In-Game Ads Necessary?

GameDailyBiz is reporting on the increasing frequency with which real-world ads are being included in online game worlds and single-player titles. They discuss the possibility that, with the increasing costs of developing hit games, such measures may be a requirement. There also some callous examination of developer motives. From the article: "Right now, the fact that publishers are putting so much emphasis on multiplayer online play and replay ability is in some ways actually hurting their bottom line. While it's true that an excellent online portion of a title will move some additional copies, who knows how many potential future sales are lost. Whether gamers spent 100 hours with Halo 2 thanks to Xbox Live or 15 hours with Ninja Gaiden, both publishers sold their products for the same $50 MSRP.

Comments

Monkey punching

[Shad_the_protector]

Wahey!!! I'll be able not only to punch Flash Monkeys on my web browser to win 10000$ but in my own single player mode on my offline console. whoooooooo!.

*going to punch a monkey*

In other news...

[Godeke]

People who purchase sporting equipment pay the same amount whether it sits in a closet gathering dust or is used daily. "We are losing revenue on those who actually use our products," said Mr. Acme producer of many sporting good products. "Our new line of products includes small speakers that are powered by the movement of the product. As the product is used, we will be able to hawk other compatible products via the speakers".

In a test of a prototype product, a basketball fitted with the "AdSpeaker" hardware kept yelling "your game would be improved if you used Acme Basketball Pump to ensure proper inflation" every time we missed a shot.