I constantly wonder why advertising is not more prevalent in video games. We all know that development costs keep rising as teams of 100+ are needed for decent games. This of course limits creativity as companies simply can't afford to take chances. It would seem an obvious solution for the game industry to whore itself out to advertisers. Not that I really want to see this of course, I just suspect the day will come Mario is battling Bowser in a Pizza Hut(R) and characters from Dragon Quest get to take a side-quest to the local Taco Bell(R) for a Cheesy Gordita Crunch(R). Do you think this is where the industry is heading?
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I think that industry giants will make their cameos and appearances in video games for that extra chunk'o'change. I remember playing Getaway and actually seeing a McDonalds.
Eventually there will be games with inconspicious billboards advertising companies. For example while doing a drive by in GTA6 you'll see a Billboard for Victoria's Secret.
I remember when the McDonald's McFlurry stand came out for Sims Online. There was a big controversy about that. It was still kinda fun at the same time.
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The problem is the companies most likely to have in-game advertising are big behemoths like EA. And yes, it would help to lower costs. But as you know, very little of those savings would be passed on to the actual programmers.
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the latest Need for Speed games have stuff in them...like Burger King for example as you drive around the city...and i think it's a really good idea for the companies to make extra money for development...it doesn't bother me if i see a Pizza Hut or Gurger King in a game...as long as it's not interfering with gameplay...i wouldn't want to see the quests that Neo has mentioned.
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