fitbabits
02-08-2007, 09:41 AM
CaptStu pointed this out to me...
ClickZ News (http://clickz.com/showPage.html?page=3624903) is reporting that Microsoft has decided to share ad revenue with smaller game developers.
Casual game developers often have their games published on sites such as MSN Games and RealArcade for a standard fee. A new model includes a share of ad revenues, potentially opening a new revenue stream -- with a few tweaks to the game code.
Microsoft announced yesterday the start of an ad share program on MSN Games. Participating developers will get 10 to 20 percent of ad revenues on existing and future games, depending on the level of modification each title undergoes. Level I allows for a 10 percent share of the ads, with few changes to allow ads in the game. For 20 percent of ad revenues, Level II requires modifications such as localization, ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, and inclusion of a "deluxe" game experience with at least 10 hours of Web-based play. Engaging gameplay of that length was previously reserved for purchased games. Developers would also create a more abbreviated version for gamers to try before buying.
"We'll start to see more in-depth games where they're trying to engage the player for a longer time, rather than have them buy a game," said Chris Early, studio manager for Microsoft's casual games division. "This is opening another revenue stream for the developers."
ClickZ News (http://clickz.com/showPage.html?page=3624903) is reporting that Microsoft has decided to share ad revenue with smaller game developers.
Casual game developers often have their games published on sites such as MSN Games and RealArcade for a standard fee. A new model includes a share of ad revenues, potentially opening a new revenue stream -- with a few tweaks to the game code.
Microsoft announced yesterday the start of an ad share program on MSN Games. Participating developers will get 10 to 20 percent of ad revenues on existing and future games, depending on the level of modification each title undergoes. Level I allows for a 10 percent share of the ads, with few changes to allow ads in the game. For 20 percent of ad revenues, Level II requires modifications such as localization, ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, and inclusion of a "deluxe" game experience with at least 10 hours of Web-based play. Engaging gameplay of that length was previously reserved for purchased games. Developers would also create a more abbreviated version for gamers to try before buying.
"We'll start to see more in-depth games where they're trying to engage the player for a longer time, rather than have them buy a game," said Chris Early, studio manager for Microsoft's casual games division. "This is opening another revenue stream for the developers."