More In-Game Advertising on the Way 50
jizziknight writes "Wired has an article up detailing the many types of in-game advertisements and product placements on the way to future games. Advertisers and developers might actually be starting to think it through, rather than just slapping the company's name on everything. Adidas Basketball will be sponsoring some unlockable 'features' in Electronic Arts' NBA Live 07 on the Xbox 360 and the PS3 that showcase its new 'It Takes 5IVE' slogan. The features include 5 players with special uniforms and an exclusive arena. In Fight Night Round 3, Burger King is sponsoring an unlockable boxer as well as an avatar of The King that joins your entourage when you win a Burger King-sponsored event. There are also a few details about an ad-supported MMOG by Acclaim, in which sponsors offer to buy items for you when you go shopping in the game. Another interesting tid-bit from the article: A comScore survey showed that 'Thirty-seven percent of heavy gamers (those who play games at least 16 hours a week) agreed that featuring actual products or companies in games make the games feel more realistic. About one-third (27 percent) of medium gamers (those who played less than 11 hours per week) agreed that in-game ads can add to a game's realism.' Of course, we've all seen instances where ads make the game less realistic."
This can be done well. (Score:4, Insightful)
I don't have any problem with ads in game on principle. If it keeps the prices of games from going up as quickly as they would otherwise, then so much the better.
Seen this coming since 1983 (Score:3, Insightful)
I'm a fantasy game freak (Score:2, Insightful)
Screw in-game ads (Score:2, Insightful)
My $0.02 (Score:2, Insightful)
If I have to pay $50 for the game and $14.95 a month for online gameplay, I better NOT see any online ads.
Re:The new TV? (Score:3, Insightful)
Publishers will make a lot of money on the big title games (Grand Theft Auto and the lot), but will have to take a gamble with other titles by investing a lot of money they are not garneted to make back. So when they do make a lot of money on one title, some of those profits will go to help funding another title (and into the pockets of executives).
Re:This can be done well. (Score:4, Insightful)
Nobody wants to kick in a door in a FPS and find a flashing "$10 off your first $50 in electronics at Buy.com" ad plastered on the wall, but since I drink branded soda, I don't have a problem with kicking in the door and finding my target sipping an ice cold Coca Cola. I'm more bothered by the knock-offs seen in movies/games without sponsored products. They're even MORE distracting.
Art echos life. Life had ads.