Electronic games advertising
Whether you look at console games or PC based systems, electronic game advertising is a very a exciting medium for some of the larger players.
When creative people got together with game manufacturers, they saw the huge potential to add an extra revenue stream to an already highly lucrative industry. To allow gamers to interact with a brand or message is very powerful and companies know it.
When your brain is engaged and open, it becomes responsive to different messages in many different ways. A well positioned advert in an area where people are familiar of its surroundings can emphasise the product or service message offered - it almost sub-consciously puts us into a place we feel comfortable.
It is estimated that this form of advertising will see an annual growth rate of around 40% from now (March 2008) to 2013. This is even higher than the internet and TV, so it presents a huge market for advertisers.
Depending on the popularity and overall sales of electronic games, companies can project viewing figures of their adverts and these can run into millions. Of course the big brands like McDonalds relish this kind of opportunity as its brand is something that is instantly recognised by game players. The age group of players is also highly suited to this food brand and in this case it represents a great value option.
There are other opportunities for lesser known companies and there is even talk of introducing audio dialogue mentioning brands and products as part of the game. All manufacturers have to do is write the game and then strip in the audio later on. There is no doubt that in the years to come this format is going to develop in popularity, as sales of electronic games will grow even more.