Poll: Commercials in games

[teisjm]

What's your thoughts on in-game commercials?
I'm talking about subtle commercials, not unskippable cut-scene commercial breaks like in TV
Like having Coca-Cola written across trucks that's already driving around in-game (like in movies) Or having the local gas station in the game be a RL one and not a fictional, or real life brand furniture/stuff in sims etc.

Seeing as it will give the gaming company more money, that they could use to make the game better, or cheaper for the consumers.
I think it's a good idea, as long as it isn't ruining the gameplay, like having to go to the local in-game McDonalds every hour or something to not starve, or swapping the healing potions in the fantasy-games with Coca-Colas.

As far as i see fantasy settings wouldn't offer a lot of oppertunity for this, but games set in a modern day setting, or some sci-fi settings could easily support this.

If you have examples of good/horrible in-game commercials please share, or just the random thought about where it could be awesome or just a hillarious epic fail

 

[JMeganSnow]

If they make the games cheaper and the game developers richer I'm all for it!

 

[RebelRising]

If they make the games cheaper and the game developers richer I'm all for it!

This, and if it makes sense in the game setting. No coca-cola signs in Oblivion.

 

[pantsoffdanceoff]

Its the equivalent of an advertisement in a magazine. "OH NO BLATANT LIES TURN THE PAGE, ON THE DOUBLE!"

 

[Aqualung]

Yes; it gives the developers more money to improve the game, as well as adds to the in-game atmosphere.

 

[hotacidbath]

I think it's fine if it's done in context and doesn't affect the game play at all, but I can see where developers may start to take it too far. As long as it's done in moderation I don't mind.

 

[antipunt]

"Yes, as long as they don't influence gameplay/athmosphere"

This

 

[NeutralDrow]

I think the City of Heroes devs were contemplating putting actual advertisements on billboards in the game world, with the option for players to turn them off (or maybe they've already implemented it while I wasn't looking). Sounds like an idea I can get behind.

So, as long as gameplay/atmosphere isn't affected. Funny, though; in the CoH example, commercials might even help the atmosphere.

 

[Weaver]

depends on the game.
In a game like, say, splinter cell where it's supposed to take place in the not to distant future earth, seeing some coke bottles laying around might actually help increase immersion.

Then there's games like burnout paradise where the only vans driving around are Gillette Fusion vans... it just kind of seems weird.

 

[teisjm]

If you have examples of good/horrible in-game commercials please share, or just the random thought about where it could be awesome or just a hillarious epic fail

edited into OP

 

[Slayer_2]

No, I payed 30-70 bucks already, get of my wallet you money grubs. IF it's placed conservativly and completley properly, I'm ok with it, but seeing a fluorescent orange Gillette ad in the middle of Playing ETQW as an alien invader, it really puts a dent in immersion, which is the thing I look for the most in games. An exaple of good placement would be replacing Nuka-Cola's with Coca-Cola's in Fallout 3.

 

[Arcyde]

As long as the commercials don't cause the game to decrease in quality.

 

[JMeganSnow]

There are other ways to do product placement/ads other than the blatantly obvious. For instance, in a fantasy game you could solicit SMALL advertisers (particularly online ones, as this would be reaching their customer base pretty effectively) to buy ads such as "Tony's Blacksmith Shop!" and have it be a blacksmith's shop. Tasteful, understated, doesn't mess with the game at all, even if you include a URL and a small suggestion to visit the company in a quiet way. Most of advertising is just getting your name out there, and this could be an excellent venue for small sites like webcomics, indie reviewers, etc. to get their names out there. The developers could also trumpet some products they like to the people most likely to share an interest in those products.

Not all marketing HAS to be stupid.

 

[Lios]

They're all over the newest EA and Ubisoft games. Hell they're blatant as fuck in the Rainbow Six: Vegas games.

 

[dragonburner]

I like the MLB 09 The Show thing with Ads on the walls like in real parks. Maybe it makes it more realistic?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

[Da_Schwartz]

I think the City of Heroes devs were contemplating putting actual advertisements on billboards in the game world, with the option for players to turn them off (or maybe they've already implemented it while I wasn't looking). Sounds like an idea I can get behind.

So, as long as gameplay/atmosphere isn't affected. Funny, though; in the CoH example, commercials might even help the atmosphere.

Yes and they went through with it some time ago. I was flying through peregrine island and came across a nike sneaker ad billboard (a-rod or jeter i think). like 0.o. But with a simple off click in options you can turn off real advertising. Which i did. So i couldn't tell you what else may have been added since then.

 

[Lothae]

As long as it's done tastefully and doesn't influence gameplay I'm fine with it.

 

[Prideful Heretic]

lol it's funny that I found this thread.Last night I was running around in BFBC on harvest day and saw a billboard with an ad on it so I stopped to get a better look and was like "Hey is that a Dr Pep *BLAM*." I lawled xD

 

[Flishiz]

I think Vegas was the best and worst example of advertising. They overly did the Axe commercials, but having movie ads placed on the walls of multiplayer maps actually helped me find dates of new movies coming out, and I liked them.

 

[Nargleblarg]

I love how I heard that they would put the price down if they advertise. HAHAHAHA They already do that now but the price of games has increased.