Talk of in-game advertising is something that's slowly and quietly gathered around our ankles like some dank and sweaty mist over the past year or so. While not a new concept, those with keen eyes will notice that companies are looking at games more and more as marketing tools. Even Government Communications Headquarters, a branch of British Intelligence, is looking to jump on the bandwagon.
The GCHQ's recruitment partner, TMP Worldwide, is going to be looking at using games to score new employees for the British Intelligence department. Games such as Need for Speed Carbon, Quake Wars and the Tom Clancy franchise are all set to be utilized in this manner.
"Although press advertising still plays an important role, it's now just one element of an integrated approach to recruitment that forward thinking clients like GCHQ are spearheading," said TMP Worldwide's Laura Robertson. No, I wasn't paying attention to all that spiel either.
Back on track, is it cynical for me to laugh at authorities lambasting videogames on one side while conveniently using them on the other? Either way, I sincerely hope TMP is careful where it sticks those adverts -- You don't want the people generally found playing on Xbox Live anywhere near something that has the word "Intelligence" in it.
Are monocles standard issue? If so I'm in.
I's gona be me a spy!!!
OH SHI-
You have to pass all the splintercells to be interviewed for the position.
Maybe spies on the PSN or XBL networks. I think there looking for Matlockerys to get the DL on terrorists websites.
Quake Wars? WTF? As soon as you can dynamically shapeshift into an enemy's body call me, but what the hell does QW have that would interest British Intelligence?
I want Phil Harrison to hire me to scour the Home Network. I'll be cracking the pervert's skulls in virtual theaters, it will be grandiose!
where can I sign in for 00 ?? I want an nice paycheck and an flying car
or else ^^ :P
I would comment on this... but it might blow my secret identity.
Makes sense I guess. I always get a chuckle at the Army and Marines ads that play before movies like 300 and Die Hard. Seems like the same principles will apply to games as they become more mainstream.
As far as hypocrisy from the authorities re: games and violence, it's not violence that they're opposed to, just certain types of violence. Murder, torture, and maiming are perfectly reasonable if you're doing it for the gov't.
I will join if AND ONLY IF I get a monocle
George Smiley does not approve of Austin Powers
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I just really want to spy my penis in Beyonce.
No thanks. I do not want to be their information retrieval boy.
Makes sense, my Mario Kart skills is how I got to be an formula one race car driver.
Team Fortress 2 taught me I'm not good as a spy.