game characters.

This year, more companies have sent electronic cards and none have included a small gift (so far). I’ll take it as both an effort to be a bit more green (as in less paper) and economical (as in no expense except maybe a couple hours to designer, if that).

To check out the full gallery, click the Photo Gallery link or click on the thumbnails below. I’ll be adding more cards as I receive them, either in pulpy paper or digitized format.

Cards I’ve received so far and a hokey award for each (not necessarily a complete list):

• Lucasfilm – Actual card, hand signed. Most Subtle Use of Logo (it’s in there) and Most Thoughtful (includes mention of a donation made to a children’s charity)
• Blizzard - Actual card, hand signed. Most Characters
• D3Publisher - Postcard, hand signed. Most Artistic Use of Logo
• ESRB - Email card. Best Use of a Corporate Icon
• Midway - Email card with web link. Most Marketing
• Akella - Email card with web link. Best Use of Nazis
• ECA (Entertainment Consumers Association) – Email card. Silliest Use of Staff Photos
• Sci Fi Channel - Email card with a link to a Flash video. Best Use of a Nutcracker
• Popcap - Email card with a link to a Flash video. Best (and Only) “Card” With a Jingle
• Namco Bandai - Email card with a link to a Flash video. Best Use of Flash Snow and Pac-Man
• Shrapnel Games - Email card with links to game pages and a coupon code (probably still good so check it out). Best Bargain Card
• SCEA (Sony Computer Entertainment America) - Actual (tri-fold) card in a full-color logo envelop with a (paper) vellum insert featuring printed signatures. Most Professional Looking Card
• Paizo Publishing - Email card with coupon code (still good, check it out). Sexiest Card
• Nintendo of America - Actual card, hand signed. Latest Card and Most Avatars

Photo Gallery [Gamertell] Read [CVG]