Paying Subscriptions for MMOs with In-Game Ads?

CokoBWare asks: "Next Generation is reporting that NC Soft, makers of the beloved City of Heroes, Guild Wars, and other MMOs have announced that they will be incorporating in-game advertising for their MMO Auto Assault, using an ad service from Massive Inc. NC Soft has made no indication that they intend to change their subscription model in light of this new announcement. I wanted to know how other people would feel paying $50US for a game, plus approximately $15/month in subscription fees, and in addition be served with in-game advertising as well? Is this a good trend for subscription-based MMO games of the future? Should gamers pay for the privilege of having to be subjected to in-game advertising on a monthly basis?"

Comments

In-Game Ads... No problem...

[__aaclcg7560]

I don't mind blowing up, burning down or melting sideways the billboards inside the gaming world. Heck, I wouldn't mind slashing and dicing the local authorities if they try to arrest me for cleaning up the environment. Whatever makes the game fun. :)

New registration card for products

[Tsunayoshi]

Thanks for purchasing Product X! Please take the time to let is know where you heard about our product:

1. Newspaper
2. Billboard
3. Gaming Magazine
4. Farming Blue/Purple Items in Molten Core.

Thanks for your input.

Re:This Depends...

[Spy der Mann]

On the other hand, if I see one advertisment in Guild Wars...

Magic Boots +1 (sponsored by Reebok) - 1000GP
Chain mail +1 (sponsored by Adidas) - 2000GP
Regeneration potion (sponsored by Novartis) - 50,000 GP
Screwing up your game experience with ads like this one - Priceless.

Re:It's quite simple:

[Fulcrum of Evil]

If a car game only features GM automobiles as a part of their product placement contract, it might not work out to be as immersive an enviornment as compared to if they populated the game entirely with made-up autos (or those patterned after a variety of different makes of car).

That's suck in something like GTA - you jack a car and it breaks down 3 blocks later.

Re:It's quite simple:

[aichpvee]

Just don't jack the Ford and you should be fine.

It _could_ affect gameplay

[Man in Spandex]

Just imagine this. 2 players in a duel. In the middle of the match, you hear a voice

*Players freeze*
"AND NOW, a message from our sponsor. Tired of a small dick? Get Viagra NOW!........ back to fight in 3... 2 ... 1.."

Re:It's quite simple:

[NeuroKoan]

How about, instead of casting a fireball in your favorite RPG you instead get to cast a KC Masterpiece fire-spell presented by Ford.

Re:It's quite simple:

[patio11]

If I got 3 extra points of intellect out of the deal my mage would wear Nike. I'm not even kidding. Here's a bidding war, companies: I will wear your logo on my chest, and gladly, if it comes with a stamina boosting enchantment. And it will be associated in the minds of millions of Horde players with a rush of enjoyment: every time they see my mage charging at them, they'll know Coca Cola = honorable kill for free. You work out the details with Blizzard, the one with the best bonuses gets my chest piece. Losers take heart, I've got 10 other locations to auction off bit by bit.

Re:It's quite simple:

[Charcharodon]

You know what Stewart, I like you, you're not like the other people here in the trailer park.