In-game advertising

Neo · 12-07-2005, 12:51 PM

I constantly wonder why advertising is not more prevalent in video games. We all know that development costs keep rising as teams of 100+ are needed for decent games. This of course limits creativity as companies simply can't afford to take chances. It would seem an obvious solution for the game industry to whore itself out to advertisers. Not that I really want to see this of course, I just suspect the day will come Mario is battling Bowser in a Pizza Hut(R) and characters from Dragon Quest get to take a side-quest to the local Taco Bell(R) for a Cheesy Gordita Crunch(R). Do you think this is where the industry is heading?

MuGen · 12-07-2005, 03:42 PM

I think that industry giants will make their cameos and appearances in video games for that extra chunk'o'change. I remember playing Getaway and actually seeing a McDonalds.

Eventually there will be games with inconspicious billboards advertising companies. For example while doing a drive by in GTA6 you'll see a Billboard for Victoria's Secret.

Neo · 12-07-2005, 04:34 PM

I remember when the McDonald's McFlurry stand came out for Sims Online. There was a big controversy about that. It was still kinda fun at the same time.

Xantar · 12-07-2005, 04:55 PM

The problem is the companies most likely to have in-game advertising are big behemoths like EA. And yes, it would help to lower costs. But as you know, very little of those savings would be passed on to the actual programmers.

Perfect Stu · 12-07-2005, 05:44 PM

in game advertising is going to take on a major role in 360 and PS3 games...

Happydude · 12-07-2005, 06:22 PM

the latest Need for Speed games have stuff in them...like Burger King for example as you drive around the city...and i think it's a really good idea for the companies to make extra money for development...it doesn't bother me if i see a Pizza Hut or Gurger King in a game...as long as it's not interfering with gameplay...i wouldn't want to see the quests that Neo has mentioned.

Jason1 · 12-07-2005, 07:10 PM

Crazy Taxi has had a lot of in game advirtising...and it didnt hurt the game experience any. But then again, it fits in a game like that, I wouldnt want Link to have to quest across hyrule field and pass a Wendy's along the way.

Neo · 12-08-2005, 12:08 AM

If used properly it can add a touch of realism. Seeing ads and known businesses would make sense if you are in the city. I just don't want to have to watch a mcdonald's commercial or have to view some company logo (besides those involved with the game) when I boot up the system.

Typhoid · 12-08-2005, 12:15 AM

Soon, everything will be advertised, and owned by corporations. Not just games. I dont see it getting that out of hand in games so that you'll have to go to Pizza Hut or McDonalds in a fantasy game, but in the realistic games, I can see it happening.

But I mean, look at Soccer in England, its owned by a bank chain. Its not the Premier league, its the Berkley's Premier League.

Thats why I think corporations shall soon dominate the world.

I just hope that it's sometime after I visit Burger King's Germany.

Ginkasa · 12-08-2005, 02:07 AM

Anyone remember that movie Demolition Man with Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes? Remember how all restaraunts were called Taco Bell because they won the "franchise wars."

Typhoid's post rmined me of that (although I don't think that kind of thing was what he was talking about).

Anyway...

I think its cool how you can take people to KFC in Crazy Taxi.

/me shrugs and walks away