In-Game Advertising Makes Games Better?

News Bot · 10-09-2009, 17:25

Pretty much every time we hear about a game launching in-game advertising it sounds like a horrible idea that will only serve to detract from the experience. However JJ Richards of Massive wants you to give it a chance, claiming that if done correctly it can not only work, but actually enhance the overall experience. "In fact, according to Massive's research, gamers like ads. Here's the caveat: they have to add to the gaming experience. He describes a game that takes place in Times Square. With no ads, it's not real at all. With generic ads, it's a little better. 'Now imagine Times Square with ads you just saw on television or read in a newspaper—the latest movie release or television show or a new car model,' he said. 'Imagine further that it is up-to-the-minute, whether you played your game today or six months from now. That is much more realistic.' His argument is that gamers consume the experience of ads, not just the ads themselves. 'The ads add to and enhance that experience, and our research shows that it is highly effective for both game play as well as advertisers.'"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Ze-Tomb · 10-10-2009, 00:06

Yeah, adds do add to the experience a bit, but I got an ad about Beer in Entropia and we all know that Entropia is Beerless, so it was kinda out of place.

jim_T · 10-10-2009, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ze-Tomb

Yeah, adds do add to the experience a bit, but I got an ad about Beer in Entropia and we all know that Entropia is Beerless, so it was kinda out of place.

I've no problems with ads and I reckon I agree with However JJ Richards statement...you're so used to em, that you think something is wrong, when they're missing...and to be honest lots of ads in a game just shows that its an attractive market for companies to advertize in...so its all good...

Futurama · 10-10-2009, 11:21

Thank god those RL ads are region based...

Ze-Tomb · 10-10-2009, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Futurama

Thank god those RL ads are region based...

I know aye.
I shudder to think what I'd be offere din Australia from a foreign country

And yeah jim_T, something feels wrong when they disappear.

BlkRb0t · 10-10-2009, 13:51

Only if you are simulating the real world then real world ads makes sense, otherwise they are just distractions.

TheOneOmega · 10-10-2009, 16:18

I never thought of it this way.

Lol this is why I love this board.

jim_T · 10-10-2009, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlkRb0t

Only if you are simulating the real world then real world ads makes sense, otherwise they are just distractions.

...well a nightmare would be if whilst in the game and doin your biz...i.e. what you love to do in the game hunt, mine or whatever and the games suddenly halts...because of a *commercial break*...now that...would suck a bit I suppose...