@Cadet Stimpy To me there is a fundamental difference between using people playing for advertisement (even though I don't like it either), and posting photos of the creator's family playing the games. For two major reasons.
First, there is a legal frame for real advertisement. The kids that are shown on these box covers are probably receiving remuneration. There is likely to be a contract signed by the involved parties. In the case of a family, there is no such agreement. To some extent it's undeclared child labor (I'm extreme of course, but you are using your children as a marketing tool without any legal basis or contractual agreement so...).
Second, it also uses children as a "shield" against criticism. What? You don't like my game? You don't like my project? But see how it makes the children happy! You sure won't criticize a good American (or Canadian, or whatever) family, you sure won't be harsh towards the children, won't you? Putting your own family in the spotlight makes criticism harder. And I absolutely loathe this, as much as I loathe any marketing tactics that uses some "higher value" to divert criticism; I already mentioned Earthborne Rangers, even though climate change is to me the #1 global combat that should unite us all, and Deliverance.
@Cadet Stimpy As for Turczi, I find him ridiculously infatuated with himself, but apart this, I have nothing against him or his games. It's just that I really don't like the spirit of his solo modes, so seeing Turczi and immediately thinking "I sure won't like it" is a convenient shortcut that saves me some research time.
But seriously, I see your point. Aside from no contract, happy families in a picture is usually just a cheesy advertising/marketing ploy. Perhaps it falls loosely into this category.
Wishlisted. 😃
U B welcome, Z. I'm not doing it on purpose, by the way. 🙂
That nature scene on the box cover is nice! 😍
Soon = February 15th.
Thanks for bringing my attention about the game, another one that I had missed!
Also Earth.