How much did it cost 2008 US Presidential Candidate Barack Obama to put ads inside of Burnout Paradise and other titles? According to a Federal Election Commission filing (via Gamespot), Obama's campaign sent $44,465.78 to Massive Incorporated to run in-game advertisements, from October 6 to November 3, in 18 separate titles. The real winner of these in-game ads, of course, was Tim the Paradise City Street Sweeper.
Comparatively, the campaign has spent a estimated total of $205 million on TV ads, about $4 to $5 million of which was for last night's 30-minute infomercial on CBS, NBC, MSNBC, Fox, BET, TV One and Univision. Fun statistic: The amount spent on TV ads was 455,555% higher than in-game advertisement. According to previous statements, Massive had approached the McCain campaign about doing a similar advertising deal, but they had passed on it.
Reader Comments (161)
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 2:38PM (Unverified) said
why is it just roses and pedals when obama is running? He is in favor of partial birth abortion. Try cutting up a baby in your wife's womb and tell me it is humane. That is just one example. He has a very very shady history with some very shady characters. Think people.
mccain is no "maverick" either. he has been washy on many things but he definitely gets blasted a lot more than a grunt on halo 3!
seriously people, please do more research excluding CNN, MSNBC, and alot if not all of the newspapers out there. and if you do, cross reference them. don't let the tv think for you!
this is like picking the better of two bads!
1) eat rotten food
2) eat food that was found in the dumpster
if i could pick, condoleezza rice would be president and colin powell, vp. *note: I am not african american/black
Reply
mccain is no "maverick" either. he has been washy on many things but he definitely gets blasted a lot more than a grunt on halo 3!
seriously people, please do more research excluding CNN, MSNBC, and alot if not all of the newspapers out there. and if you do, cross reference them. don't let the tv think for you!
this is like picking the better of two bads!
1) eat rotten food
2) eat food that was found in the dumpster
if i could pick, condoleezza rice would be president and colin powell, vp. *note: I am not african american/black
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 2:46PM (Unverified) said
You tell us to do research shortly after spewing misinformed junk?
Yeah, Obama is in favor of partial birth abortions, but ONLY if the birth of the child would drastically lower the woman's chance of surviving giving birth.
What's wrong with using all of the media outlets? I don't know why you would exclude CNN and MSNBC... you don't watch Fox News, do you?
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Yeah, Obama is in favor of partial birth abortions, but ONLY if the birth of the child would drastically lower the woman's chance of surviving giving birth.
What's wrong with using all of the media outlets? I don't know why you would exclude CNN and MSNBC... you don't watch Fox News, do you?
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 3:30PM 343 Guilty Fart said
I don't see what's so evil about socialism. I lived in Germany and Austria for a few years and things there seemed to work much better. Public transportation was extensive and a breeze to use. Medical care was all taken care of. I had to go into an emergency room in the middle of the night once. It cost me zilch.
We already have socialized services such as the Post Office, Police Dept. and Fire. I don't see what's wrong in helping other people out.
Reply
We already have socialized services such as the Post Office, Police Dept. and Fire. I don't see what's wrong in helping other people out.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:42PM (Unverified) said
...or bring Africa's poorest countries out of complete crisis they are in now.
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:46PM FredFredrickson said
Sure, the money could be better spent elsewhere, but it's important that Obama get his message out to as many people as possible, because we need to be freed from a Republican presidency.
People donated money to his campaign for this specific purpose, so there shouldn't be any problem if that's the way he spends it.
Reply
People donated money to his campaign for this specific purpose, so there shouldn't be any problem if that's the way he spends it.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 2:12PM Vcize said
At the risk of starting a huge flame war.
$44k on advertising is a "huge waste of money".
Compared to $10 BILLION spent per MONTH in Iraq? If the guy plans to move out of Iraq (whether or not that is the right thing to do) he could advertise in every videogame in existence and still be in the green in terms of money saved.
Reply
$44k on advertising is a "huge waste of money".
Compared to $10 BILLION spent per MONTH in Iraq? If the guy plans to move out of Iraq (whether or not that is the right thing to do) he could advertise in every videogame in existence and still be in the green in terms of money saved.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 3:23PM Spiza said
Obama's campaign has spent over $600 million. This is more than both the Bush and Kerry campaigns spent combined in 2004. Also, in case no one noticed, we are in an economic crisis as this money is coming in.
He doesn't put up a list of people who donate less than $200 unlike what both McCain and Hillary did.
His website doesn't check to make sure that the name of the donor given and that of the credit card are the same. Given this and the previous statement, it's unknown where Obama's money is actually coming from.
If your stupid enough to think that the past 8 yrs is all Republican's/Bush's fault, then you're stupid. Bush took over a declining economy in 2001, and then had 9/11 happen on top of that. It was under the Clinton administration that we saw fair trade open up with other countries while at the same time increasing both energy and corporate taxes to make our buisnesses unable to compete. We also saw the repelling of the regulations on banking institutions and the housing bubble being created by Clinton's move for a house for every family.
I'm an independent that leans libertarian. We need smaller federal government and less spending, which John McCain has pushed for his entire career. Obama is for expanding federal spending. I'm also not a socialist, so Obama's talk of econimic equality in 2001 (youtube, look it up), his ties with the Democratic Socialists of America while running for Chicago state senate, and his "Spread the wealth" terminology.
Yet again, I will vote this against Obama, instead of voting for someone to be president.
Reply
He doesn't put up a list of people who donate less than $200 unlike what both McCain and Hillary did.
His website doesn't check to make sure that the name of the donor given and that of the credit card are the same. Given this and the previous statement, it's unknown where Obama's money is actually coming from.
If your stupid enough to think that the past 8 yrs is all Republican's/Bush's fault, then you're stupid. Bush took over a declining economy in 2001, and then had 9/11 happen on top of that. It was under the Clinton administration that we saw fair trade open up with other countries while at the same time increasing both energy and corporate taxes to make our buisnesses unable to compete. We also saw the repelling of the regulations on banking institutions and the housing bubble being created by Clinton's move for a house for every family.
I'm an independent that leans libertarian. We need smaller federal government and less spending, which John McCain has pushed for his entire career. Obama is for expanding federal spending. I'm also not a socialist, so Obama's talk of econimic equality in 2001 (youtube, look it up), his ties with the Democratic Socialists of America while running for Chicago state senate, and his "Spread the wealth" terminology.
Yet again, I will vote this against Obama, instead of voting for someone to be president.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 3:32PM 343 Guilty Fart said
Accidentaly posted this above, but here it is again:
I don't see what's so evil about socialism. I lived in Germany and Austria for a few years and things there seemed to work much better. Public transportation was extensive and a breeze to use. Medical care was all taken care of. I had to go into an emergency room in the middle of the night once. It cost me zilch.
We already have socialized services such as the Post Office, Police Dept. and Fire. I don't see what's wrong in helping other people out.
Reply
I don't see what's so evil about socialism. I lived in Germany and Austria for a few years and things there seemed to work much better. Public transportation was extensive and a breeze to use. Medical care was all taken care of. I had to go into an emergency room in the middle of the night once. It cost me zilch.
We already have socialized services such as the Post Office, Police Dept. and Fire. I don't see what's wrong in helping other people out.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 3:32PM MarkezJM said
"We need smaller federal government and less spending, which John McCain has pushed for his entire career."
Ah, ok, I see, you must be referring to a different John McCain than the one that is running for president. Because I happen to know THAT John McCain isn't for smaller federal govt or less spending by any means.
Reply
Ah, ok, I see, you must be referring to a different John McCain than the one that is running for president. Because I happen to know THAT John McCain isn't for smaller federal govt or less spending by any means.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 3:35PM MarkezJM said
"If your stupid enough to think that the past 8 yrs is all Republican's/Bush's fault, then you're stupid."
Also, nice redundancy. To clarify, the nonsense in Iraq is absolutely Bush's fault, just to clarify. It'd be stupid to say otherwise, if you do, you're stupid.
Reply
Also, nice redundancy. To clarify, the nonsense in Iraq is absolutely Bush's fault, just to clarify. It'd be stupid to say otherwise, if you do, you're stupid.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 4:18PM spin cycle said
The financial meltdown showed us how well Libertarianism works. The regulators believed that the banks would work in their own best interests, and thus didn't need more regulation (in fact reduced it). And it didn't turn out, because of some combination of foolishness and greed.
Libertarianism is a good ideal, and nothing more. Like Communism.
Reply
Libertarianism is a good ideal, and nothing more. Like Communism.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 4:22PM (Unverified) said
@Vcize,
I don't mean this as attack on you so I hope you don't take it the wrong way.
The American army will never leave Iraq. Never. Never. Never. The presence may not be as large but there will always be military installations in the area. Anybody who tells you otherwise is a liar.
Reply
I don't mean this as attack on you so I hope you don't take it the wrong way.
The American army will never leave Iraq. Never. Never. Never. The presence may not be as large but there will always be military installations in the area. Anybody who tells you otherwise is a liar.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 11:43PM (Unverified) said
@John
"Because people shouldn't be FORCEd to give what they make to someone else.
Sharing is great, but when you are forced to give money you worked for to someone else, it is theft."
so, it sounds like you are saying that Taxes in general are theft, which i think most people would agree is an extreme position. taxes are annoying, but they pay for the services that we all enjoy like roads, firefighters, police, the armed services, etc...
Reply
"Because people shouldn't be FORCEd to give what they make to someone else.
Sharing is great, but when you are forced to give money you worked for to someone else, it is theft."
so, it sounds like you are saying that Taxes in general are theft, which i think most people would agree is an extreme position. taxes are annoying, but they pay for the services that we all enjoy like roads, firefighters, police, the armed services, etc...
Posted: Oct 31st 2008 8:40PM Spiza said
@Josh
What is radical is that only 40% of households pay any income tax at all. Many actually only get money back through the tax system. And under Obama's plan, he's going to be cutting checks to those who pay little income tax. Basically, only 40% of American's pay income tax today. Under Obama's plan, this will be extended. What he's doing is offering "tax credits." No matter what you pay, you get this check back from the government after you pay. If you pay $10k in taxes, and you get back $2k in credits, you still are paying that 8k. Now, if you are working, but then don't make enough to pay income taxes(
Reply
What is radical is that only 40% of households pay any income tax at all. Many actually only get money back through the tax system. And under Obama's plan, he's going to be cutting checks to those who pay little income tax. Basically, only 40% of American's pay income tax today. Under Obama's plan, this will be extended. What he's doing is offering "tax credits." No matter what you pay, you get this check back from the government after you pay. If you pay $10k in taxes, and you get back $2k in credits, you still are paying that 8k. Now, if you are working, but then don't make enough to pay income taxes(
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:26PM (Unverified) said
The McCain camp declined the advertising offer because they couldn't quite figure out how people can leverage the interwebs to place advertising on stick-n-hoops, orange boxes tied to phone poles, or whatever it is kids do these days.
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:27PM baby sea tuna said
That's what I was thinking.
"What the fuck is the INTERNET?!"
Reply
"What the fuck is the INTERNET?!"
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:31PM LaughingMan11 said
Obviously they were afraid the tubes would be clogged, and they'd send out their own personal Internet and not have it received until tuesday... It's not a Big Truck!
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:31PM Nick the Hero of Canton said
The Internet is a communication tool used the world over where people can come together to bitch about movies and share pornography with one another.
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 4:03PM (Unverified) said
I'm joking, but kinda serious. Check out this interview:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/us/politics/13text-mccain.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print.
"Q: But do you go on line for yourself?
Mr. McCain: They go on for me. I am learning to get online myself, and I will have that down fairly soon, getting on myself."
This from July 2008.
Reply
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/us/politics/13text-mccain.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print.
"Q: But do you go on line for yourself?
Mr. McCain: They go on for me. I am learning to get online myself, and I will have that down fairly soon, getting on myself."
This from July 2008.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 4:46PM Special Agent Steve said
The thing is, if we go to Joystiq, the well, we are savvy (and passionate about games). Compared to the average Joe who use the internet to Google "boobies".
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 4:53PM (Unverified) said
I think use and comfort with technology is more of a generational thing, although there certainly are people much older than I that were programming BASIC when I was in diapers as well as younger people than myself who are much more comfortable with integrating technology into their daily lives. Regardless of age I'd like to have a president who, when creating the laws that govern and impact technology, is somewhat more saavy than the average Joe Plumber. It's admitedly my personal preference.
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 6:37PM Sarge said
You know, people did actually get work done before the Internet existed.
I know quite a few people who are very uncomfortable with technology. Many of them don't see a need for it, and therefore the effort to learn it is not there. I even see it from people my age (late 20's), although it's not as prevalent.
Besides, if you're the President, why the heck would you need e-mail or the Internet when you get a briefing on what you need to know every day? I'd leave it behind in a heartbeat if I could.
Reply
I know quite a few people who are very uncomfortable with technology. Many of them don't see a need for it, and therefore the effort to learn it is not there. I even see it from people my age (late 20's), although it's not as prevalent.
Besides, if you're the President, why the heck would you need e-mail or the Internet when you get a briefing on what you need to know every day? I'd leave it behind in a heartbeat if I could.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:28PM Lord HowitHurtz said
So with all this extra money coming in with in-game ads i guess this means that videogames containing these ads will be cheaper!!
SAWEEEETTT!!
Reply
SAWEEEETTT!!
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:30PM Shagittarius said
Add that too the money they can save digitally distributing games and its going to cost next to nothing for new games!
SWEEEEET!
Reply
SWEEEEET!
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:36PM Spunky Monkey 190906 said
Don't worry people, either way, theres only a couple of days left before a decision is made, whichever way it goes, all those ads that annoy you so much will be gone, apart from the off cases where the devs can't be arsed to remove the ads :D
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 4:09PM Master Bruce said
Sure, the elections will be done soon, but don't forget the weeks of lawsuits that will probably follow if the election is too close.
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:38PM (Unverified) said
No, it just goes to show you that the election is up for sale to the highest bidder. A nation of over 300 million people and these 4 are the best we can find?
You tell me. I guess the Myans are right afterall.
Reply
You tell me. I guess the Myans are right afterall.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:45PM (Unverified) said
Fun fact, Obama's donations come from everyday people like you and me for a whopping average of $85 dollars.
I am GLAD that someone like me can influence an election of my lifetime MORE than some mega corporation. He rufuses special interest money and instead relies on SMALL contributions from the everyday American.
Soon, this nightmare will be over and America can be BORN AGAIN!!!
Obama/Biden 08/12
Reply
I am GLAD that someone like me can influence an election of my lifetime MORE than some mega corporation. He rufuses special interest money and instead relies on SMALL contributions from the everyday American.
Soon, this nightmare will be over and America can be BORN AGAIN!!!
Obama/Biden 08/12
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:52PM FredFredrickson said
That's rather cynical, "sure...".
The budget helps, certainly. But the message has to be good as well.
If Obama's message was as negative and ill-conceived as McCain's, I doubt any budget could have saved it. Republicans have turned the U.S. in a poor direction, and people want it to change. This is what Obama brings to the plate, and that's why he's popular.
Reply
The budget helps, certainly. But the message has to be good as well.
If Obama's message was as negative and ill-conceived as McCain's, I doubt any budget could have saved it. Republicans have turned the U.S. in a poor direction, and people want it to change. This is what Obama brings to the plate, and that's why he's popular.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 1:55PM (Unverified) said
Fun fact: the low contributions are so he doesn't have to reveal their source.
Fun fact: many of them have been traced to Iran.
Fun fact: campaign finance reform was something everyone screamed about, until of course it might have hobbled the chosen one.
Fun fact: when the world is brainwashed, nobody seems to care about rule of law.
Reply
Fun fact: many of them have been traced to Iran.
Fun fact: campaign finance reform was something everyone screamed about, until of course it might have hobbled the chosen one.
Fun fact: when the world is brainwashed, nobody seems to care about rule of law.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 2:00PM FredFredrickson said
That's not a fact. That's a fabrication of your sad little mind.
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 2:06PM (Unverified) said
Bass,
The era of Hate, bigotry, division, INtolerance, and ignorance is AT AN END!!!! Deal with it, the Rethugulans and the Xtian right have almost DESTROYED this country and it will take at least a decade to rebuild this country that I LOVE.
You and your rupublican brainwashed brain are the one who's head is in the sand. WAKE UP!!!! Look at this country right now, broke, loss of respect around the world, full of lying, stealing corporate assholes that have thrived since Dubya took office.
In spite of your ignorance and hate, I welcome you to a NEW AGE of tolerance, understanding, honor, honesty, and giving Nation that we once were and WILL BE again under the once in a generation leadership of
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!!!
Prying open America's 3rd eye.
Reply
The era of Hate, bigotry, division, INtolerance, and ignorance is AT AN END!!!! Deal with it, the Rethugulans and the Xtian right have almost DESTROYED this country and it will take at least a decade to rebuild this country that I LOVE.
You and your rupublican brainwashed brain are the one who's head is in the sand. WAKE UP!!!! Look at this country right now, broke, loss of respect around the world, full of lying, stealing corporate assholes that have thrived since Dubya took office.
In spite of your ignorance and hate, I welcome you to a NEW AGE of tolerance, understanding, honor, honesty, and giving Nation that we once were and WILL BE again under the once in a generation leadership of
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!!!
Prying open America's 3rd eye.
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