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

Skewed results

[igotmybfg]

How I act when I play online is pretty different my normal behavior, and I suspect that it's the same way for most people. We play these online games because they let us escape from our normal problems & fears, so why would they expect our behavior in a fantasy land to parallel our real lives?

Re:Skewed results

[Anonymous Coward]

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.

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?

Hi, this is Google GameAds...

[cliffiecee]

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!

Re:Hi, this is Google GameAds...

[Timesprout]

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

In soviet russia...

[davecrusoe]

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

Obligatory PA comic

[MeanMF]

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

Dynamic types

[RichMan]

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

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:blargh

[MeanderingMind]

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.

I was against this...

[2008]

...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.