Known for saying, “it’s in the game”, Electronic Arts might penalize players who have long indulged in their AAA games. An increasing amount of advertisements and upsells have been plaguing the video game world for a while now. However, the cherry on top of this disastrous sundae has to be the fact that EA already has an absurd amount of revenue coming in. Reports are stating that they’re considering running advertisements inside of video games. What could possibly be their reasoning for including in-game ads for titles that gamers pay an already hefty price for?
What Are AAA Games?
In short, AAA game titles are those that are created with a substantial budget and have a large number of developers working to produce the game. For example, EA Games has put out games like The Sims, Need For Speed, FIFA, Apex Legends, and more. In terms of sport-related games, EA is a household name that’s well-known amongst serious gamers and novices alike.
What’s even more critical about AAA titles is the price point behind them, with most being anywhere from $50 – $70 (unless you’re Destiny 2, of course). In contrast, indie games are relatively cheaper, typically around the $10 – $20 price range, and have a much smaller team behind them. Some gamers prefer indie titles and find the other video games to be cash grabs.
EA Makes A Costly Choice
The recent talk surrounding EA’s decision to incorporate in-game ads may actually do the opposite of what they were hoping would transpire from it. Although EA has been weaving sponsored ads into their sporting games since the beginning, fans have written it off as making the game more realistic to live sporting events. The stands in NFL games have ads, so of course Madden does.
However, now EA is tempting fate as they are also stating that they want to use AI for their game development. Up to 60% of their game development could be impacted by AI, so one has to wonder, how much of their games will be using in-game ads? This doesn’t seem like “employees can thrive and do their best work” like their statement promises. This begs yet another question: Are EA’s AAA titles just as good as a $2 mobile game with advertisements?
In-Game Ads Are Now The Future
For EA, it’s actually not so surprising that they plan to incorporate in-game ads in their biggest games. After all, gaming companies have been increasing their prices and under-delivering content for what seems like years now. Companies are beginning to sell half-finished games and claiming them as “early access”. In reality, we just want a completed game.
To further put salt in the wound, EA Games claims that their reasoning for putting in these advertisements isn’t for the benefit of the players (how could it be?), but because they determine it will be a “meaningful driver of growth” for them. The outrage has begun with gamers and devs uniting along the way, and rightfully so.
Since large gaming corporations have been siphoning money out of gamers not so subtly for years now with in-game transactions, deluxe editions, and DLC, it comes as no surprise that EA is considering this. Although EA isn’t the only company that’s fallen ill to corporate greed, we can only hope that this does not become a trend and gets nipped quickly. Please note that in-game advertisements is currently only a consideration at this stage, but seems likely to happen.
About The Author
Emme Chadwick is a lover of all things video game and tech related. From her first retro Atari gaming system to the coveted SteamDeck, she enjoys all types of gaming. Emme has been a copywriter for 6 years now and graduated top of her class at Southern New Hampshire University. When she’s not writing or gaming, Emme is usually found amongst her friends and family enjoying good food.
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