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Electronic Arts, the publisher behind the Need For Speed and Battlefield franchises, has found a new way of extracting money out of its players. The genius idea is putting timely ads in their AAA titles, which players buy for $70 or more. As odd as the statement sounds, fans have taken this report by EA to Reddit, conveying their response to in-game ads by memes that deliver the message in the best way possible: via laughs.
5. “EA Is Testing In-Game Ads – Here’s How It Works”
Instagram user @estarland has shared an image from the game Dead Space 2, where Isaac is getting eye surgery. This is one of the most horrific scenes in the game, and I myself can’t deny a nightmare whenever I hear the game’s name, including now. Isaac puts a needle in his eye socket to insert data into his brain, just like how EA plans to do so with their in-game ads. Imagine being forced to watch something so that you can customize your car in Need For Speed; just like that. *Shivers*
4. “They have literally been a thing since 2142”
Did you know that EA has been putting in-game ads in their titles since 2006? Nah, it’s just a joke, but look at that Pepsi billboard there. Of course, it’s a meme; EA won’t be integrating ads in their game like this. As long as we don’t have to watch 30-second long ads for upgrading weapons and unlocking attachments, we’re good.
3. “What A Great Decision”
Brands have been around in the racing games since forever, and it is undoubtedly a type of advertisement. But they’re related to the subject of the game; like BMW cars in Need For Speed, and Adidas kits in FC 24. The Reddit post above shows billboards for any type of ads in the games, and hell I’m even ok with that to some extent. The ill will rears its ugly head if EA decides to add pop-up ads in games you’re paying real money to purchase and play. Which is the majority of them, right?
2. “Gg game. All we want now is ads”
Remaking 2005’s Need For Speed: Most Wanted? Not quite. Fixing Battlefield 2042 issues and making it look as good as its trailer? No, sir. Instead, EA knows exactly what we need right now: in-game ads. The post above shows how broken the game is. A comment says “You need to purchase the “body” monthly live service DLC skin pack for $11.99″ meaning EA will be charging players over some of the most basic in-game items. True nightmare fuel, eh?
1. “Finally playing $80 Battlefield 2025!!!”
After a needless long loading screen, you’re treated with “Whopper” in-game ads before starting the match. If that isn’t what makes the next Battlefield game great, then what will? McDonald’s ads plastered all over the screen as you’re preparing yourself to fight the boss battle in the next Jedi game? Oh, Lordie, we hope not.
Even if this statement by EA never comes to fruition, the idea of in-game ads has been discussed internally, and we can’t deny that. If we’re playing a free mobile game and ads pop up all over the screen, we can just about put up with that. But to add pop-up ads and call it a $70 AAA game? No, sir! That’s definitely where we draw the line.
