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Google Files Patent to Monitor Gaming For Ads

Posted by Zonk on from the stay-out-of-my-head dept.

Tookis writes "In a recent patent filing, Google has proposed a real time profiling of players of online games such as World of Warcraft. Soon players of such games may see in game ads directly designed to appeal to their persona. Last month Google filed a patent in both Europe and the US which outlined plans to psychologically profile people simply by their style of play in popular online games. 'From the patent; "User dialogue (e.g., from role playing games, simulation games, etc) may be used to characterize the user (e.g., literate, profane, blunt or polite, quiet etc). Also, user play may be used to characterize the user (e.g., cautious, risk-taker, aggressive, non-confrontational, stealthy, honest, cooperative, uncooperative, etc)." Taking this a step further, Google also believe if a player likes to explore their new virtual world, that they would be interested in the real world, as such would target the player with travel ads.'"

14 of 101 comments (clear)

  1. Hi, this is Google GameAds... by cliffiecee · · Score: 4, Funny

    We've noticed that you're playing a female character. Perhaps you'd like to *BE* a woman, all the time? Here's some links to popular transvestite and sex-change informational sites. Enjoy!

    1. Re:Hi, this is Google GameAds... by Timesprout · · Score: 4, Funny

      We've noticed you like to team kill a lot. Here is a list of positions currently open with Microsoft. Enjoy!

      --
      Do not try to read the dupe, thats impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth
      What truth?
      There is no dupe
    2. Re:Hi, this is Google GameAds... by ericlondaits · · Score: 2, Funny

      "Interested in purchasing a CAMPER van?"

      --
      As a Slashdot discussion grows longer, the probability of an analogy involving cars approaches one.
  2. In soviet russia... by davecrusoe · · Score: 3, Funny

    Evil does no Google! But this is the US, and Google does no evil. Er... right?

  3. rpgs -- dialogue inaccurate for targeting? by Red+Flayer · · Score: 2, Funny

    "User dialogue (e.g., from role playing games, simulation games, etc) may be used to characterize the user (e.g., literate, profane, blunt or polite, quiet etc).
    So now all the balding, overweight middle-aged men playing hot female characters in rpgs will be targeted with ads for cosmetics and tampons?

    Awesome.

    Seriously, though, this makes me wonder if people who truly roleplay are going to be served ads based on their in-character dialogue -- could lead to some interesting (and profitless for the company being advertised) ads being served.

    Not that there's much roleplaying in most popular games anymore, other than the above-mentioned example.
    --
    "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
  4. Obligatory PA comic by MeanMF · · Score: 4, Funny

    http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/10/19

  5. Dynamic types by RichMan · · Score: 3, Funny

    I will be "polite" until I encounter an in game add.
    I will then become "profane" for a short period of time.

  6. Re:Skewed results by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Based solely on in-game behavior, Google has come to teh startling conclusion that 98% of humans are racist homophobic white men. The other 2% are hot teen female cheerleaders.

  7. "As someone who likes shooting people... by u-bend · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...we've noticed that other people who like shooting people purchased the following semi-automatic rifles."

    --
    u-bend
  8. Re:One has to wonder by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    What kind of ads do cheaters get?
    Recruitment ads from the Republican National Committee?
  9. Re:Skewed results by Mr_Toph · · Score: 2, Funny

    "All this killing... why do I have a sudden urge for Mountain Dew..."

    --
    /toph
  10. Other ads by Hoi+Polloi · · Score: 2, Funny

    "We see you are being owned, could we interest you in a Logitech controller?"
    "You've been playing for 13 hours straight, click here to see free information on pressure sore care and heart disease."
    "Wow, your reflexes really suck! How about some Red Bull?"
    "We've noticed you always play the Axis in BF1942. Could we interest you in some Nazi memoriabilia?"
    "GTA fan, click on this ad for a special offer from Glock firearms."

    --
    It is by the juice of the coffee bean that thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains. The stains become a warning
  11. I was against this... by 2008 · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...but then I realised that getting served adverts like "Upgrade your Zerglings TODAY" and "Scourge now two for one at all hatcheries" would actually be pretty cool.

    --
    I quit!
  12. Re:blargh by MeanderingMind · · Score: 4, Funny

    Problem: GP doesn't like advertisements in video games he paid for.
    Proposed solution: Get a job.
    Solution benefits: Money, possible health and retirement plans.
    Solution detriments: Doesn't do anything about ads in video games the GP paid for.
    Conclusion: Proposed solution is completely irrelevant to the problem.

    --
    Thunderclone: ONE MAN ENTERS! TWO MEN LEAVE! ONE MAN ENTERS! TWO MEN LEAVE!