In-Game ads to be measured by Nielsen, IGA

IGA serves up ads for online games and says quantifiable numbers are needed so that advertisers know exactly what they are buying and how it will be seen. Correct metrics will likely encourage more advertisers to join in-game advertising networks. For its part, Nielsen will utilize BASES research panels which will measure how brand awareness, purchase intent and sales conversions are affected by in-game ads.

Many advertisers have been reluctant to jump on the gaming bandwagon because of the lack of research into how ads are actually seen. This study, along with a resent study from Screen Digest could change that. According to the Screen Digest study adults are a fast-growing base for online games. Researchers have also found that users actually want in-game advertising in the form on billboards and other options because the ads add to the realism of the online games.

eMarketer senior analyst Paul Verna said, "In general, MMOGs do not lend themselves as readily to in-game display advertising or product placements as many console games do. On the other hand, the fact that MMOG players are, by definition, online makes them attractive to marketers looking to expose their brands to a connected audience."

Tags: in-game advertising, online games