Threads
- EA is considering ads for full-priced games on top of existing microtransactions.
- This feels like a blatant cash grab, exploiting players paying a premium for these games.
- If EA follows through with the plan, other publishers might follow suit, which could lead to an ad-infested gaming landscape.
The video game industry has been plagued by increasing levels of monetization driven by corporate interests to extract more value from consumers. Game developers have found a reliable income source through live services and in-game purchases.
However, this trend has flooded the market with overpriced in-game items. While players typically agree to purchase these cosmetic extras, the recent news about EA considering the inclusion of ads in their AAA titles feels like a low blow.
Popular live-service titles from EA, such as Battlefield and Apex Legends, are beloved for quality gameplay. But shelling out $70 for a game just to get hit with ads feels like a slap in the face.
It shows a lack of understanding about what gamers appreciate and detracts from the joy of gaming. Considering EA’s usual focus on profits, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to sell a “no ads” edition of the upcoming Mass Effect for over $100.
Why it matters: Watching ads in video games is like being forced to watch a commercial break during the climax of a movie – infuriating and disrespectful.
Way to Ruin the Gaming Experience
EA’s proposal to introduce ads into video games is contentious. In a recent earnings call, EA CEO Andrew Wilson talked about “thoughtful implementations” of ads in their games.
Translation? They want to squeeze more money out of players who’ve already paid full price, potentially at the cost of their gaming experience. I play video games to escape reality, if only for a little while. But if ads start popping up in the middle of my gaming session, it’ll ruin the whole experience.
The thought of me playing a major Mass Effect mission, only to be interrupted by a soda or car ad, already gives me nightmares. It also seems like Microsoft is pushing full-screen ads for their games on the Xbox boot screen.
Imagine coming home from a hard day’s work, switching on your Xbox, and being hit with a game ad trying to push you into buying it.
Other Publishers Might Follow Suit
From a business standpoint, the implementation of ads in video games seems like a smart move. Given the massive amount of time people spend gaming, ads have a huge potential for profit.
However, problems crop up when ads are tossed into games without giving players anything in return. That’s just one of many issues. If EA pursues this plan, it could start a concerning trend. Other big game publishers might follow suit, making ads a regular part of the industry.
We could end up in a world where every quest or loading screen could have an ad slapped on it. Instead of focusing on making awesome games, the priority might shift to squeezing in more ads to make a profit.
That’s not just bad for gamers; it’s a slap in the face to the fans who’ve been backing these franchises for years. Most gamers are okay with microtransactions in free-to-play games since the game itself is free. It’s how developers make money.
However, ads seem like too much when it comes to big-budget AAA titles that we already pay a lot for. We’re already dishing out $70 or more for these games, and then there are season passes, DLCs, and microtransactions on top of that.
Tacking on ads feels like they’re trying to squeeze every penny out of us.
Final Thoughts
Gamers and developers have a bond based on trust. We believe that when we buy a game, it’s made with care and respects our time and cash. However, putting ads in paid games would break that trust.
It feels like EA cares more about making ad money than about our experience. The problem is that players expect to enjoy their games without ads after paying for them.
It’s like streaming services suddenly adding ads but still charging more for ad-free plans. If ads have to be there, at least give players the choice and offer a cheaper version of the game.
It’s disheartening to see the direction the industry could be heading. However, we can influence the future by where we spend our money. We can choose to support developers who respect our time and money and reject those who prioritize profit over player experience.
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Passionate gamer and content creator with vast knowledge of video games, and I enjoy writing content about them. My creativity and ability to think outside the box allow me to approach gaming uniquely. With my dedication to gaming and content creation, I’m constantly exploring new ways to share my passion with others.
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