Oxford Circus tube indicators at the moment are PlayStation-themed
Some of the London Underground stations were redesigned last night courtesy of PlayStation. Just in time for the PS5 console's arrival tomorrow, the signage at Oxford Circus has been updated with the console's trademark square, circle, triangle and cross. It ties in well with the brand's 2013 stunt when London's Oxo Tower was illuminated in the icons at the launch of the PS4.
The exterior signage for all four exits of the Oxford Circus tube has been changed to a different PlayStation shape. The four symbols are next to the station name and the roundel (which can easily be used as a PlayStation circle). By chance (or not) the Oxford Circus Microsoft Store is right outside one of these exits.
Other channels have also reportedly been renamed to reflect upcoming PS5 games, including Mile End as Miles End for Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales; Lancaster Gate becomes Ratchet and Clankaster Gate for Ratchet & Clank, Horizon Forbidden West Ham for Horizon Forbidden West; and – easily the laziest of the four – seven sisters renamed Gran Turismo 7 Sisters.
The updated signage for Oxford Circus will only stay in place for 48 hours, and the names of the other stations will also change at that time.
Some on Twitter have lamented the obvious "corporatization" of the public space, but there is a feeling that this is exactly the kind of saucy stunts you can expect from PlayStation, to the iconic status that the icons have since the original was launched achieved to get the most out of PlayStation in 1994 – selected as one of CR's 40 Most Creative Moments That Changed Culture.
There's also a return to the kind of playfulness that gamers love from the brand that, as discussed in this recent CR game promotion feature, has been sorely lacking lately.
It's even underground. # PS5 pic.twitter.com/pWPMk63uI8
– Mr. Lawrence ???????????????? 7️⃣ (@ Mr_Lawrence4) November 18, 2020
It is also likely that Transport for London has been amply rewarded for handing over its sacred roundel for a few days – something the organization desperately needs after Covid-19.
playstation.com