Advertising in Video Games
These days, advertising is everywhere. But, should it appear in the video games that we play? This issue has been in the news a lot in the past year or two as more and more game publishers are capitalizing on their captive video gamer audience. Advertising in games, if done properly, can improve the gaming experience, making the game world feel more real. But it really depends on the genre of the game. I don't think seeing a billboard for Coca-Cola while running through Qeynos in Everquest II would be very realistic. But, let's say, seeing that same billboard in City of Heroes, or seeing a Coca-Cola brand vending machine in Half-life 2, as opposed to the nondescript no-name variety, would make the game world feel more tangible and more like the real world. It would help the "suspension of disbelief" aspect video games provide and further blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
I'm curious how others feel about the increase in advertising within games. If you play video games, how do you feel about having actual product ads appear on clothing, walls, and/or billboards? More and more, developers are making real-life products part of the gameplay. For example, in the game Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, the player as Sam Fisher, must use a Sony/Ericsson smartphone as part of the game. You cannot progress through the game without using the phone. (Forgive me if any of these details are off; I have yet to play this game). How do you feel about it? Is it too blatant? Or does it make the game feel more "real"?
Also, how do game developers feel about it? Most game developers are gamers themselves so you must have somewhat conflicting feelings about it. On the one hand, more revenue for the games that you make means that you can make better quality games (hopefully) and take chances on new ideas rather the same old sequels. I think the conflict will help keep things in check and not let it get too out of control where games begin to look like Times Square.
Please comment, I'm interested to see what people think, both developers and gamers!
I'm curious how others feel about the increase in advertising within games. If you play video games, how do you feel about having actual product ads appear on clothing, walls, and/or billboards? More and more, developers are making real-life products part of the gameplay. For example, in the game Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, the player as Sam Fisher, must use a Sony/Ericsson smartphone as part of the game. You cannot progress through the game without using the phone. (Forgive me if any of these details are off; I have yet to play this game). How do you feel about it? Is it too blatant? Or does it make the game feel more "real"?
Also, how do game developers feel about it? Most game developers are gamers themselves so you must have somewhat conflicting feelings about it. On the one hand, more revenue for the games that you make means that you can make better quality games (hopefully) and take chances on new ideas rather the same old sequels. I think the conflict will help keep things in check and not let it get too out of control where games begin to look like Times Square.
Please comment, I'm interested to see what people think, both developers and gamers!
2 Comments:
I'm understand games are very complex and it requier a lot of money for developing. Why developers could not get this money from ingame ads? I thinks thats right way.
By Alexei A. Korolev, at 4/11/2005 3:39 AM
I really hate the thought of advertising in games. I think of games as art. Imagine Mona Lisa with a can of pepsi at her side.
Plus, I think marketing is pretty ugly in general, and forcibly submitting players to the solicitations of other corporations is just nasty.
By Rich Bateman, at 4/29/2005 3:49 PM
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