PlayStation UFO stunt takes over Fortitude Valley as part of viral ad campaign

A mysterious UFO has landed Down Under, complete with a warning for onlookers not to film.

A life-size spaceship has landed in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley as part of a viral campaign for PlayStation.

A display depicting a UFO landing in the Fortitude Valley that features as part of a global advertising campaign has captured the attention of Brisbane residents.

The display, which is located on a vacant lot that sits at the intersection of Wickham St and Ballow St, features a life-size spaceship that has been fenced off and surrounded by security guards, which yell out phrases to onlookers such as “It’s top secret” and “Do not film this” and “Please sir, put the phone away”, while the wall behind the display features a portal.

It is accompanied by signage linking the display to the ‘It happens on PS5’ global ad campaign launched by Sony this week to mark the the five-year anniversary of the PS5 console’s launch.

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PlayStation signage accompanied the display.

Vice President of Global Marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment Isabelle Tomatis said the campaign features several advertisements, as well as physical displays across the world.

“We’re approaching the five year anniversary of the PS5 console’s launch, and it’s amazing to see the number of incredible experiences PS5 has brought to players everywhere – and there are more adventures to come,” she said.

“That’s the inspiration for our new ad campaign – we’re capturing the spirit of these moments when the most unexpected and unforgettable experiences happen on PS5.

“In addition to the ad spot, we’re also bringing some of these unexpected moments into the real world, physically.

“From November to December, players may come across some of these themes inspired by the campaign in various locations around the world – such as UFOs landing in Australia, Spain and Germany or mysterious creatures found in Mexico, Italy and the UK.”

The fenced-off display is located at a prominent intersection in the Fortitude Valley.

PlayStation Australia shared a photo of the display to its Instagram account.

“Mate, that’s not a ute?! A life-size spaceship has landed in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley,” the post was captioned.

Photos of the spaceship installation have been widely shared on social media, attracting a host of comments.

“Just waiting for a mate,” kostagenaris posted to Instagram.

“Is that an unregistered VB Commodore ?” stewartmunrophotography posted to Instagram.

“Epic,” 1upemily posted to Instagram.

“To some of the Valley’s more eccentric characters, this is just another Tuesday,” rhettevans posted to Instagram.

“Advertisement level 1000/10,” wayne.gainsayer posted to Instagram.

The display can be found at 257 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley until Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Originally published as PlayStation UFO stunt takes over Fortitude Valley as part of viral ad campaign