Advergames

Product placement in video games can be as simple as having a billboard or a soda machine. However, taken to its extreme, product placement can include building actual video games to be distributed or played on the company's website. Other games can be played on free sites such as shockwave.com, and are themed around Lifesavers, Coca-Cola, or GMC Trucks. Lifesavers can be game pieces, bowling pins decorated with brand logos, or characters can interact with products. Regardless, company-produced advergames allow complete control for companies. They can demand how products are shown, how they are used, and, trust me, these games can be addictive and popular.

In this article, Julie Roehm of Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep marketing, states, "gaming is a fun and creative way to increase brand awareness, build brand loyalty and educate consumers on vehicle attributes." Gaming, as I stated in my last entry, is a way to reach an audience that is lowering their TV watching in order to dedicate more time to gameplay. Advergaming is a way to have complete control over a gamer's product interactions. Media buyers and advertisers today are always looking for the best way to control audience perception and interaction, and advergaming allows just that.

For more info, check out:
my classmate's blog
Livesaver's Candystand.com