The image originated on the portfolio website of Frederik Samuel, who dabbles in the advertising, graphic and webpage design. Although the entire site was down this morning, a Google search of the original address and a click of the "Cached" button brought up the blog that launched a thousands message board posts. Although the image was removed, the site did let on that the project was a product of TBWA, Paris and Art Director Philippe Taroux.

When reached by phone this morning, Taroux said the image was one of many from a general Sony campaign.

"The idea of a clown is not linked to one game," he said. "It's an explosion of fun."

Taroux said Sony didn't request the cloud be in any specific shape.

Alex Armour, a public relations specialist for Sony Computer Entertainment America, had not seen the ad in question this morning but did have an answer for Twisted Metal fans wondering if a new version of the franchise was headed their way.

"No," Armour said. "We don't have anything in the works at this time."