Talk on the street is that video games will become the new battlefield for advertising. Why? Probably because some recent struggles with streaming services are now realizing they need to make additional money beyond paid subscribers because everything eventually plateaus. Although, some streaming services do have some form of paid advertising (speaking more specifically about Netflix, pal). Any who, what’s one thing that has some individuals glued to either their phone, television, or computer for a dedicated amount of time and even half a day for some folks? No, not that picture of me from a few years ago, I’m talking about videogames. I will reserve my commentary on gamers in general.
Now, having ads in videogames is not a grand or even new idea; it’s been a practice in one form or another. Part of the new wave or possible wave of higher interest is with programmatic, better technology, and money talks. Essentially, there’s a dedicated target market with individuals who play videogames and companies have a strong chance to capitalize on this as long as it’s done properly and has an organic feel towards it rather than being forced. The issue remains of how exactly this will expand. Couple ways, have technology keep getting better, a company buying a part of the gameplay like having a billboard on the street, paying for a “Sponsored by…” in a car racing game, and having logos in fighting games, along with a few other possibilities. You want another one? Fine, how about integrating one’s Spotify into a car driving game.
Overall, the opportunity is there for massive growth, it’s just a matter of time to work on the logistics, capabilities, routes of purchase, yada, yada, yada.
Here’s some outside readings:
7 Great Examples of In-Game Advertising via Clear Code
Companies Try to Sell Videogaming as the Next Big Advertising Channel via Wall Street Journal
