GI.biz has posted up the results of a study on the effectiveness of in-game ads...suprise!  They work when they don't look ass! Ironically, I found the advertisement on their webpage more interesting...

You see, ever in search of something news-worthy to share with you - we often delve into the world of business and figures - hoping there might be revealed some tasty tidbit of a new title on the books or doom spelled out in the company leger.  But - quite frankly - more often than not - these pieces are boring - and obvious.

The report, put together by the UK and the Internet Advertising Bureau, points out the obvious - and I quote:
Among the research findings: gamers are receptive to brand messages, adverts do not spoil or interrupt enjoyment of games provided they are sensitively placed, and gamers see and accept advertising as realistic.

DUH!  Of course we want realistic looking ads.  I don't need to see a Cola ad in my World of Warcraft.  And while I don't particulary 'want' to see ads, if they are placed IN CONTEXT then it's fine with me.  I can appreciate that if I want to play Arena of Doominess 4, the publisher needs to make a buck.

In a real play of irony - I found my attention drifting from the boring, and obvious, list of facts to the advert (shown above) put together by Free Radical - you know, the guys behind HAZE?  It's a recruitment advert - and a hilarious one at that.  I'd recommend it if you've got the time - keep refreshing the page until this one shows.  CNET wins some money, you can catch up on your boring and obvious industry facts - and - in time - you'll be treated to Dave Doak, and team's, hilarious little advert.

Online advertising - is it effective?  I'd say so