EA to push ad-backed video games

[medicnick83]

LINK

BBCNews reports that EA will release a free version of the popular Battlefield game supported by adverts and micro payments. EA hopes the model of a free game as download that is supported by adverts and micro-payments could be applied to other franchises its owns. The new version of Battlefield is designed to have more mass market appeal than current titles in the series, which have sold about 10 million copies worldwide. The games has a "cartoon-feel" and has been made simpler to play, with more emphasis on participation and fun than skill and strategy. EA and the game's developer, Dice, have not specified how adverts will work in the game, nor what type of in-game content will be available for purchase. The PC game, Battlefield Heroes, will be available only online later this year, and will not be sold in shops.

(From the link above - for those who don't have Int access)

Electronic Arts is to release a free online version of the popular Battlefield game to be supported by adverts and micro payments.

The PC game, Battlefield Heroes, will be available only online later this year, and will not be sold in shops.

The move marks EA's first major attempt to tap into new sources of ad-driven revenue in Western markets.

The firm has a free version of its Fifa game in South Korea, earning more than $1m a month through in-game sales.

"Online gaming has a massive audience," said EA's Gerhard Florin, in a statement.

"People want to play games in new ways, with easier access that is quick to the fun. With Battlefield Heroes, EA brings its first major franchise to North America and Europe with a new distribution model and pricing structure adapted to the evolving way that people play."

Digital distribution

The video games industry is taking its first steps away from a retail-focused sales environment and towards digital distribution.

EA hopes the model of a free game as download that is supported by adverts and micro-payments could be applied to other franchises it owns.

The new version of Battlefield is designed to have more mass market appeal than current titles in the series, which have sold about 10 million copies worldwide.

The games has a "cartoon-feel" and has been made simpler to play, with more emphasis on participation and fun than skill and strategy.

EA and the game's developer, Dice, have not specified how adverts will work in the game, nor what type of in-game content will be available for purchase.

 

[knobshine]

LINK

The games has a "cartoon-feel" and has been made simpler to play, with more emphasis on participation and fun than skill and strategy.

Now I want to play XIII again. Are they still making a sequel?

Hmmm, lets just hope that the game companies will still make good games for the public (eg. games that while not earning mass appeal still develop cult status in niche groups) and not for advertisers (eg. lots of eye candy, fun for a day or two).

 

[medicnick83]

TF2 also has a 'cartoon-feel' and its a very good game (or so I'm told)

But I wonder if this new thing from EA will ruin the BF name... like C&C: Soul Survivor did to C&C back in the day.