in-game-advertising posts (Subscribe to this feed)
British Intelligence recruiting Xbox gamers
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Nov 20th 2009 at 4:00PM }
The Guardian reports that British Intelligence is looking for a few good men. Specifically, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is running ads on the Xbox 360 dashboard and within Xbox games to recruit new members. The GCHQ, which works with both MI5 and MI6 (yes, that MI6), seeks to recruit young people with an affinity for "quick thinking, problem solving and team work." GCHQ believes that these criteria are "reflected in game-play experiences on Xbox."
We're expecting a new generation of foul-mouthed, teabagging James Bonds any day now.
We're expecting a new generation of foul-mouthed, teabagging James Bonds any day now.
WipEout HD in-game ads return, still affect load times
by Randy Nelson { Nov 19th 2009 at 8:15PM }
The 2.10 update for WipEout HD boldly proclaims that "Changes have been made so that any adverts shown during loading screens will not adversely affect the loading times" upon first launch. OK, ads are back, but at least they don't increase load times -- right? Not so fast. When loading a particular race, we perceived some degree of delay while the ad (in this case for Fat Princess) played. Wanting to make sure it wan't just in our ads-in-our-games-can-leave-now-please heads, we timed it. Lo and behold, the same course loads in 16.9 seconds without the ad and 21.7 with it -- an almost five second difference.
The results were more or less the same for every track we tried, with smaller venues loading faster, naturally. So, despite assurances otherwise, load times are being affected by the re-instated ads. We're working to get in touch with Sony and the game's developer, SCEE Studio Liverpool, to find out exactly what gives.
[Thanks, Ken!]
Splinter Cell Conviction to feature in-game advertising during torture scenes
by Andrew Yoon { Nov 12th 2009 at 9:15PM }
This is actually the pitch Ubisoft delivered at Microsoft Advertising's Gaming Upfront presentation in New York this evening. In-game advertising is rapidly growing, but has typically been relegated to sports and racing games. Splinter Cell Conviction breaks convention by being neither. Expect both static and video ads to appear throughout the environment -- including during the game's lengthy torture sequences. Perhaps they should take it one step further: Sam Fisher should grab a Coca-Cola bottle, smash it, and use the broken glass to kill a guy. Talk about refreshing!
In addition, Ubisoft showed potential advertisers the "heat maps" they created whilst developing the game. These maps highlight likely places players will go while playing. Advertisers will be able to place their ads in high-density areas, in order to ensure maximum exposure to their brands while in the game world. Considering Splinter Cell is a stealth game, don't be too surprised to see ads inside of the conveniently accessible (not to mention remarkably roomy!) air ducts.
New in-game ads speeding towards WipEout HD
by Andrew Yoon { Oct 29th 2009 at 11:15AM }
That doesn't mean ads have been completely removed from the picture with 2.10! In fact, more advertising is about to hit the game -- at least in European territories. "WipEout and in-game advertising and sponsorship have gone hand-in-hand since 1996, when a now famous energy drink appeared in the seminal Wipeout 2097 and over the years many brands and products have been associated with the series," Arrien said, trying to explain why the WipEout HD platform seems so ripe for commercialization.
Phantasy Star Portable 2 product placement is getting ridiculous
by Griffin McElroy { Oct 13th 2009 at 11:59AM }
The incorporation of Fanta products into Phantasy Star Portable 2 was bad enough; though we could almost excuse it for its appropriately futuristic-sounding name. There's little we can do to reconcile the addition of Pizza Hut branding into the title, though -- especially when said addition includes a pizza box shield and pizza peel sword (seen above; no photoshopping necessary). Other in-game products include literal pizza huts, dolls of the company's Japanese mascot, Mr. Cheese, and an epic boss encounter against the Noid, who attempts to ruin delicious pizza pies regardless of their corporate affiliation.
Okay, so we made up that part about the boss fight -- sorta -- but the rest is totally for real!
Massive sees 'double-digit' in-game ad revenue growth in 2009
by Richard Mitchell { Oct 6th 2009 at 5:36PM }
On the Microsoft Advertising Blog, J.J. Richards, head of Massive Incorporated, decided to dispel some rumors surrounding the in-game ad industry. Specifically, Richards noted that the in-game ad industry is "thriving." He adds that in fiscal 2009 Massive has seen "double-digit year-on-year revenue growth in the face of one of the worst economic crises of the last century," and that the company has surpassed its first quarter sales target by over 100 percent.
Richards spends the rest of the post explaining that in-game ads work, are easy to implement and, the kicker, gamers actually like them. He notes that all ads are placed with an eye toward realism, saying that "gamer satisfaction" is paramount and that all ads go through testing before being added to a game. Furthermore, he suggests that ads actually enhance the experience, contributing to realistic immersion.
Regardless of your feelings toward game ads, one thing is clear: They aren't going anywhere. Massive has already announced a fairly, well, massive lineup for this fall. Let's just hope Massive keeps the ads unobtrusive, unlike some other in-game ad companies.
[Via Edge]
Richards spends the rest of the post explaining that in-game ads work, are easy to implement and, the kicker, gamers actually like them. He notes that all ads are placed with an eye toward realism, saying that "gamer satisfaction" is paramount and that all ads go through testing before being added to a game. Furthermore, he suggests that ads actually enhance the experience, contributing to realistic immersion.
Regardless of your feelings toward game ads, one thing is clear: They aren't going anywhere. Massive has already announced a fairly, well, massive lineup for this fall. Let's just hope Massive keeps the ads unobtrusive, unlike some other in-game ad companies.
[Via Edge]
Carmack says ad-based model not working for Quake Live
by Ben Gilbert { Aug 15th 2009 at 6:30PM }
"The in-game advertising stuff has not been big business .... [it's] not going to be able to carry the project," Carmack said. Dually, he noted that while a subscription service will be offered, the game will never go exclusively "pay-to-play." According to Shacknews, the subscription model will allow players to create and host private server matches.This all sounds good to us -- now maybe all the hardcore Quake Live players will play in private servers and allow us to get a single shot off.
PAIN Trophies made easier, thanks to AXE
by Andrew Yoon { Aug 13th 2009 at 6:15PM }
We're certainly fans of this kind of in-game advertising (versus what WipEout HD offered). But, we beg the guys at Idol Minds: please make the "King of PAIN" Trophy easier. Please!
Double Fusion slows down WipEout HD with ads
by Andrew Yoon { Aug 3rd 2009 at 4:30PM }
Players have become accustomed to load screens, but now they must also wait for an advertisement to play before beginning a new race. As demonstrated by a user-captured video, the standard load time for WipEout HD is about eight seconds long. If an advertisement plays, the load time increases more than twofold: to nineteen seconds.
Most in-game advertisements appear as unobtrusive and non-interactive billboards. However, slowing down a game's performance to present ads in a program gamers have already paid for is far too intrusive. Jonathan Epstein, CEO of Double Fusion, stated that "Double Fusion is responding to advertiser demand and offering an engaging ad format while pushing in-game ad innovation to a new level." It's unfortunate that we have to wait while that new level loads.
[Thanks, Chris!]
Microsoft patents advertising Avatars for MMOs
by Justin McElroy { Jul 22nd 2009 at 12:30PM }
OK, we're sure that at this point, some of you have already spun around three times and thrown your 360s out the window hammer toss-style. But are there any of you who, like us, are captivated by the idea? If there's something that says "futuristic" more than being accosted by virtual Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker as they beg you to see Rush Hour 8: We Made Another One of These Movies, we haven't heard of it.
Analysts expect in-game ad spending to reach $1 billion
by Jason Dobson { May 26th 2009 at 8:40AM }
This is despite what the firm refers to as "short term softness" of in-game ad spending so far in 2009. In fact, the company believes in its gilded heart that virtual billboards are here to stay, as they help reach groups of people who are "increasingly hard to reach via other media." So, listen rookie, those bullets the enemy are using are very real, so keep your head down behind that fallen Pepsi billboard over there and bring me a soda.
IGA releases promo vid, claims 36% of gamers seek info from game ads
by Ben Gilbert { Apr 18th 2009 at 1:00AM }
Additionally, the company notes that 90 percent of the folks exposed to in-game ads "recalled brands they had been exposed to" -- maybe that's where we get this hankering to snowboard through Target and blast through the Comcast Center? Check out the full IGA promo after the break for more exciting statistics on ... well ... you.
[Via VG247]
Ken Levine keynoting first MIT 'Business in Gaming' conference
by Ben Gilbert { Apr 13th 2009 at 11:15AM }
We'll be there, Big Daddy statues and permanent markers in tow, and when we're not ogling KennyL we'll likely check out the panel featuring ex-Boston Red Soxer Curt Schilling of 38 Studios speaking about MMO business models. Hey, maybe he'll talk about that game his company's been making for three years! Code-named Copernicus? No? You don't remember that one? Yeah, neither do we.
IGA up for sale amidst recession woes
by Richard Mitchell { Mar 16th 2009 at 1:32PM }
With the economy rearing its ugly head all around the gaming industry, sprinkling our dreaded layoffs tag in its wake, we suppose it was only a matter of time before related industries were affected. Whether IGA's fate is reflective of the in-game advertising business as a whole remains to be seen. Maybe IGA should use its in-game ads to advertise other games. Seems like publishers aren't too shy about advertising those.
Double Fusion in-game ads expand with THQ, SEGA, Eidos and Midway
by Andrew Yoon { Dec 1st 2008 at 11:25AM }
"One only has to look at the recent videogame sales figures to realise that games are the one form of entertainment consumers don't want to live without," states Jonathan Epstein, president and CEO, Double Fusion. "We are pleased to partner with and provide incremental revenue opportunities to game publishers by offering advertisers a variety of hand-selected cross-genre games we know will be a hit with gamers and the marketers looking to reach them."
Double Fusion will be specifically targeting male consumers, ages 18-34 in their various campaigns. Next time you play a Sonic game, don't be surprised to see him wear some Nike shoes.
