We are seeing more deals involving different dynamic ad agencies and video game developers popping up with the biggest one involving EA and Microsoft. These in game ads are billed as great things and from an advertisers perspective that is getting in product placement opportunities across a widespread demographic they are fantastic, but what do they mean to us the consumer?
Why, why, why? What is the point?
I see the relationship between funding for a game and advertising in a game but is that really necessary? There is no reason why we as gamers need to put up with such an exploitation of our entertainment. I want to play a game without the distraction of an in-game commercial for Pepsi or Coke.
I want to look at the billboards in GTA IV and read something that mocks a conglomerate company like Pepsi with the label "Epipepsi" and a motto that says "Seizure Cola" (Seize Your Cola). Or come across a plastic surgery office that claims "You too can have more plastic than your Honda."
Then again, this might turn out to be an excellent way to get more financial support and thus increase the resources and qulity of the game. I know one thing, if I was a developer that allowed in-game marketing/advertising, I would charge a hell of a lot of money.
I have to say that I am surprised that more people dont have an opinion on in game ads. The way I think of them is like having junk mail or spam sent to you but you are paying for it! Funny how gamers take what htey are givena nd dont buck back. This is a billion dollar industry that needs to listen to the wishes of its clients.
I actually think that in-game ads help bring more realism into a game, or at least can help. However, there is a point at which the amount can become ridiculous (unfortunately, there is some examples of this). But overall, I believe that it can help further immerse you into the videogame and make the whole situation more believable. However, I believe that it will get out of hand pretty soon. So, I guess I'm sort of split on the issue.
Movies have had them for years. I still enjoy movies...
As long as I'm not forced to sit through a full on commercial, I'm ok. A little add placement here and there doens't hurt. It helps, actually. You think 60 bucks is bad for a game now? If there weren't sponsors, then you can bet that the price of games would still be on the rise.