Advergaming is one of the most effective tools of viral advertising. It is commonly defined as the use of interactive video gaming technologies to deliver embedded marketing messages to consumers. Video games are one of the fastest growing forms of entertainment. To put it simply, advergaming means to advertise with a computer game.

There are many ways to distribute a game. Web-based advergames are mostly published on the Internet, reaching a wide range of audience, and collect responses quickly. Another similar way to distribute a game is mobile platforms or digital TV’s. Traditionally, games can be recorded into portable media like CDs, and sent to consumers directly. It depends on the marketing strategy and limitations of the campaign. However it can be said that most popular and effective way to distribute an advergame is the Internet. Web-games are quickly-loaded, easily reachable interactive applications which also allow marketing professionals to build a web-community where they can generate a large user database for further use.

Advergames can be created as a simple arcade game or even as a full-sized game that take players hours to complete.

For detailed information about advergame development process please refer to our “Methodology” Page.

There are many examples. To experience some of them and read our case studies please visit our “Showcase” section.

There are games for children as well as some for adults. Actually most of the web-games are designed for an adult audience. In a research made in the US, the average age of computer and video game players is calculated as 29. In 2003, almost 90 million people are counted to have visited online gaming sites. %20 of male population play computer games more than they watch television. It is also suggested that female players prefer casual games more than men. Considering the casual games, in a recent study conducted by CEA, it is put forth that there are more women gamers than males in the 25-35 age range. Most of the web-games are designed as casual games; because they are easier to learn and loaded faster. It is also said that women may also be buying these games for their husband or children.

TV Commercials can be zapped, on-board advertisements can be ignored. However games are much more engaging and addictive. Advergames are the only media tool where consumers willingly and repeatedly involve to. Games are played more than once in a short period of time. Advergames can also incorporate information about a product’s competitive features by using the game to educate consumers. Advergames can engage audiences for long durations, between 5-90 minutes.