Snus3n...your opinions reflect neither a nuanced understanding of gaming nor of business acumen, as I see it. Firstly, in-game advertising does not necessarily hurt game performance. None of my games have ever experienced problems this way. Secondly, if the game is still enjoyable, why complain? I am bothered by people who incessantly try and find something to dislike. They take up a "cause" and reject good things on the basis that their cause is worthwhile. This might be okay if we were saying, "Stop warlordism" or "Burning down orphanages is not okay!" But, "I don't want to see advertisements"? That kind of argument will get no sympathy from me.
THQ goes exclusively Massive
Publisher commits to Microsoft-owned company for all its worldwide PC and Xbox 360 in-game ad needs, starting with Saints Row 2.
In this generation of consoles, THQ has been an in-game advertising swinger. Shortly after the launch of the Xbox 360, THQ cozied up with in-game ad firm Massive Inc. in a hazily defined arrangement. That was apparently an open relationship, as the publisher also flirted with Double Fusion. Last year it seemed as if THQ was settling down with Double Fusion when it re-upped a deal with the company.
However, today THQ made known its commitment to Massive, saying "I do" to a multiyear worldwide exclusive agreement to have the in-game ad provider handle all dynamically served spots on THQ PC and Xbox 360 games. Saints Row 2 will be among the first such titles to feature Massive's ads. THQ can apparently still have a thing on the side, as the deal with the Microsoft-owned Massive does not cover games on the PlayStation 3.
Massive has boasted a number of big-name clients, including NCsoft, Atari, Eidos, Konami, Codemasters, Vivendi Games, 2K Sports, Spark Unlimited, Acclaim, Ubisoft, and Sony Online Entertainment. It was also responsible for perhaps the highest-profile dynamic in-game advertising yet, the Barack Obama presidential campaign ads in Burnout Paradise and a slew of other Electronic Arts titles.
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