Advertising - a judicious mixture of flattery and threats.

Sony Computer Entertainment America has filed a patent that could see video games interrupted by compulsory adverts. The patent's abstract describes the suspension of "interactive content" in order to display an advertisement, after which interaction resumes.

To date all in-game advertising has been product placement and visual advertising in the potential eye path of gamers (such as at the side of the road on racing games). This patent suggest that a new, and much more aggressive form of, advertising is being considered. It will probably be similar to traditional television advertising.

The patent also covers gaming in which 'multiple users' interact with the content. This confirms Sony want to take advertising to online gaming. I'd make a guess that this would be implemented before or after a round or match, for example before starting a new round you get shown an advert for a soft drink or fast food.

Would you like your game to be interrupted so that marketing companies can push new products aggressively in your face?

Source: DigitalSpy

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