Paragon City, the game world of superhero MMO, City of Heroes, is far from realistic.  It’s got a skyline that looks like 30 NewYorks smashed together, the only residents of the town are super-powered vigilantes and criminals, and there’s no trash on the streets.  Surely, this is a fantasy world.  Publisher NCSoft is going to try to add a little realism anyway, and make a bit of scratch out of it, too.  In-game billboards in the mildly popular MMO will soon feature real-world advertising.  The ads will be updated by the game’s servers, and will change regularly, just like in games like Skate and Crackdown. 

Now before you go getting in a huff about greedy corporate vultures and the decay of the game world, take this into account: The ads are completely optional.  Turn them on, turn them off; it’s totally up to the player!  There’s no penalty for not having them, and there’s no reward for keeping them in.  I’m a tiny bit disappointed that the ads don’t knock anything off of the monthly charge, but still, this is a great way to get some extra revenue while not alienating your audience.  Not to mention the fact that all ad revenue will go towards “funding further game development for the online title."

In addition to the ads, billboards will also be able to display in-game content, meaning that high-ranked players or contest winners can get their characters up on billboards for all the city to see.  Finally, a reason to participate in all those costume contests.


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