Battlefield 2142 In-game Ads Use Spyware Tactics
by Funky Diver · 10/19/2006 (12:39 pm) · 32 comments
The advertising technology scans your computer, finds out where you live
Electronic Arts today announced that Battlefield 2142 has shipped to retailers in North America and Europe for the PC. After ripping open the box, but before putting the disc into their systems, gamers may notice a slip of paper with a disclaimer written on it. CGW Podcast read the disclaimer on air, which we have transcribed below:
"The software may incorporate technology developed by IGA Worldwide, the advertising technology. The purpose of the advertising technology is to deliver in-game ads when you use the software while connected to the Internet. When you use the software while connected to the Internet, the advertising technology may record your IP address and other anonymous information. That advertising data is temporarily used by IGA to enable the presentation and measurement of in-game ads and other in-game object which are uploaded temporarily to the your PC or game console, and change during online gameplay. The advertising technology does not collect personal or identifiable information about you."
Yeah, baby!
Install spyware, do it, please, on top of those $50 that we for the game...
Electronic Arts today announced that Battlefield 2142 has shipped to retailers in North America and Europe for the PC. After ripping open the box, but before putting the disc into their systems, gamers may notice a slip of paper with a disclaimer written on it. CGW Podcast read the disclaimer on air, which we have transcribed below:
"The software may incorporate technology developed by IGA Worldwide, the advertising technology. The purpose of the advertising technology is to deliver in-game ads when you use the software while connected to the Internet. When you use the software while connected to the Internet, the advertising technology may record your IP address and other anonymous information. That advertising data is temporarily used by IGA to enable the presentation and measurement of in-game ads and other in-game object which are uploaded temporarily to the your PC or game console, and change during online gameplay. The advertising technology does not collect personal or identifiable information about you."
Yeah, baby!
Install spyware, do it, please, on top of those $50 that we for the game...
About the author
#2
For example, in soccer games, the ads add a touch of realism in the game, and the players don't complain at all.
Added to this, there is no spyware at all...
Ads should lower the cost of the game, logically.
But EA wants to lay down the law, they don't want to serve the players and reduce the cost of their games, they want more money! They are very poor you know...
It wouldn't be surprising to find a crack on the net, to eliminate the spyware... Good job EA!
10/19/2006 (1:01 pm)
In-game ads are not a problem if they are part of the game.For example, in soccer games, the ads add a touch of realism in the game, and the players don't complain at all.
Added to this, there is no spyware at all...
Ads should lower the cost of the game, logically.
But EA wants to lay down the law, they don't want to serve the players and reduce the cost of their games, they want more money! They are very poor you know...
It wouldn't be surprising to find a crack on the net, to eliminate the spyware... Good job EA!
#3
Summary of my opinion? Unless there's a clear benefit to the consumer, they will likely balk.
If the game was being sold for $20 instead of full price, MAYBE. But it's attached to a best-selling franchise. So maybe I'll be surprised and dissapointed and consumers will roll over and take it. Usher in a new era.
I know I won't be getting it. I'm still frustrated by BF2.
10/19/2006 (1:14 pm)
I just ranted on this yesterday. Summary of my opinion? Unless there's a clear benefit to the consumer, they will likely balk.
If the game was being sold for $20 instead of full price, MAYBE. But it's attached to a best-selling franchise. So maybe I'll be surprised and dissapointed and consumers will roll over and take it. Usher in a new era.
I know I won't be getting it. I'm still frustrated by BF2.
#4
10/19/2006 (1:15 pm)
I enjoyed the demo and was probably going to pick it up. Then I heard about this, now I most likely won't.
#5
My 2c on game ads, if they aren't interrupting my gameplay and in my face interrupting my experience, I don't really care. The placement of a coke machine, pepsi, whatever. Stuff I might see in real life and it isn't obviously a contrived element - it's cool. An NPC taking out a butterfinger and asking me if I want some might be over the top...
I wouldn't mind having an ad appear on the lobby screen as long as it is small enough to ignore (provided there was some benefit to me and not just additional revenue to the publisher - the PUBLISHER...). Maybe they are supporting extra persistent game servers with it? I doubt it:)
In game ads are OK, but for NO reason flash up a fullscreen ad at me during:
> Gameplay
> Loading screens
> Debriefing or conclusion screens
Back in 1998 or so, I was a bored RADAR instructor at a training center in California. I wrote a 15 page design document during labs and tests for a space based MMO with ingame ads to support persistent world services (so folks that bought the game wouldn't have to pay a monthly fee to play) and sent it to EA. I did get a kind letter in return along with a submission package, but didn't do anything about it.. I think I was too interested in playing a game called Tribes ;-) Passed up an opportunity, or at least a potential path for starting what is a hobby for me now as a profession many years ago -- who knew...
The kinds of ads I imagined were video billboards on the sides of freighters, at ports, etc... Familiar stuff that would be cool, mostly subtle, and not over the top or even obviously an ad in most cases.
10/19/2006 (1:31 pm)
Same here. I really dig the franchise. Great guys there too. My 2c on game ads, if they aren't interrupting my gameplay and in my face interrupting my experience, I don't really care. The placement of a coke machine, pepsi, whatever. Stuff I might see in real life and it isn't obviously a contrived element - it's cool. An NPC taking out a butterfinger and asking me if I want some might be over the top...
I wouldn't mind having an ad appear on the lobby screen as long as it is small enough to ignore (provided there was some benefit to me and not just additional revenue to the publisher - the PUBLISHER...). Maybe they are supporting extra persistent game servers with it? I doubt it:)
In game ads are OK, but for NO reason flash up a fullscreen ad at me during:
> Gameplay
> Loading screens
> Debriefing or conclusion screens
Back in 1998 or so, I was a bored RADAR instructor at a training center in California. I wrote a 15 page design document during labs and tests for a space based MMO with ingame ads to support persistent world services (so folks that bought the game wouldn't have to pay a monthly fee to play) and sent it to EA. I did get a kind letter in return along with a submission package, but didn't do anything about it.. I think I was too interested in playing a game called Tribes ;-) Passed up an opportunity, or at least a potential path for starting what is a hobby for me now as a profession many years ago -- who knew...
The kinds of ads I imagined were video billboards on the sides of freighters, at ports, etc... Familiar stuff that would be cool, mostly subtle, and not over the top or even obviously an ad in most cases.
#6
10/19/2006 (1:34 pm)
I think the point here is that untill you actually buy the game, you are not aware. That is unacceptable.
#7
@James you are absolutely, 100% correct. How can I agree to something I can't even read til it's too late to return the item? This has always been a big problem.
10/19/2006 (1:39 pm)
Why pay $50 and deal with this adware crap to play BF2142 when you can just play Tribes 2?@James you are absolutely, 100% correct. How can I agree to something I can't even read til it's too late to return the item? This has always been a big problem.
#8
I did read an unofficial post that it only monitors what you look at in-game; ie, how long you stare at a Victoria's Secret ad versus a Nissan ad and it sends those stats to the server just like any other BF2142 stat. I can see some use for both the game maker and ad-buyer in that they'd actually have some physical statistics as to whether or not the ads are worth the money. I don't know if this is true.
OTOH, all of it still feels a little creepy and I won't be buying a game I had previously looked forward to.
10/19/2006 (1:49 pm)
Well, while I don't like ads I also know that game development is getting more expensive (unless you're an indie ;) ). Spyware is a different matter altogether.I did read an unofficial post that it only monitors what you look at in-game; ie, how long you stare at a Victoria's Secret ad versus a Nissan ad and it sends those stats to the server just like any other BF2142 stat. I can see some use for both the game maker and ad-buyer in that they'd actually have some physical statistics as to whether or not the ads are worth the money. I don't know if this is true.
OTOH, all of it still feels a little creepy and I won't be buying a game I had previously looked forward to.
#9
Also, I think this AD system is great, but I really don't see the point of EA using this feature for a 'hit' game (so they say) that is selling millions of overpriced copies already. Not to mention that if any company using in-game ADS they should make it clear 'what' info will be exactly taken from the user's PC. Saying 'no personal information' will be taken is like reading all those spam mails telling you to get free penis transplant ANYWHERE you please (OK, bad example).
This system is great for Indies.. but for a 50$ game selling millions and being funded by a publisher like EA.. screw that. Of all the money they blow on useless advertising for lame games, they can use those millions to fund random titles by making them bug-free and adding new features that ACTUALLY are fun.
10/19/2006 (2:10 pm)
2142 is way more stupid compared to BF2 itself (try the demo yourself). I'd rather play Quake Wars any-day over BF anything.Also, I think this AD system is great, but I really don't see the point of EA using this feature for a 'hit' game (so they say) that is selling millions of overpriced copies already. Not to mention that if any company using in-game ADS they should make it clear 'what' info will be exactly taken from the user's PC. Saying 'no personal information' will be taken is like reading all those spam mails telling you to get free penis transplant ANYWHERE you please (OK, bad example).
This system is great for Indies.. but for a 50$ game selling millions and being funded by a publisher like EA.. screw that. Of all the money they blow on useless advertising for lame games, they can use those millions to fund random titles by making them bug-free and adding new features that ACTUALLY are fun.
#10
Our company has already discussed this, and if and when we ever decide to use ads in games, we will only use them at the very beginning loading screen or launchpad, nothing in game what so ever.
Btw, one other note on EA's new "adware" you may have to uninstall a windows security update to actually play the game due to the adware.
10/19/2006 (3:46 pm)
Well, it was coming folks. Ads in games will appear wether we like it or not. I don't like it anymore than most of you, but it will happen. Our company has already discussed this, and if and when we ever decide to use ads in games, we will only use them at the very beginning loading screen or launchpad, nothing in game what so ever.
Btw, one other note on EA's new "adware" you may have to uninstall a windows security update to actually play the game due to the adware.
#11
The root of all these problems I believe are EULA's. Instead of having government mandated laws, individual corporations make their own laws. Copyright law was originally designed to prevent such things. Copyright law gave acceptable rights to both copyright holders and consumers. Now that we have DRM, adware, and so on, the landscape is much different. Why doesn't the governement step in and supply some sort of laws that make things acceptable for both the producer and the consumer? That would be a logical step in the right direction.
10/19/2006 (4:30 pm)
I know this sounds sort of purist, but if I actually pay money for a product, there should be no ads, no matter what. If you want to charge 100 dollars for your game then fine, if its really THAT good, I will still buy it. The same thing has happened with DVD's. You spend all that money for a DVD, and at the start there are unskippable ads. In my opinion that is not acceptable.The root of all these problems I believe are EULA's. Instead of having government mandated laws, individual corporations make their own laws. Copyright law was originally designed to prevent such things. Copyright law gave acceptable rights to both copyright holders and consumers. Now that we have DRM, adware, and so on, the landscape is much different. Why doesn't the governement step in and supply some sort of laws that make things acceptable for both the producer and the consumer? That would be a logical step in the right direction.
#12
Free expansions/levels/major updates = Good Ads
Greedy Corporate Pockets = Bad Ads!
10/19/2006 (4:54 pm)
So... It records your IP Adress to download in-game ads judging by what ones in-game you look at most... Like Gmail? I might have missed the point here, but for me it depends on what the advertising revenue is used for. Free expansions/levels/major updates = Good Ads
Greedy Corporate Pockets = Bad Ads!
#13
With more and more people using DVR's to record television and seeking other alternatives to entertaiment (Video games, MMORPG games) it's natural for the commerical sucking parasites to look for a new place to peddle their stuff. EA is more than happy to provided such a place in addition to charging the same price for games. Games are interactive, and the player can't just time skip the commerical.
The only way to say no, is not to purchase the product. It is unfortunate that most of the younger generation is so accustomed to commericals and so prized on fast now enterainment, will purchase it anyway.
As an Indy you have a choice. Do you want your game to be like a book, or like a magazine?
10/19/2006 (5:12 pm)
A good book doesn't have ads, nor anything to take your attention away from the story. A book doesn't record where you read it, how long you take reading a paragraph, or change it's words. With more and more people using DVR's to record television and seeking other alternatives to entertaiment (Video games, MMORPG games) it's natural for the commerical sucking parasites to look for a new place to peddle their stuff. EA is more than happy to provided such a place in addition to charging the same price for games. Games are interactive, and the player can't just time skip the commerical.
The only way to say no, is not to purchase the product. It is unfortunate that most of the younger generation is so accustomed to commericals and so prized on fast now enterainment, will purchase it anyway.
As an Indy you have a choice. Do you want your game to be like a book, or like a magazine?
#14
10/19/2006 (5:38 pm)
I won't buy it and I own all the previous titles. Bunch of @$$ clowns at EA!
#15
Sometimes magazines with ads are a better alternative. :P
Just saying, this option is good for Indie developers if used properly (that is, don't spam ADS left and right). I remember in SWAT4 (Sierra), the ads would appear on posters and computers, which was actually very realistic and provided welcome change and 'real world' feel to the game as well. But soon it went haywire with 20 '50 Cent' posters appearing all over the place.. then we just blocked them in the end. I still think it was pretty good system, but SWAT4 developers messed it up by releasing no patch for prob the best tactical shooter out there after Raven Shield. Guess they made the money they wanted for next title.
EDIT: Oh and EA can do this right. On NFS (Underground series esp.) games, ADS would appear on billboards, was pretty cool, and I really don't mind them.. I hardly even noticed them (only remember Wal-Mart ads).
10/19/2006 (5:42 pm)
@DennisSometimes magazines with ads are a better alternative. :P
Just saying, this option is good for Indie developers if used properly (that is, don't spam ADS left and right). I remember in SWAT4 (Sierra), the ads would appear on posters and computers, which was actually very realistic and provided welcome change and 'real world' feel to the game as well. But soon it went haywire with 20 '50 Cent' posters appearing all over the place.. then we just blocked them in the end. I still think it was pretty good system, but SWAT4 developers messed it up by releasing no patch for prob the best tactical shooter out there after Raven Shield. Guess they made the money they wanted for next title.
EDIT: Oh and EA can do this right. On NFS (Underground series esp.) games, ADS would appear on billboards, was pretty cool, and I really don't mind them.. I hardly even noticed them (only remember Wal-Mart ads).
#16
10/19/2006 (6:54 pm)
Just my 5c worth, Anarchy Online has used in game advertising for a while, the difference is that they allow users to play the base game with no expansions for no monthly fee, which is something that was a good example of using advertising in game. So as others have already pointed out, it can be used for good, as well as evil.
#17
Obviously even EA realises how dodgy this is to the point they have a separate agreement on paper. Love how the warning comes inside the box, so you can't actually return the blasted thing once you find out about the spyware bullshit.
10/19/2006 (7:16 pm)
I'm surprised nobody's posted up the photo of the "Licence Agreement" yet:Obviously even EA realises how dodgy this is to the point they have a separate agreement on paper. Love how the warning comes inside the box, so you can't actually return the blasted thing once you find out about the spyware bullshit.
#18
Though EA should mention what exactly is being transfered in that 'no personal info' part on and from player's PC.
10/19/2006 (7:30 pm)
Actually, they pretty much made it clear that this game will feature advertising from the start in many interviews (I think on IGN or Gamespy). People who bought it should already know about this (hell, I read a lot about a game I want to purchase), and probably are OK with advertising and know what it involves.Though EA should mention what exactly is being transfered in that 'no personal info' part on and from player's PC.
#19
10/19/2006 (8:17 pm)
Go society! I have to agree that this is utter garbage. At the very least you should have the option of allowing the advertisments on/off. Seriously, people get a game to escape reality and now people are being bombarded with advertisments in game. I have to admit that as a kid I really liked seeing ads in games. Pizza Hut signs in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was awesome in my opinion. It seemed to validate the game and make it more 'real'. I guess you could say I see it both ways. I can see it as beneficial and detrimental. Any way you look at it though there should be an option to enable or disable it.
#20
Like LEAVING pumping shooters in a Subscription space combat game AFTER Halloween lol and cutting laser damage to 1/4 of original etc.. almost as bad as how Smedley and SOE run a MMOG.
This is what happens when you put Suits in charge of creative staff and why Garage Games is so important to give us tools to get around the creative "spin jobs" these people try to serve.
Now SOE did get the in game ad's first in Planetside and they let people play free to Battle Rank 6 (a certification / gear restriction). Which is cool...
EA little more slippery.. like this forced "EA Downloader" tool they put on your pc. I will not buy 2142.. it's good but I am washing my hands of EA.. they pissed me off one to many times.
10/19/2006 (8:38 pm)
EA found these guys and gobbled them up.. EA has a habit of ruining good games like Earth & Beyond..Like LEAVING pumping shooters in a Subscription space combat game AFTER Halloween lol and cutting laser damage to 1/4 of original etc.. almost as bad as how Smedley and SOE run a MMOG.
This is what happens when you put Suits in charge of creative staff and why Garage Games is so important to give us tools to get around the creative "spin jobs" these people try to serve.
Now SOE did get the in game ad's first in Planetside and they let people play free to Battle Rank 6 (a certification / gear restriction). Which is cool...
EA little more slippery.. like this forced "EA Downloader" tool they put on your pc. I will not buy 2142.. it's good but I am washing my hands of EA.. they pissed me off one to many times.
Torque 3D Owner Michael Cozzolino
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