Activision's got high aims for the debut of Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC), picturing it to be the "biggest entertainment launch ever." That's not such a stretch too, considering how highly-anticipated this title is. And it's all up to TBWA, the global ad agency tapped by Activision for the job, to make it happen.

PlayStation ads have always been... strange, to say the least. They come in various flavors, from the high-octane to the downright freaky. This PlayStation ad from Spain, however, is rather hard to place. Oh it's weird, alright; I'll give it that. See the ad in its full, err, mixed-signal glory after the jump!

It was reported earlier that Sony Computer Entertainment of America is dropping TBWA as their ad firm and taking their account (their US$ 150 million account) to the Los Angeles ad agency, Deutsch, Inc. More in the full article.

Miscommunication problems between 13 year partners Sony Computer Entertainment of America and TBWA/Chiat/Day advertising agency forces Sony to eliminate TBWA from the review of their latest advertising account and move on to reconsider others.

Curious to know why? Read on at the full article.

It all began with a picture of a clown-shaped mushroom cloud found on the internet. The picture sparked a lot of rumors of a Twisted Metal (TM) comeback to the PlayStation 3, and to tell the truth, it was a sweet thing to think about. But sadly, officials have denied links between the image and any upcoming titles in the franchise.

The image in question was a product of TBWA's Paris office and its Art Director Philippe Taroux. When asked about the nature of the ad, Taroux mentioned that the image was not related to any specific video game and was actually part of a general Sony campaign. Taroux described the concept behind the ad as "an explosion of fun," rather than a hint at TM's Sweet Tooth. Sony officials were also asked if they were developing a new Twisted Metal title, to which they replied, "We don't have anything in the works at this time."

This news definitely disappoints a lot of fans who were looking forward to playing TM on the PS3. With avid speculation about new features, playable characters, returning names, and a whole lot of TM fun, players were oozing with excitement at the thought of the franchise's return. Sadly, we all ended up disappointed, but even then this shouldn't stop us from hoping that the people at Sony would work on a sequel. It really doesn't hurt to dream.

For advertisers, the Clio Awards is the equivalent of the Oscars for movies. It's an honor accorded to the most creative entries in the advertising and design world. Joystiq recently brought word of new news bit: that a classic advertisement for the Sony PlayStation was to be given a Hall of Fame Award in this year's Clios, giving Sony the chance to proudly call itself an Clio winner.

The advertisement, called "Double Life" (by Gorgeous Enterprises and TBWA, London) showcased the second lives people lead when they play video games. As the ad itself says, "For years, I've lived a double life. In the day, I do my job, I ride the bus, roll up my sleeves with the hoi-polloi, but at night I live a life of exhilaration." It speaks a lot about how we at QJ certainly live our lives, at least!

As Mark Tutssel, 2007 Clio Television/Cinema jury chairman, managed to say about the ad,

This incredible spot romanticized video gaming and deftly captured the essence of it – the personality transformation and the fantasy of gaming worlds. It got to the heart of what gaming is all about. The signature line "I have commanded armies and conquered worlds," wove itself into the vernacular. After eight years, the spot has spawned a genre of its own, but "Double Life" remains unrivaled. It is absolutely deserving of being inducted into the Clio Awards Hall of Fame.”

The said ad will be given the award during the Clio Festival to be held on May 9 to 12 at Miami Beach Florida. In any case, you can view the actual ad below. See if any of it resounds with your sensibilities, alright?