Best time to release a viral Xmas flash game?

[metamoota]

I am making a simple Christmas themed flash game as a viral marketing campaign for my site.

I wanted people opinions on the best time to release it.

I am offering a prize for the highest score, so there needs to be a cut off point, and therefore hopefully a surge of activity, but I am not sure when this should be.

I though maybe releasing this on 14th December, its mainly initially being sent to customers/clients and hopefully they will be winding down for xmas by then. But then there is the question of the cut off point. I was thinking the 23rd Dec, but would alot of people have stopped working for xmas by then? From the 14th this only gives 9 days of play, is this enough for a viral game to do its job properly?

Perhaps releasing on the 7th Dec, and running for 2 weeks would be better?

Any thoughts much appreciated

[zippy9]

About 3 years ago I made some Christmas themed shockwave games and screensavers that were popular downloads on a good-sized download site. Based on how they did, I'd say release as early as Nov. 26th (day after Thanksgiving). That's when all the Christmas related stuff really picks up in the US. It's like Thanksgiving is a primer that gets everyone focused on the next big holiday.

My $0.02.

[FireFox]

i think now, because i see christmas stuff in stores right now

[metamoota]

You do see Christmas stuff already, but ideally I want to catch people in a Christmas mood. I didnt mention I am in London, UK and everyone is a bit "bah humbug" until it gets nearer the time.

Perhaps the very start of December Im thinking now?

Cheers for the replies

[tgotch]

Heck, I saw Christmas stuff right after Halloween. I would say the sooner the better. What do you have to lose by offering it now?

[JakeCop]

There is a backlash in the UK to Christmas stuff appearing too early, we even get decoration in some stores in August... not kidding!

I'd say December 1st, that's when the kids start with their advent calenders.

[pacres]

I would release it now. I wouldn't wait until after thanksgiving, because only the us celebrates thanksgiving at that time. (Here in Canada, we celebrate in early October)

[Cutter]

Release it to game sites now. Send it to your customers/clients on December 7th. It takes time for these things to spread.

[Anat]

Viral takes time to catch up. It reaches its full effect only after you reach a certain critical mass. That's why I'd say release now and don't wait. It might take 3-4 weeks just to build the right momentum.