Video Game Advertising
January 18th, 2011 • Uncategorized
I play a decent amount of video games, and have so for a few years now. One thing that I’ve noticed and have always thought was a cool idea, is advertising in video games. For instance sports games such as NHL and Madden (made by EA) offer advertising much like one would see while watching a proffessional football or hockey game. For instance, in NHL there are advertisements all over the boards, the equipment used in the games is made by brand name manufacturers (such as their sticks and skates) and even the broadcasts are sponsored (or brought to you by…). From my perspective, as a gamer, these advertisments do not bother me at all, in fact I believe they enhance the experience, making the games you are playing on your Xbox or PS3 seem more like the real thing. However, I believe the real genius of in game advertising, is its reach to the masses. Madden is one of the most successful video game franchises in history. Every year, when the new one is released, millions of people line-up to be the first ones to get it. And to think, that all of these people, who spend hours upon hours playing these games, to have your brand advertised in the game constantly, must make companies and advertisers drool. It isn’t just sports games though, many games can offer advertising, whether it be billboards in a virtual city or tires in a racing game, there are numerous opportunities to advertise. I see this as Michael Scott (from the office) puts it, as a “Win, Win, Win”. As the gamers experience is enhanced, the company making the game receives revenue for advertising other brands products, and the companies advertising get a new innovative means to advertise their product.