In the current age of technology and media, advertisements is what essentially keeps industries afloat, and not much changes for the video game market as well. For one, the platforms we play on such as living room consoles rely on advertisements to sell product. The games played are the lifeblood for these platforms with firms like Microsoft & Sony selling their hardware at a loss.
However, where else can these firms go to strategically advertise on its platforms? Well, in games of course. In the past, certain games featured static advertisements in cooperation with legitimate businesses such as Mitzubishi like in Quantum Break or Monster Energy in Need for Speed (2015). But, is there a way for live-service games to tackle this effort more seamlessly?
According to Business Insider, Microsoft is adamant to implement such technology for free-to-play titles. A spokesperson said this to the outlet earlier this spring: “We are always looking for ways to improve the experience for players and developers but we don’t have anything further to share.” But, the Xbox company is not the only platform holder sharing the same ambition.
In a separate story from Business Insider, the same can also be said for Sony with its PlayStation hardware as well. This firm is reported to be planning a 2022 release later in the year with implementation executed through conventional means in-game like billboards, park benches, or newspapers. The source familiar with the effort said Sony is considering a revenue stream for companies and would charge for ads to be inserted into PlayStation games.
One statement from Zero Code Marketing Director Dario Raciti elaborates on the ambition on behalf of the effort’s standpoint. “It’s a new thing, just like the metaverse, and everyone rushed to try it out, but for the people who have done gaming and understand the gaming audience, we’ll apply a wait and see approach.”
Previously, the advertisements appeared to be taking a different avenue in certain retailers for titles with explicit content. One report from Vice Games revealed global retailer Wal-Mart would be removing ads for M-Rated projects. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by the new initiatives underway for Xbox & PlayStation?
Source: Business Insider, (1)
