Microsoft announced on Wednesday a deal with Electronic Arts to bring a slew of advertisements into upcoming EA sports titles. The deal, which covers EA's
Madden,
Tiger Woods,
NASCAR,
NHL, and the up-coming
Skate, is seen by most analysts as a success for Microsoft as the company seeks to pull in front of other advertising competitors (Google, Sony, et al).
I can't help but think that the timing of this deal comes so close on the heels of other recent financial disclosures from MS which have been less than optimistic (extending warranties on 360s, scratched disks, PS3 price drop...)
Massive, the advertising broker purchased by Microsoft last year, and is responsible for bringing potential advertisers to developers, is credited with landing the deal. No details have been released on the exact amount of money changing hands between EA and MS, but just in terms of perspective: in 1995, in-game advertising was worth $50 million. Analysts predict that number will top $1 billion in the next year or two.
So, yeah, more money being spent on in-game advertising will, inevitably, mean more ads in the games. I would like to hope that it will end up meaning more billboards and signs hung up around the various sports arenas. But I know as well as you do that you're just going to have replays brought to you by Toyota, and you'll have to sit through a load screen brought to you by the Army.
I would also love if one of these deals made between entertainment providers and advertisers would lead to lower prices. But I have no doubt that games, much like going to the movies, will bombard me with advertising while raising prices.
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