battle of the ads

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



The expected progression of gaming, more a matter of 'when' than 'if'. Be interesting to see who follows. More importantly I feel this highlights the reliance of ad revenue than the platform, which is secondary to the marketing options available.
EA's spin on it is this -

"We're removing all barriers to entry and we hope there is broader audience for the title. You will be able to play this game on grandma's laptop."

which could cynically translate as -

"Basically anyone can 'get' the game and play it so we can reach more people with more ad tie-ins. Cha-ching $$$$"

;)

It shall remain to be seen whether actual game play and development takes a back seat to the influx of ad dollars...

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