Microsoft, EA Ink Game Advertising Deal

By Geoff Duncan July 25, 2007

Microsoft, EA Ink Game Advertising Deal

One the heels of last week’s odd executive swap which saw a former EA leader take over Xbox and Games for Windows businesses and Xbox head Peter Moore depart for EA Sports, Microsoft has inked a deal with leading video game publisher Electronic Arts which brings five of EA’s leading sports titles into Microsoft’s in-game advertising service, Massive Network. The move could be a significant victory for Microsoft in the still-nascent game advertising business, giving the company a significant leg up over Google and other rivals—especially since one of the EA titles included in the deal is the perennial best-seller Madden NFL. Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

Microsoft acquired Massive, Inc., back in May of 2006, in an effort to jump start its own video game advertising business. In-game advertising aims to draw additional revenue from video games titles—particularly online games—by placing ads for real-world products and services in appropriate locations in video games: for instance, a pizza boz might promote a real-life pizza chain, and images on in-game billboards and TVs might promote real products or current film releases.

“We’re thrilled to be EA’s trusted partner for dynamic in-game advertising for these products,” said Cory Van Arsdale, CEO of Massive, in a statement. “The addition of EA’s leading titles to our network represents a tremendous opportunity for brands targeting the youth demographic and sends a clear message that in-game advertising has arrived as a compelling medium for marketers.”

EA titles included in the deal include Madden NFL 08 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 for Xbox 360 and PC, along with Xbox 360 versions of NASCAR 08,NHL 08, and the forthcoming Skate.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Gaming

Best PS5 game deals: discounts on the best games of 2023

Ellie pets a giraffe in The Last of Us Part I.

If you've just picked up a new PlayStation 5, then you're probably looking for some great video game deals to help pad out your library, especially since modern AAA games cost an arm and a leg. Luckily, there are a lot of great deals to be had, even on some of the best PS5 Games on the market, as well as some older stuff, so you have a whole host of options to pick from. On the other hand, if you haven't bought a PS5 yet, you may want to check out one of these PS5 deals, as well as a few other PlayStation deals for accessories and the like.
Marvel Midnight Suns: Enhanced Edition — $20, was $30

Marvel: Midnight Suns is an XCOM-like where you combat the forces of evil with an array of heroes, not agents. While the game was released around the same time as Marvel Snap, and also features cards, don't think of it as a quick pick-me-up game. Instead, it features a full-length campaign. The enhanced edition includes post-launch DLC content, giving you a more complete experience, as well as premium skins, so you can see your favorite hero in the style you like.

Gaming

Best Nintendo Switch deals: consoles, games, and accessories

Original Switch next to Switch OLED.

There is a lot of competition in the handheld market right now, and it seems like there's a new handheld coming out nearly every other month. Even so, the Nintendo Switch is still easily one of the best handheld consoles on the market, and with three options to pick from: the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, or Nintendo Switch OLED, everybody has something to enjoy. Of course, the Nintendo Switch, its games, and its various accessories can be expensive, which is why we've collected some of our favorite deals below, even though there aren't a ton of great deals on the Nintendo Switch itself.

We've also collected some great Nintendo Switch video game deals and accessories deals, so be sure to check out those, too. Or, if you'd rather one of the more traditional consoles, check out these game console deals instead.
Best Nintendo Switch deals
Nintendo Switch OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition -- $320, was $360

Gaming

Best gaming headset deals: PS5, Xbox and PC

The Razer Nari Ultimate gaming headset with a gaming PC.

If you want to go online and do a serious bit of gaming, especially in a multiplayer game, then grabbing yourself one of the best gaming headsets out there is probably the way to go. Of course, going for a high-end gaming headset can be expensive, but there are some great options in the mid and budget-range that you could grab instead. That will help you save a little extra while still getting a relatively good experience, which is why we've gone out and found our favorite gaming headset deals to save you a bit of trouble. Make sure you're grabbing a headset for the right system. While gaming PC deals and gaming console deals like PlayStation deals and Xbox deals often use the same headsets, it's not always a guarantee. Also, while you're here, you may want to check out these great video game deals to stock up on some games.
Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50 wired gaming headset — $25, was $36

The Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50 wired gaming headset is one of the most affordable options in the market right now, but it has most of what you would need from a gaming headset. It’s equipped with high-quality 40mm speakers and an adjustable high-sensitivity microphone that will make your voice loud and clear when you talk. You can also remove the microphone when you’re not using it, and there are in-line controls in the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50’s cable for volume and muting the microphone.