Following Microsoft, Sony also announced the insertion of ads in free games.
Last week, IGN reported that Microsoft was considering letting advertisers insert ads in free-to-play Xbox games that could take the form of billboards in racing games, so that ads can be presented in the game in a way that is not obtrusive.
Allegedly, the wealthy Microsoft does not intend to share from these ads, these small profits are obviously not Microsoft's goal, they prefer to build Xbox's advertising network, advertising revenue will also be shared by game developers and their respective advertising agencies.
In this way, game developers can earn more revenue from free games, there will be more game developers inclined to the Microsoft camp, microsoft has been trying to promote this in the past few years, it is said that in the third quarter of this year, Microsoft will officially launch the program.
Yun Youji still remembers that at that time, this report triggered the cynicism of some groups in China, and it had the appearance of a Microsoft pill, and then, this week, it was Sony's turn.
According to another foreign media outlet, VGC, Sony plans to integrate advertising into free games to incentivize developers to continue making free games.
Free is the most expensive, and that's not all, and Sony still doesn't seem to decide whether to take a cut from advertising revenue and whether to charge developers for consumer behavior data in PS games.
However, the program has been in operation for some time, and programs to support developers to implant ads in games are also being developed, and are expected to be launched later this year.
Like Microsoft's, ads inserted in Sony's games will be integrated into the game as much as possible, such as rotating in digital billboards in stadiums to minimize the sense of violation.
Although some players hate advertising in the game, Yun Youji feels that it is okay, as long as the game is done well, the advertising design is not obtrusive, nor is it unacceptable.
For example, Yun Youji's favorite "Death Stranding" has designated the Claw Drink as the only designated drink for Sam's recovery, french eyewear brand J.F. Rey also has a deeper collaboration with Death Stranding, but these ads do not affect the actual experience of the game.
However, advertising is not a good one. EA has tried to insert the "Black Picket" advertisement in "Ultimate Fighting Championship 4", and it is still in a relatively clever way, such as the "advertising time" placed in the wonderful playback stage, and the pop-up window below the game, which is more in line with the style of the real program.
However, EA's move was still insulted by players, and eventually EA had to clear the full-screen ads and apologize to all players.
"NBA2K21" also encountered a similar situation, the developer in the pre-game loading stage, the relevant story video or scene that should have been played, replaced by mandatory viewing, can not skip the advertisement.
Not surprisingly, this matter was also protested by players, and finally the official apologized for fixing the bug.
If you want to earn more advertising fees, then the game advertising must not be very secretive, if Microsoft itself really does not intend to take a draw from it, so there will be some convergence, then Sony is entirely likely to make some riots in the game advertising for the sake of the unclear draw problem, in the game advertising to make some riotous operations such as "Ultimate Fighting Championship Game 4" or "NBA2K21", after all, not every game, there is a square big screen to put ads every day.
However, because Sony and Microsoft's plans are to insert ads in free games, and EA is still fundamentally different, and free game players, the tolerance for games will generally be relatively high, coupled with the faith bonus, after the official launch of this advertising service, it will not necessarily usher in much opposition, if the advertisement is really very appropriate, players may still be welcome.
At least, if there is a wall in the game full of "certificates" and "dredging sewers", Yun Youji still feels quite kind.