The different kinds of Ad Games and their use

The decision for an Ad Game can be made a lot easier for a prospect if at least the genre for the final game is known. There are for example the so called “Jump and Run” games. In these Advergames the player controls a character that jumps and runs through the playing field which is built like a labyrinth. Furthermore there are the “Shooters” (action games) in which it matters how fast the player is able to react. Of course one could also decide for an adventure game as an advertising game. In this kind of Ad Game the player influences the course of the game through decisions within a predetermined story. Besides the already explained genres there are also text adventures, simulation, strategy, role playing and sports games as advertising games.

If one looks past the different kinds of Ad Games, the question which gain exactly the advertiser can get by using Advergames comes up. Which added value does such an advertising game have for the advertiser?

The use of Advergames

Considering the usual cost of marketing measures with which an advertiser is confronted, the use of Ad Games is far more affordable. On the basis of acquiring new customers and bonding with them an advertising game is a modern and favored method to deliver advertising messages. It is undeniable that an Ad Game is effective because one is able to reach all targeted groups over a longer period of time. The more people spend time with an Ad Game the more they get to see the advertisement message and take it in consciously.

With „normal“ advertisement measures like they appear in print media for example, less people are reached – more and more look to the internet for information. This shows clearly how much potential an Ad Game used as a marketing measure carries. The internet is a mass medium. Therefore a well placed Advergame will also be discovered and played by masses.

Ad-Games and viral marketing

By placing an Ad Game on the internet the real advertisement measure kicks in and gets even more efficient through viral marketing. Viral marketing is nothing else than word of mouth which is known since centuries. This concept is exercised in every aspect of life and therefore also with Advergames. Every single person has given out countless recommendations in his life. This is natural human behavior. And solely through this way, a recommendation by one person to another, the Ad Game “Moorhuhn” became so hugely popular. The first players were amazed by “Moorhuhn” and told their friends, co-workers and relatives about the advertising game. Those did also have fun with the little game and also recommended it. This kept repeating until nearly everyone knew of the Ad Game.
If transferred directly to the Ad Game as advertising instrument this means: If a game gets recommended the advertising message also gets recommended.