The Entertainment Software Association is using a new report by DFC intelligent to declare that in-game advertising will grow at a swift pace in order to reach the 72% of Americans now said to be playing.
DFC says that companies spent over $1 billion on game-centric advertising (including promotional tie-ins and the like) in North America last year, and that investment figures could double by 2014. With motor companies, beverage producers and even the army getting in on in-game product placement, you can look forward to your favorite videogame characters following Nathan Drake into the realm of corporate whorism.
DFC analyst Michael Goodman says that companies aren't exploiting games enough, and need to ramp up their efforts to sell shit to gamers: "Video games have reached beyond adolescent males into a mainstream entertainment medium that touches every segment of the population. Despite this, advertisers continue to underutilize video games as an advertising vehicle."
I don't suppose that, if we buy a game full of ads, we'll get some of that $60 MSRP shaved off, will we? Oh, what's that? No? Oh ... okay then.
REPORT CLAIMS IN-GAME ADVERTISING TO INCREASE RAPIDLY [New Game Network]
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
1:00 PM on 10.03.2011 | 
Niceone :)
EXPLOITING is a trend for everything thise days. Hate it.
Like, Adidas in Free Running, it makes sence.
Just please no more Burger King games.
http://www.industrygamers.com/news/ea--in-game-ads-arent-great-moneymakers/
The way I see it. If you complain about games being too "Call of Duty" than this is a welcome advancement that could put more variety on your plate.
Advertising Is everywere we loom these you can't even get on a bus/train without some form of advertising.
If this helps developers and publishers continue to provide great gaming experiences then I can take one for team.
Put ads in my games but make them cheaper, or else I may set sail upon the Seven Seas, if you catch my drift...
I doubt this will drive the retail cost down (we can hope) but it will just go into some ceos already full wallet.
That said though, I don't totally care if there's ads in games. Like, I don't want the game to be ALL ads but take Alan Wake. People hated the ads and product placement in that game but I thought they fit pretty well. Theres tons of batteries in the game.. Mine as well make them Energizers. Theres cars in the game, mine as well make some of them Lincolns (I think they were Lincolns) and so on. The only ad I think I had an issue with in that game was the Energizer one that was on the TV I think in the lodge towards the end of the game.. I don't think advertising should be part of an achievement, that was overstepping an invisible line for me.
Why the f*#$ is Thunder back?
@monti, fine if you dont enjoy "kiddie" games but i dont know what makes cod any less childish seeing as its overpopulated with 12 year olds cussing their mouths off as they blow each other up. if anything i think it may be the other way around at times. simply my opinion mind you. agree or disagree, its compleatly up to you.
I'm cool with product placement when it makes complete sense and doesn't happen every other minute. Like Elena Fischer from Uncharted looking up info of a relic on a laptop and a panning shot reveals for a split second the laptop has a VIAO logo on it.
In short, I suppose it's alright if it's subtle.
But on a more important note. Love the Recess thumbnails Jim!
I was just wondering how come you never used any images from the (kick-ass) 2002 He-man show? Seeing as you seem to be fond of he-man and all.
This is not something I'd like to see in gaming personally, but I'll show them by not buying games that have heavy advertisements in game.
http://youtu.be/gDW_Hj2K0wo