Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[This Week in MMO: Beta weekend edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/this-week-in-mmo-beta-weekend-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/this-week-in-mmo-beta-weekend-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/this-week-in-mmo-beta-weekend-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Gamebreaker crew
It's Friday, and that means it's time for the traditional recap of This Week in MMO. What's that, you say? Why, it's the weekly videocast roundup over at Gamebreaker, of course.

Gary Gannon is your host, and he's joined by series regulars Mike B. and Mike Schaffnit. The trio discuss anything and everything relating to popular MMOs, including Star Wars: The Old Republic's Ilum-related troubles, Sony Online Entertainment's noises about selling user-generated content, and the upcoming Guild Wars 2 beta.

The guys also get around to talking about Blizzard's ongoing Titan project, and more specifically, the speculation surrounding in-game advertising. The full show is yours after the break.

Continue reading This Week in MMO: Beta weekend edition

MassivelyThis Week in MMO: Beta weekend edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-netarenanetbetablizzardgamebreakergamebreaker.tvguild-wars-2ilumin-game-advertisingroundupsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortitantoruser-generated-contentvideoFri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Online sales will dominate the market by 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/online-sales-will-dominate-the-market-by-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/online-sales-will-dominate-the-market-by-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/online-sales-will-dominate-the-market-by-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Steam
If you purchase your video games from a brick and mortar retailer, chances are you will be in the minority in just a couple of years.

GamesIndustry.biz cites a new report that predicts online game sales will become the dominant force in the market by 2013 through individual websites, retailers like Amazon.com, and video game distributors like Steam. A DFC Intelligence analyst noted that boxed game sales already peaked in 2008, and that as physical game sales slowly decline, online sales will pick up at a marked pace. DFC is a research and consulting firm that covers the field of video games.

Last year, online game retailers sold over $19.3 billion worth of digital merchandise -- a figure that's expected to rise to $37.9 billion by 2016. While real-world stores have much to worry about as the market shifts in the direction of online sales, the industry as a whole is expected to continue to substantially increase its growth over the next half-decade. One of the "key drivers" for that growth is PC games.

The analysts also predicted that in-game advertising will increase two-fold in the next few years as advertisers realize the potential for this blossoming market.

MassivelyOnline sales will dominate the market by 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingamazonamazon.comanalysisanalystbrick-and-mortardfc-intelligencegamesindustry.bizin-game-advertisingonline-retailersonline-salesphysical-salessteamTue, 13 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make a billboard for City of Heroes, win fantastic prizes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/make-a-billboard-for-city-of-heroes-win-fantastic-prizes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/make-a-billboard-for-city-of-heroes-win-fantastic-prizes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/make-a-billboard-for-city-of-heroes-win-fantastic-prizes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Whatever part of City of Heroes you traverse, there is a constant -- the billboards. From Praetoria's official billboards extolling the virtues of working for the state to the civil and capitalistic advertisements dotting Paragon City, no part of the game is free of advertising, albeit for fictional products or services. And the newest contest for the game is asking players to help add to that storied tradition of fake advertisements via the creation of your own billboard, advertising a new service or product within the game's setting.

The contest is open for entries until Monday, January 24th, allowing players ample time to design and send off their best possible advertisements for the game's setting. Obviously, the contest comes with the usual restrictions that disallow players from making offensive, copyrighted, or libelous advertisements, but other than that the sky is the limit. And the prizes? Nothing less than every single add-on for the game, including exclusive convention costumes, for the first-prize winner. Read the full rules and restrictions here, and if you want to make a mark on City of Heroes, get ready to start selling.

MassivelyMake a billboard for City of Heroes, win fantastic prizes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementart-contestbackstorybillboardcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcontestcontestscovcoxfictional-advertisementin-game-advertisinglorencsoftparagonparagon-studiossettingMon, 29 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In-game ad spending to reach over $1 billion by 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/in-game-ad-spending-to-reach-over-1-billion-by-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/in-game-ad-spending-to-reach-over-1-billion-by-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/in-game-ad-spending-to-reach-over-1-billion-by-2014/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In a future where unfathomably large sums of money are spent trying to get you to buy things, only one man can make a difference. We haven't found that man, so until he shows up we're going to buy a new Dell and maybe some Pepsi. We don't know why this urge has struck us -- maybe it has something to do with all those ads we just saw in [INSERT LATEST ACTIVISIONBLIZZARD TITLE HERE].

We know not what fate awaits us in this future, but since everyone will be too busy buying stuff it probably doesn't matter. It's not like the machines will rise up or anything, right?

MassivelyIn-game ad spending to reach over $1 billion by 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardadvertisingbilliondellin-game-advertisingpepsiscreen-digestterminatorTue, 26 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard to add-on developers: Your money is no good here (literally)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/blizzard-to-add-on-developers-your-money-is-no-good-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/blizzard-to-add-on-developers-your-money-is-no-good-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/blizzard-to-add-on-developers-your-money-is-no-good-here/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The luau may be over for LUA add-on developers in World of Warcraft who make money for their code, as Blizzard just released a new add-on policy preventing them from doing just that. Under the new policy, add-ons must be free-of-charge and written in clear code. They may not solicit donations or run third-party advertisements.

This is a fairly surprising move by Blizzard since the new policy basically screws over some add-on developers who have helped propel WoW to the success it is currently experiencing. Not only has the game benefited greatly from add-ons that addressed deficiencies in the standard UI, but Blizzard themselves have patched in UI updates 'inspired' by successful add-ons, as Lum points out.

This is a clear message that no-one except Blizzard should profit from WoW. They are basically saying, "We'd love you to improve our game for free, but don't expect anything other than warm fuzzies as compensation." It will be interesting to see reaction to this news from developers of popular donation- and fee-based add-ons. How much of an impact will it have on WoW if they cease to develop and support these (or new) add-ons?

MassivelyBlizzard to add-on developers: Your money is no good here (literally) originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsblizzardin-game-advertisingpolicyuiworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 23 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Is City of Heroes in-game advertising missing its mark?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/is-city-of-heroes-in-game-advertising-missing-its-mark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/is-city-of-heroes-in-game-advertising-missing-its-mark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/is-city-of-heroes-in-game-advertising-missing-its-mark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


When the whole in-game adverts debate started, there were people on both sides of the fence, understandably. Some gamers realize that development studios need alternative sources of revenue to create the games we enjoy, while others would rather remove their spleen with a spoon than ever see advertising in their favorite games.

Over at the Limited Edition blog, Welsh Troll takes the side for in-game adverts, and is literally begging for more in City of Heroes. As a European gamer, he tends to see less in-game adverts than is reported by the American CoH players, and wants to know why. He simply wants to help the development team out, and was hoping this would be the way to do it. Is the model not quite working as intended, or will it just take a bit longer for advertisers to latch on to something like this?

MassivelyIs City of Heroes in-game advertising missing its mark? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertscity-of-heroescohin-game-advertisinglimited-editionMon, 19 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard deal with in-game ad firm does not mean ads for WoW]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/blizzard-deal-with-in-game-ad-firm-does-not-mean-ads-for-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/blizzard-deal-with-in-game-ad-firm-does-not-mean-ads-for-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/blizzard-deal-with-in-game-ad-firm-does-not-mean-ads-for-wow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Despite a recent multi-year partnership between Massive Inc and Activision/Blizzard, the in-game advertising firm will not be adding in-game advertising to our favorite games. "Massive understands and respects our stance against advertising that might detract from gameplay or offend our players," stated Blizzard COO Paul Sams.

As this story has circulated throughout the last two days, many players got worried that they would soon see Coke ads in Northrend or a Ford banner on Guitar Hero, but that's just not the case. Massive Inc's focus with Activision and Blizzard will mostly be web-based ads and the Battle.net service, as they team up with video game advertising representation company Intergi to manage these ads. So as the websites will get more annoying, our in-game space is safe... for now.

MassivelyBlizzard deal with in-game ad firm does not mean ads for WoW originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadvertisingblizzardin-game-advertisingmassive-incmicrosoftpaul-samsworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 04 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency opts for in-game advertising instead of monthly fees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/the-agency-opts-for-in-game-advertising-instead-of-monthly-fees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/the-agency-opts-for-in-game-advertising-instead-of-monthly-fees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/the-agency-opts-for-in-game-advertising-instead-of-monthly-fees/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


In a recent interview with Kikizo, Sony Online Entertainment's Kevin O'Hara revealed that the upcoming spy MMO The Agency will not incorporate the traditional monthly subscription model, but will instead turn to in-game ads and micro-transactions.

"We're acutely aware that shooter players are not used to paying monthly fees, so I doubt we'll go for an outright $15 a month, which works on some of our other projects. So we're checking out Free Realms to see how they're going to do with their micro-transactions, and we might incorporate some of that. We'll definitely have some ad revenue models. The Agency's the perfect place for some in-game product placement," O'Hara stated in the interview.

MassivelyThe Agency opts for in-game advertising instead of monthly fees originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in-game-advertisingkevin-oharamicro-transactionssoethe-agencyWed, 26 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CoX seeks player submissions for optional in-game ads]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/cox-seeks-player-submissions-for-optional-in-game-ads/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/cox-seeks-player-submissions-for-optional-in-game-ads/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/cox-seeks-player-submissions-for-optional-in-game-ads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As the City of Heroes dev team always said, optional in-game ads aren't all about advertising someone else's product. There's potential there for the players to use the billboard space, too; we thought the idea of advertising player-made publications, events, supergroups and even heroic deeds on the game's own billboards was fantastic.

They're now making good on their words, as Community Relations Manager Alex 'Lighthouse' Von Minden has put the call out for player submissions that can be put in front of the Dev team. Guidelines for creating in-game ads can be found on the fan submission guidelines page.

The well-loved regular fixture The City Scoop, a player-made magazine, is naturally in the forefront here and several ads for it have already been created, including the superb ad made by Echonis and pictured alongside. There's no guarantee that any submissions will be used, but the NCsoft community people can certainly take them to the devs' table to be looked at.

MassivelyCoX seeks player submissions for optional in-game ads originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-von-mindencity-scoopcohcovcoxin-game-adsin-game-advertisinglighthousencsoftMon, 07 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy this box for $60 or go to hell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/buy-this-box-for-60-or-go-to-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/buy-this-box-for-60-or-go-to-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/buy-this-box-for-60-or-go-to-hell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"Buy this box for $60 or go to hell, I don't want your money." That's the message on the tunnel vision of boxed game sales that Alex St. John, CEO of WildTangent, is trying to get across to the gaming industry. The dominant business model in PC gaming largely ignores the possibilities of in-game transactions and ad-sponsored gameplay. St. John spoke on the need to pursue new gaming revenue models at the recent ION Game Conference in Seattle and more recently, at the 6th annual Wedbush Morgan Securities Management Access Conference in New York City. Gamasutra followed St. John at both events, where the WildTangent CEO raised some eyebrows when he asserted,"In a few years any business not making money from ads is leaving half their money on the table."

According to St. John, the industry fixation on boxed sales will be the downfall of a number of companies that fail to change their business models and embrace in-game or in-world revenue streams. "There's a wide open opportunity here. Anybody can get into this, and everything the traditional publishers and game companies know about doing business will ensure their failure," he stated at ION.

Continue reading Buy this box for $60 or go to hell

MassivelyBuy this box for $60 or go to hell originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisingalex-st-johnconsoleeconomyfeaturedgamasutrain-game-adsin-game-advertisingionmediamicropaymentmicrotransactionpcrmttelevisionwild-tangentThu, 29 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[In-game ad pioneer says in-game ads are a mistake]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/in-game-ad-pioneer-says-in-game-ads-are-a-mistake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/in-game-ad-pioneer-says-in-game-ads-are-a-mistake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/in-game-ad-pioneer-says-in-game-ads-are-a-mistake/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As one of the pioneers of in-game advertising, you would think Alex St. John had better things to say about this method of revenue. But the Wild Tangent founder and CEO says that in-game ads are "not a very effective way because you've got to plumb the game, you've got an unproven method of measuring the value of that ad, that unit is not trackable."

As an alternative, St. John states his company's revelation on effective advertising income. Simply give the players the option to see advertising videos in loading screens, thereby granting them free or discounted prices on their gameplay. It follows the same logic as those free forums that say "Click here to remove ads". It boils down to either you pay to support the game, or you sit through a commercial so a big-name company can pay to support the game. Wild Tangent's ad revenues skyrocketed 400 percent in 2007 when they switched over to this method, and Mr. St. John swears by it.

MassivelyIn-game ad pioneer says in-game ads are a mistake originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingalex-st-johnin-game-adsin-game-advertisingwild-tangentTue, 27 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Is user generated content the future of MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/is-user-generated-content-the-future-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/is-user-generated-content-the-future-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/is-user-generated-content-the-future-of-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


User generated content. Second Life is built on it. Other games are slowly taking up the banner as well and introducing the ideas of the players into their fold. Are we doing ourselves a favor, or are we starting to completely shoot ourselves in the foot?

MMOCrunch brought up the point that users are looking for a more customizable experience in their games and virtual worlds. They point to applications like Facebook and Unreal Tournament as examples of user generated content bringing in a huge audience and networking people like never before. Their article also goes on to look at why current MMOs don't go to the customizable lengths of these other applications. Problems stem from challenges in programming to the core inability for user generated content to be brought into a world where your actions drive a centralized plot line.

Continue reading Is user generated content the future of MMOs?

MassivelyIs user generated content the future of MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovesrbesrb-ratingflying-labin-game-advertisinglinden-labmarvelncsoftpirates-of-the-burni...potbssecond-lifesluser-generated-contentuser-interfaceSun, 27 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The eve of in-game advertising]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/the-eve-of-in-game-advertising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/the-eve-of-in-game-advertising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/the-eve-of-in-game-advertising/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


In-game advertising is a touchy subject to most players, but it's becoming an inevitable reality. With the increasingly-high costs of game production, developers need to seek other means of revenue besides the trusty subscription fee from players. This is where the in-game ads come in. It's a way for game companies to harmlessly offset production cost inflation.

Wait, did we say harmlessly?

The truth of the matter is, the majority of players are skeptical on the effectiveness and necessity of in-game ads. They're distracting and need to be tailored for a specific target-market in order to be even halfway believable. For instance, you can't have a Coke ad in World of Warcraft. Actually, any billboard ad would just not work in a fantasy setting. So for this reason, are we going to see an influx (even more) of sci-fi MMOs created for the sole purpose of including in-game advertising?

MassivelyThe eve of in-game advertising originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbillboardin-game-advertisingopinionsci-fisubscriptionSat, 26 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cape envelops in-game advertising]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/the-cape-envelops-in-game-advertising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/the-cape-envelops-in-game-advertising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/the-cape-envelops-in-game-advertising/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yesterday, The Cape Radio -- specifically DJs Templar and Shecky -- took the time to interview Brian Clayton, the General Manager of NCsoft NorCal studio, Matt "Positron" Miller, the Senior Lead Designer for City of Heroes, and Lighthouse, City of Heroes' Community Relations Manager. While the podcast is available immediately on The Cape's web site, we'll also have a transcript of the session available for you tomorrow. To whet your interest, however, here are some important takeaways from yesterday's session:

  • current bandwidth testing -- on dial-up, DSL, and cable modem -- indicate that performance impact with in-game advertisements enabled will range from minimal to none
  • any data collected to share with the advertiser to determine the viability of the revenue stream will be in the aggregate, and will not include personally-identifying data
  • the goal is to have player-generate ads included in the lineup at no charge, but that model may change in the future, and it may have some caveats, such as one-off advertisements for anniversaries and such
  • full details for submitting player-generated material are available on the official forums
  • players will be able to opt-in and opt-out at will, and at any time
  • if you opt out, you'll see the current static ads; however, if you opt-in, the current static ads will still be part of the lineup, cycling through along with all other player-generated and revenue-generating ads
  • 100% of ad-generated revenue is currently earmarked for development of future content
  • NCsoft remains committed to making the advertising a seamless part of the experience, and is looking to enhance the immersive nature of the game rather than negatively impact it

Continue reading The Cape envelops in-game advertising

MassivelyThe Cape envelops in-game advertising originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brian-ClaytonCity-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVCoXCoX-Issue-12In-Game-AdvertisingInterviewLighthouseNCsoftNCsoft-NorCalPodcastPositronTranscriptSat, 05 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OGPlanet's plan for a free MMO portal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/ogplanets-plan-for-a-free-mmo-portal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/ogplanets-plan-for-a-free-mmo-portal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/ogplanets-plan-for-a-free-mmo-portal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

David Hoffman, executive producer for OGPlanet, recently talked about their idea for bringing free-to-play and free-to-download MMOs ported from Korea to North America all in one portal. One of these titles is CABAL Online, an MMO set in a devastated modern-day environment, complete with magic talents, government oppression and colony rebuilding. Oh my!

OGPlanet's idea for a free MMO game portal is unique in the sense that it's not simply taking free-to-play eastern games and translating them for a western audience. They are actually play-testing the games specifically for the target western audience. David Hoffman claims this business model will actually break down the rather large wall between free MMOs and quality MMOs. CABAL Online is their first attempt at this, being supported by a cash shop and the increasingly-popular in-game advertising model we're seeing in more popular western titles lately.

MassivelyOGPlanet's plan for a free MMO portal originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabal-onlinefree-to-playin-game-advertisingogplanetFri, 04 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cape to host CoX's Positron and Brian Clayton]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/the-cape-to-host-coxs-positron-and-brian-clayton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/the-cape-to-host-coxs-positron-and-brian-clayton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/the-cape-to-host-coxs-positron-and-brian-clayton/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


By now you've heard that optional in-game ads are coming to a fictitious billboard near you within the City of Heroes universe. If Brian Clayton's community address earlier today hasn't convinced you that this isn't the end of the world (and based on the comments left here on Massively it would seem some aren't) then maybe listening to him address the CoX Nation directly will.

Brian and Matt "Positron" Miller will be featured on The Cape Internet Radio this evening (Thursday, April 3rd at 5:00 PM Pacific, 8:00PM Eastern) where they will be answering questions about this overly-hyped, overly-controversial (non) topic.

MassivelyThe Cape to host CoX's Positron and Brian Clayton originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreakingnewsbrian-claytoncity-of-heroescity-of-villainsin-game-advertisingmatt-millerncsoftoptionalpositronthe-cape-radioThu, 03 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[In-game advertising headed to CoX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Double Fusion just announced that they will be providing contextual advertising within the City of Heroes universe. The above photos are only samples, as no deals have been struck with individual advertisers yet.

Before your "DOOM Meter" shoots immediately into the red... take a deep breath and relax. First, the sky is not falling. Second, any advertising will be - say it with us now - optional. So really, there is no reason for anyone to go ballistic over this. However, this is the gaming industry. As such NCsoft anticipated an intense reaction. Brian Clayton, General Manager for the NorCal NCsoft studio, simultaneously released a very detailed and reassuring statement to the community regarding this very touchy subject.

This is not an off the cuff decision. In fact, it's something NCsoft has considered since the initial release of City of Heroes way back in 2004.

Continue reading In-game advertising headed to CoX

MassivelyIn-game advertising headed to CoX originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbreakingbreaking-newsbrian-claytoncity-of-heroescity-of-villainsdouble-fusionin-game-advertisingncsoftncsoft-norcaloptionalThu, 03 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guardian asks: without sci-fi or fantasy, where would MMOGs go?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/the-guardian-asks-without-sci-fi-or-fantasy-where-would-mmogs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/the-guardian-asks-without-sci-fi-or-fantasy-where-would-mmogs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/the-guardian-asks-without-sci-fi-or-fantasy-where-would-mmogs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes it, really really really could happen.UK newspaper The Guardian has a good post up on its gaming blog, asking why fantasy is the dominant genre for MMOGs. And if you -- yes, you -- were to design a MMOG without any fantasy or sci-fi elements, where would it be set and how would it work?

Sadly, the only MMOG I can think of that isn't fantasy or sci-fi is City of Heroes, but that's kind of sci-fi too. There's also WWII Online; about which the less said, the better. Generally, as soon as you take MMOGs to the real world you complicate matters so much it isn't even funny. Where is it set? Are you going to model geographical locations accurately? Will there be product advertising? Everyone wants product advertising. Is that a Dell PC in the corner?

But quite frankly, that's no fun. So what would you design, if fantasy and sci-fi were excluded? For me, 1930's zombie invasion. Who doesn't love zombies? Now imagine if they wore bowler hats.

Continue reading The Guardian asks: without sci-fi or fantasy, where would MMOGs go?

MassivelyThe Guardian asks: without sci-fi or fantasy, where would MMOGs go? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1930s-zombie-invasionadvertisingbowler-hatscity-of-heroescity-of-villainsdell-xpsin-game-advertisingreal-world-mmotaxi-to-victorywwii-onlineThu, 20 Dec 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hard sell of the week: ads in games are good!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/hard-sell-of-the-week-ads-in-games-are-good/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/hard-sell-of-the-week-ads-in-games-are-good/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/hard-sell-of-the-week-ads-in-games-are-good/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Taking what is perhaps the most transparently self-interested position of the century, Frank Sagnier of ad firm Double Fusion (who you may remember inked a deal with NCsoft not long ago) made the case in Develop Magazine that in-game advertising is not just another stream of revenue for cash-strapped game developers and publishers, but also a useful level design tool. Sagnier says that the programming metrics that are installed to track views of in-game advertising can also be utilized to make observations of player behavior within the game space.

Of course, this begs the question: why can't developers just install the code themselves? Ostensibly, the demands of the advertisers give developers a monetary incentive to improve on the existing design and architecture of their game that they might not otherwise have. In an ideal world, making their playerbase happy would be reason enough for developers to get things right the first time, but in this cynical world we live in, I guess that's just not the case.

Still, whether it streamlines the design or not, we're still going to bitch about seeing ads in places where they don't fit. See: the above image of a Dell XPS computer housed in a tent on the tropical planet of Foreas in Tabula Rasa. I always pictured the Foreans being Mac users, myself.

MassivelyHard sell of the week: ads in games are good! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad-firmadvertisingdell-xpsdouble-fusionfrank-sagnierin-game-advertisingtabula-rasaSun, 25 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hellgate: London uses tailored in-game advertising]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/hellgate-london-uses-tailored-in-game-advertising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/hellgate-london-uses-tailored-in-game-advertising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/hellgate-london-uses-tailored-in-game-advertising/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Following the release of the demo for Hellgate: London, a somewhat disappointing discovery has been made. Heartless_Gamer has a post that shows that the game's licensing agreement has provisions for them to collect information about users, to help them tailor in-game advertising. In other words-- adware. Hellgate: London is being published by EA, and as Heartless_Gamer points out, this isn't the first time they've bundled this helpful addition with their games. Battlefield 2142 caused a stir when the full retail version of the game did exactly what Hellgate: London is doing now. Is there really any point in hoping that this will only be included with the demo of Hellgate?

The advertising seen in the demo is in the form of posters on the walls, but I'm willing to bet that they could be a lot more creative than that. There is also the question of whether we want to see ads in games at all, "dynamically served" or otherwise. If Hellgate is set in a post-apocalyptic London, then why am I seeing current-day ads in-game? Games in the sports genre include bucketloads of advertising, but in most cases, the fact that those ads are there at real life sporting events lends more authenticity to the games -- okay, perhaps not the Burger King's Fight Night cameo (coincidentally also EA's doing). Let us know where you draw the line in the comments section, and if Hellgate: London is collecting information from you, will you still buy it?

MassivelyHellgate: London uses tailored in-game advertising originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisementsadvertisingadwareEAelectronic-artshellgatehellgate-demohellgate-londonhellgate-london-demohellgatelondonin-game-adsin-game-advertisingspywareWed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST