Google AdSense getting into games

by Justin McElroy { Oct 9th 2008 at 11:00PM }

Hot on the heels of YouTube getting into the game selling business, Google has released some details on an additional game-based revenue stream: In-game advertising via Google AdSense. Man, what's with these corporations, lately? It seems like all they care about is making larger and larger amounts of money.

We're poking fun, but this could end up being really good news for indie game developers looking to make some cash off of their efforts. As long as they stick to the non-obtrusive interstitials like in the video below the break, we're more than happy to help the little guys put some cash in their pockets.

Tags: google, google-adsense, in-game-advertising

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Isaac @ Oct 9th 2008 11:06PM

Please tell me you are being sarcastic when you call that "non-obtrusive".

Nick the Hero of Canton @ Oct 9th 2008 11:09PM

Speaking of ads in games, EA announced that they will be putting dynamic ads in The Sims 3.

Greeeeaaaat :/

JohnMazz @ Oct 9th 2008 11:12PM

I wonder if this will apply to flash games (and animations). There are many, many more flash developers than more traditional indi game creators.

Giroro @ Oct 9th 2008 11:15PM

Boo.

Do Not Want.

Justin @ Oct 9th 2008 11:27PM

If it brings me good free games and comes in large enough intervals while playing (15+ minutes) then I'm all for it. I've been waiting for games to go to the watch an ad, play for free method - much like TV networks and video sites have done so far to much success.

Ghen @ Oct 10th 2008 1:03PM

Remember how we used to have free updates for almost every game? Now those updates are sold via DLC... Seems to me this will never make anything more accessible, just what used to be free will now be ad supported.

Sora @ Oct 9th 2008 11:29PM

NO.

ahsayuninew @ Oct 9th 2008 11:31PM

What is that, the $100 coin?

MBO @ Oct 9th 2008 11:35PM

the google coin. DUH.

MBO @ Oct 9th 2008 11:34PM

In PlayStation we trust.

MBO @ Oct 9th 2008 11:43PM

in duct tape wii fanboys trust

MBO @ Oct 9th 2008 11:51PM

slight alteration to the above comment.

In duct tape wii trust.

MBO @ Oct 9th 2008 11:51PM

slight alteration to the above comment.

In duct tape wii trust.

ph15h @ Oct 9th 2008 11:34PM

So... Is this kind of like Microsoft's Club Live minus the cool stuff in real life?

But instead of promoting the search engine, they're promoting a product?

Dahk @ Oct 9th 2008 11:35PM

Whats the point of doing adsense, cuz isn't the whole point of it trying to 'sense' what the consumer is into and trying to relate?

If they're friggin' playing a game, then obviously they're into GAMES. No?

Geist @ Oct 10th 2008 4:35PM

That's like saying there's no point in targeted TV commercials because if they're watching TV, that's what they're interested in, whether they're watching Hello Kitty or Battlestar Galactica.

Targeted ads means someone who's playing Bejeweled (which is typically an older age demographic) is going to see different ads then someone who is playing a kid-oriented puzzle game.

Gun Barrier @ Oct 9th 2008 11:38PM

Its just for pc games anyways right?

Alcnaeon @ Oct 9th 2008 11:46PM

Well... I can understand for like, free games. But the first time I see this in a game I've already bought, I swear to God, someone's getting a knife in the head.

Mike @ Oct 9th 2008 11:55PM

If this stays limited to free / extremely cheap (sub five dollars) games, then I don't really have a problem with it. Someone spent time developing the game, and as such they should be compensated for their work. If they're not charging, or only charging a buck or two, then I don't really object to sitting through the occasional 15-30 second ad so they can afford to go on making other games.

Now, if this starts popping up in full $60 retail games, I'll start not buying the games it pops up in. I'm not against advertising in games - if my character has an AT&T cell phone, I'm cool with that. It doesn't stop me from having a good time in the game. If I'm forced to sit through an ad in order to continue enjoying something I payed a fair chunk of money for, I'm not okay with that.

Conda @ Oct 10th 2008 12:25AM

based on what I saw in the AdSense stuff in the past regarding this, this AdSense variant is for Flash games online

Charlie_Six @ Oct 10th 2008 1:13AM

With the economy going to hell, I actually want ads in more games now.

JRM @ Oct 10th 2008 2:12AM

...Right.

Like those executives and board members are going hungry anytime soon.

Will @ Oct 10th 2008 1:25AM

Hot on the heels of Youtube? "All these corporations"? You know Google and Youtube are the same thing, right? Google bought them in like.. 2005

GST @ Oct 10th 2008 1:40AM

Like the sites that allow tv show downloads if you watch a few commercials (more like go grab some food during them), this is a good thing for consumers only if it makes things free that otherwise would not be.

I guess you can make the case that it helps out indie developers who otherwise could not get enough revenue, but it will be hard to put up with when so many indie games have been free.
I guess it isn't a perfect comparison...

FSK405K @ Oct 10th 2008 1:51AM

I'll pay $50-$60 for a game without ads but only $20-$30 for one that has them.

jc @ Oct 10th 2008 4:52AM

Umm so if we still pay $60 for a game and there are ads in it, why still make it the same price point? Like others have said if it is unobtrusive like RB6V did wwith dodge cars being all over the place then no problem. BUT if you pop in a copy of Bioshock 2 and you start having sit thru a shitload of adds like they are starting to do in the movie theaters than you'll see alot of people not putting up with it. Because we all know when the gamer community gets up in arms over something that thing is spread all out over the intertubes untill they change it. (I.E. BF Bad Co)