31 replies to this topic

[Deathsheep]

I know it's something people are highly against, but in the few games i have seen it in from billboards in Burnout Paradise to unobtrusive loading screen adds in DeusEx:HR i have yet to be bothered by one of these ads. i think that while MWO doesn't have a stable business model that unobtrusive loadingscreen ads, or a sidebar in the mechlab that we're all arguing over. even some minor, abiet anachronistic billboards ingame wouldn't bother be as long as they were distructable!

my point is that a few ads can go a long way twards keeping this game free for all without the bullshit of premium content. DISCUSS.

[SquareSphere]

I don't know if that's a good financial model for this type of niche player base. Now if we were talking about the typical bro shooter, yeah you could easily get advertisers to pay for in game space.

Edited by SquareSphere, 02 November 2011 - 01:14 PM.

[Brixx]

Every MechPilot need a little break and refreshment at MechDonalds! Get yourself some BigTastyMackie.

I wouldn´t mind to see some ads in a city map. Does not necessarily destroy the atmosphere and if it gives PG some extra bucks. Why not?

[Skoll]

Oh jesus. If I see any in-game ads on billboards, etc, I'm calling a truce mid-combat do shoot them.

[Brixx]

Aegis Kleais™, on 02 November 2011 - 01:35 PM, said:

It would make little sense to see a billboard advertising an item that existed 1040 years ago).

The only thing that would still be around for that long are AOL discs.

Nissan and GM for example still exist in MechwarriorUniverse. Maybe they shouldn´t explictly advertise existing cars though.
And well... a city without billboards is far more uncommon...

[Skoll]

Maybe there should be a forum contest for probable products in the 3000s to be put on billboards?

[SquareSphere]

Just to be honest, if this was advertising in game, it's most likely a huge splash screen we'd have to look at or a video when we're loading. Actually in game IN universe advertising it's a good pay off for the advertisers.

You want a captive audience when you're paying for ads.

[Brixx]

SquareSphere, on 02 November 2011 - 01:41 PM, said:

Just to be honest, if this was advertising in game, it's most likely a huge splash screen we'd have to look at or a video when we're loading. Actually in game IN universe advertising it's a good pay off for the advertisers.

You want a captive audience when you're paying for ads.

Hm... not necessarily. For example racing sims do this a lot. And it just blends in natural. Also Anarchy Online had it... and I never felt offended by the ads. But hey... its all about personal taste. I wouldn´t want to see ads in a fantasy mmo... but in this case and if it supports PG I could live with it. Of course I am against billboards in the middle of a desert or swamp map...

[SquareSphere]

er I mean it ISN'T a good pay off or advertisers. The ads need to be by nature OBTRUSIVE so players will pay attention to them.

[Skoll]

You'll get the Unseen mechs, but only with giant Viag-ra ads painted across the torsos and legs.

Edited by Skoll-, 02 November 2011 - 01:48 PM.

[Brixx]

SquareSphere, on 02 November 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:

er I mean it ISN'T a good pay off or advertisers. The ads need to be by nature OBTRUSIVE so players will pay attention to them.

I know what you mean. Like huge, totally oversized neon billboards everywhere being a real pain for the eyes and the atmosphere aswell. But as I said... in Anarchy Online it worked out good aswell. Or racing games but its easier to achieve there. But even in CounterStrike it wasn´t that bad as you got used to it. You will forget about it.

[SquareSphere]

i would say for best captive audience and less distractions the Ads should be placed in the Mech Lab, Character screen, and Online store. By they're nature, players spend a lot of time on these information pages and are not pressed for time, ie like in battle.

[Skoll]

The thing about ads is, is that most older gamers feel like it's an intrusion by the real world into one of their only escapes. Ads are EVERYWHERE. They used to be just novelties in gaming until everything went online. I know when I see in-game ads, I usually feel a moment of distaste before dismissing it, and I know I subconsciously choose to never try that product.

I guess it's just a matter of preference.

[SquareSphere]

so add a subscription feature for no ads

[Brixx]

The only moment I was rally offended by ads was with one of the battletech novels. Right in the heat of written battle... I turn the page and see an add for a soup? What the hell?

But back to topic: Maybe I am just not as ad sensitive as other people. I don´t really realize them... I don´t get distracted by billboards in games...

Edited by brixx, 02 November 2011 - 01:57 PM.

[omegaclawe]

Better yet - Make ingame billboard designs a vanity item normal players can purchase for their matches! I'm willing to bet there'll be more players lining up to make a "suck it, Trebek!", or "I'm more awesome than you!" billboard than people who need the actual advertising. Should be subject to approval, of course.

Also might provide a cheap way to get some word out about indie title X, for those who happen to play the game.

[Skoll]

brixx, on 02 November 2011 - 01:56 PM, said:

The only moment I was rally offended by ads was with one of the battletech novels. Right in the heat of written battle... I turn the page and see an add for a soup? What the hell?

But back to topic: Maybe I am just not as ad sensitive as other people. I don´t really realize them... I don´t get distracted by billboards in games...

Which book was that?

[Brixx]

Skoll-, on 02 November 2011 - 01:58 PM, said:

Which book was that?

I don´t remember exactly. But I think it was something about a Solaris Match where two mechs broke through the walls and kept fighting through the city. I think a Banshee was involved... but don´t forget that I am german and I bought the german edition. Must not necessarily be in the original edition aswell.

[SquareSphere]

omegaclawe, on 02 November 2011 - 01:57 PM, said:

Better yet - Make ingame billboard designs a vanity item normal players can purchase for their matches! I'm willing to bet there'll be more players lining up to make a "suck it, Trebek!", or "I'm more awesome than you!" billboard than people who need the actual advertising. Should be subject to approval, of course.

Also might provide a cheap way to get some word out about indie title X, for those who happen to play the game.

That's actually a very good idea.

brixx, on 02 November 2011 - 01:56 PM, said:

But back to topic: Maybe I am just not as ad sensitive as other people. I don´t really realize them... I don´t get distracted by billboards in games...

And thats why ads have become more obtrusive. If i'm advertiser and the players are ignoring my ads cause they're too game integrated, i'm going to demand the developer make my ads more viewable to a captive audience. I AM PAYING them after all *hint hint*

Edited by SquareSphere, 02 November 2011 - 02:03 PM.

[Brixx]

SquareSphere, on 02 November 2011 - 02:03 PM, said:

And thats why ads have become more obtrusive. If i'm advertiser and the players are ignoring my ads cause they're too game integrated, i'm going to demand the developer make my ads more viewable to a captive audience. I AM PAYING them after all *hint hint*

Hm. I of course see what you mean. But I haven´t seen a game where ads really took over your screen. Developers also know their limits. At some point its just too much and the cash by the advertisers doesn´t count up with the loss of annoyed players. In CounterStrike Source the ads haven´t become any bigger for years now.