Sony To Potentially Introduce Adverts in Free-To-Play Games

In an effort to create more free-to-play games for PlayStation, Sony is looking at turning to ads within the games.

Business Insider is reporting that Sony wants to introduce adverts and make them seem like they’re part of the game. The news comes just days after Microsoft announced they’re considering a similar plan for Xbox and Netflix is also considering introducing a lower fee tier with adverts in order to battle revenue losses. 

Free-to-play games soared in popularity in the pandemic and Sony is keen on developing more, but they need the extra moolah to do so. Thus, adverts.

Currently, Sony’s in-game ads are limited to menu screens, but they are looking into ways of furthering those valuable ad opportunities without affecting the gaming experience too much. Ads could be placed within the game on billboards and such as a more natural way of advertising.

Players might also be able to claim rewards after the ads, such as new avatar skins, making it more likely that players watch the ads. 

Ratchet & Clank, Insomniac Games/Sony Interactive Entertainment

According to Business Insider, the ads could be included in games as soon as this year, as Sony has been sneakily working on them for the past 18 months. 

Sony is reported to already be in talks about advertising partners, but is being very strict about it. The company has ruled out collecting personal information, although a source suggested that Sony is considering selling consumer data.