EA pushes ad-backed video games

**MIG-31** · Jan 21, 2008, 05:14 AM

Source: BBC News
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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 will be available only as a download 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 launched a free version of its Fifa game in South Korea, earning more than $1m a month.

BlueMak · Jan 21, 2008, 06:01 AM

I can understand adverts, but what about micro payments? Payments for what? If it is for weapons, levels, other that should be included in a full game from the beginning, they might as well call it Battlefield-Shareware.

I do like the general idea of having ads in game to make it free, as long as the ads make sense in the game world.