In-Game Advertising Moves Towards Testing

Thanks to HomeLAN for the news that Activision and Nielsen will be testing in-game adverts starting at the end of the year. Though we've mentioned this previously, the press release would seem to indicate things are moving into their final stages. "The two companies announced that they are launching a groundbreaking test using the newly-released Activision video game, Tony Hawk's Underground 2 to determine how long and how often players interact with brands. The test will feature Nielsen's watermarking technology that uses audio encoding to uniquely identify when players are exposed to product placements within the game."

Comments

blargh

[WormholeFiend]

if they force me to watch ads or interact with product placements in a game, I'll make a point not to buy those products or give my business to a competing product.

well, Gran Turismo games excepted.

Great... product placements...

[ssclift]

Let's see how the kids interact with in game brands and product placements? I can see it now...

Congratulations, your new weapon is the new Colt(TM) M16A3 Assault Rifle featuring a folding stock, 90 round magazine and a 40mm M203 grenade launcher. A fine American product for fine American gamers. Great for mutant Martians or just shootin' up the neighborhood. Click here for a dealer near you!

Of course it wont be, but.....

[ArsonSmith]

If this was done correctly I think it would greatly enhance the realism of games. Instead of that generic looking soda can on the table it may be a real Pepsi or coke can. bulletin boards would have realistic ads on them rather than just some goofy made up ad. I'll be able to stop at the Circle K on the corner rather than the fast shop or what ever generic named shop is.

Plus in GTA I could blow the crap out of a real Walmart!!!!!

Oblig..

[hookedup]

Sorry, it had to be posted.. here

Happened already in 1990!

[Per Wigren]

Remember that salesman in the SCUMM(TM)-bar trying to sell you Loom(TM)? :)