Advertisements in Games
This is not the first time that we have been hearing about the existence of ads in games. Although I have seen a game like NFS Underground 2 carrying the ads pretty well in a game, but imagine ads tracking you during online gaming? This post has been in reference to what i read in here where the latest 1.1 patch in SWAT 4 has a ‘ Massive Streaming Ad Support’. Certainly its not what you would like in a game which you pay so much for.
What exactly is seen in the game after the latest patch is that there are real well monitored ad posters shown within the game. These are quite apparent from the thumbnail pics seen below. During online play, the game sets up an connection with the ‘madserver.net’ and directs images/posters to the game client(Checks?). What is even more shocking to see is that its just not mere showing of ads at programmed locations within the game.
What information do the advertisers get?
Till the game is closed, game client sends a message to signify that the game has ended. The game-client contacts madserver to tell the advertisers how long the gamer was with each advert in their view. This is mapped to the gamer id, so they know which player in the game saw the advert, and when, for how long, and from how far away (by virtue of the size attribute). Even the average viewing angle is passed back.
Lookover
No one would mind ads in free game. This gives them the necessary bread and butter to earn some money. I wont mind ads in games if the games are free or if they sell for very cheap rates. We see ads on Television, because TV channels are near free and we dont have to pay too big sum to subscribe to these channels. Not only the gamers get reemed for the cost of games, but now developers are seeking out more under the table ways to fill their pockets. Putting ads in games is essentially making us pay for spyware. This whole deal may just be a tip of the iceberg and bigger scams may already be going on. If a game which retails at 50$ resorts to such a thing, what can be expected from smaller game developers. Gamers who buy this have every right to be annoyed, they didn’t pay good money to see advertisements in SWAT4 , they paid money to play a good tactical shooter not an advertising tactial shooter. For me this is as simple as moving to a paid host to get rid of the ads. If you still get the ads, whats the use of paying money? If strict guidelines and specifications are not laid, this may be a sign of bigger things to come. Buyers of the same too should be informed about such types of ads which can collect user information.
August 13th, 2005 at 3:25 pm
god damn it, those freaks stole my idea again
anyways, its a good idea if its a free game, else “F*ck em all”
50$ game with ads :O :O :O, at the least players should be paid for ads , so that not only they make their purchase price back, but also some income
:D 
:D
August 14th, 2005 at 2:30 am
exactly !
why should someone who has paid for the game, see ads in the game?
August 25th, 2005 at 7:43 pm
I dont mind ads in games like NFS or Cricket 2005.They actually add to the realism of the game.But this sucks.
And soura,the article is written very well.Keep it up.You can try submitting it to Chip.
August 7th, 2006 at 11:25 am
Good job.
April 19th, 2007 at 5:16 am
test
April 19th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
i think it is a good idea to do that. but it should not become a habbit and hence a billboard.
The developer can advertise his company or some other involved in making of the game or may be publishing it.
Other wise it will get out of hand and one day we will see “Mr Khan” in
SWAT 5