EA has responded to a report from Axios which has been floating around over the past couple of days, suggesting both Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent's Hi-Rez Studios could be bringing TV-style ads to console games.
Axios originally reported that a system called playerWON would "let users determine whether they want to watch a 15 or 30-second video ad in exchange for being able to unlock exclusive gaming perks." Dave Madden of Simulmedia (owner of playerWON) told the site that they had "struck deals" with EA and Hi-Rez Studios.
However, EA has issued a statement to PC Gamer in response to the report, claiming that the company hasn't made any kind of deals to introduce tv-style ads into games, and it's "not something we're currently looking at."
"Following incorrect reports suggesting that we are looking to introduce 'TV-style' commercials into our games, we wanted to clarify that in-game advertising for console games is not something we're currently looking at, or have signed any agreements to implement.
Creating the best possible player experience remains our priority focus."
You might remember that EA faced heavy backlash along these lines last year after introducing in-game replay ads into UFC 4 at launch, eventually removing them and promising they wouldn't be implemented again the future.
Do you think we'll eventually see "TV-style commercials" in EA games? Give us your thoughts below.
[source pcgamer.com, via axios.com]
Comments 7
“Currently”
I Cannot think of anything else to say
It's not something we're currently looking at, but thanks for the idea.
Assuming this is similar to the ads originally in the UFC game.
With PES potentially going free, I'm assuming this will be proper ads on the advertising boards. As long as it's not affecting game play, I'm for it.
However, having ads you HAVE TO watch, no thank you. Enough mobile games do that.
I can see them putting ads into any F2P games they have and trying to justify the reasoning, but after the UFC 4 fiasco, I doubt they'd risk putting them in actual retail games.
When this actually happens they will claim “well, we just disagree them being TV-Like… they are unique promotional engagement experiences, like our fantastic surprise mechanics that are equally nothing like gambling!”
Anyone get the unsettling feeling that EA may actually be becoming a little self aware. Perhaps there is hope for growth yet...
$70 games full of microtransactions and ads....they trying to get people to put them controllers down and go outside or what?
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