Massive Incorporated Expands

[nutter]

What about if one chooses to turn the ads off? Does ones loot then reduce? Reduce from current levels? or TO current levels from a higher general loot level?

[thoreau]

Originally Posted by Svetlana

Nice article which I read some weeks ago myself . It points out that the other games that have ingame adverts have been quite pleased, as have the majority of their player base (at least according to the article).

I believe you misunderstood me Thoreau- so for the record and to clarify for you, I said that MA has given us a unique feature in being able to turn off the ads (unlike, as I pointed out, the game Second Life where everyone sees the ads regardless).

Agreed. It is a unique feature. However, players of other games can turn off ads by paying a monthly subscription fee.

[thoreau]

Originally Posted by Lan

I do think real world items in PE, diminish the escapism factor..

Players of AO complained about running around and seeing posters for the new Batman movie. Motley Crue had a new album that was advertised.

From what I read the gaming company, MA in our case, has the final decision as to what ads to include. So, it will be MAs decision as to the theme of the ads.

Also, many of the ads may be streaming video. So, expect a little more lag as you enter town.

[Epictetus]

I don't think the ads will hurt the immersion. If this were a fantasy game, maybe, but the theme of the game is futuristic sci-fi.

Heck, the backstory of the game is based on gigantic fictional corporations getting contracts from the government to settle Calypso so you had to already know something like this was coming. However there is a slight twist: gigantic REAL corporations putting ads all around the VIRTUAL Calypso!

As far as the loots I also hope this affects "daily looting" as well as ATH's, because I don't expect to ever get an ATH.

[Dannei]

Yes atlast you can have a break when playing:

You play 10 minutes the Commercial break and the whole screen fills with ads...

then another 5 min of playing then a break

[THANATOS]

I think the Ads are a great Idea. I hope to see improvements in the smaller loots too though...

I love the idea of ordering pizza whilst in game only for it to turn up at your door... wonder if we can pay in PED and get a virtual pizza for display in apartment at the same time!!

Anyone thought this could be the advent of the opening of the bars too. Ideal ground for product placement of Budwieser etc... heck why not put cigarette machines in too! - thay cant advertise anywhere in the UK anymore, so would really pay out for the ads!

[Nicole]

If done right this can be very promising to all those involved.


My only hope is its done right.


It could bring an new future to MA.

[Marco|MindArk]

Originally Posted by Darkscorp

Imp "Marcoese Universal translator"

Cool! Where can I get one? =)

[MartinMystere]

I say this is good news because
1) More loot
2) The game is essentially an invesment bank , with advertising it has backup money makking it a secure bank.
3) This security will increase the number of players pouring in and staying hence increasing the overall value.
4) The advertising company agreed to deal with MA which indicates MA has strong financial statements, if they were in losing trend (like ENRON lets say) than the advertising company would not do the deal.
5) Our lives are filled with advertisind ne way, hell I drink cocacola as I am playing, so it might be a good change seeing such adverts in game.

The only problem I see is, although we all know the game is virtual, we play it because in a sense we feel the world of Calypso is real. It is like watching a good movie that makes you cry, logically u should not cry as the movie itself is not real, but somehow you feel it is real and you are touched by it. Now MindArk I feel is creating a sense of artificiality with advertising inturn making the game play less real/less fun.

[Francine]

Originally Posted by Marco|MindArk

Cool! Where can I get one? =)

I heard chirpies drop them.