Google Files Patent to Monitor Gaming For Ads

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.'"

Comments

blargh

[djasbestos]

Am I the only one who is sick of:
a) being advertised at during things I ALREADY FUCKING PAID OUT THE NOSE FOR?!?! (Movies, games, etc)
b) yet more additions to the Patent Minefield. I seriously fear that if I ever try to be innovative, I'm going to wake up in the (proverbial) hospital with my (proverbial) bits and legs blown off and a couple million dollars in "doctor's" fees.

Re:blargh

[Sporkinum]

I didn't buy Battlefield 2142 due to the in game ads. My son bought it though, but did so only after finding out it was trivial to block the advertisements. They playfields are littered with blank billboards now. BTW, I like the way BF2142 plays, but there are a lot less servers available than BF2. Judging from the scuttlebutt I have heard, it is due to paying $40 for a game that is full of ads. Targeted ads would be even more annoying.

Re:Skewed results

[the dark hero]

...so why would they expect our behavior in a fantasy land to parallel our real lives?

I don't think they understand the concept of role playing games. While many people have virtual traits that parallel their personality it still isn't enough to determine a target audience. This is just plain silly and intrusive. When i pay for a service like that i don't want to see ads. However, if they made a subscription MMO for free, but with adverts. Why not?

Re:Skewed results

[the dark hero]

I think you underestimate the game part as well. I play World of Warcraft because I play a game. And my behavior between the two are not the far apart. If I wanna play a role, I can as well, and then those results won't be accurate anymore, but much of the time I wanna play a game and if someone piss me in the game, there is a good chance he'd piss me in real life. I don't take the time to change my behavior just for the sake of it.

I understand the game aspect of it all, but you're immersed in a virtual world. You may respond to stimuli the same, but your reaction is quite different. If someone pisses you off in game do you cuss them out? Do you proceed to beat them? Will you react the same in real life? I'm more of a diplomat and a pacifist than i am a fighter, but when i play games (including MMOs) i become ravenous and i'm not even trying to roleplay. I use sly tactics in games when in real life i'm rather honest. Gaming (esp online) changes you wether you notice it or not.