Are there any advergames that don’t suck? I’ve seen the stats: Millions of Internet users play casual games. OK, now add in the notion of “engagement.” What do you get? Lots of advertiser casual games. As a reporter, I play these games. I’ve urinated on cats in the name of establishing a relationship with Meaty Bone, washed babies to identify with Johnson’s, and most recently hurled Charmin at polar bears. Other than a few of the auto games, I simply don’t get them. Maybe it’s because middle-aged women are the more likely profile of the casual gamer, but these experiences leave a lot to be desired. The most annoying part is the brand, ever eager to appease the in-control consumer, makes them totally unchallenging. Has anyone seen an actual compelling casual advergame? —Posted by Brian Morrissey

December 19, 2007 in Morrissey | Permalink

Comments

---

C'mon Brian! You must have read my report on this (back in the day...): "Advergaming: Integrate Awareness and Action Strategies to Drive Results".

That's always been the "thing" with advergames: somewhere there's a balance that makes all the engagement actually lead to an increase in purchase-likelihood. As opposed to simply an increasing in advergaming-playing-likelihood.

Posted by: Gary Stein | Dec 19, 2007 1:35:22 PM

Gary,
That report's a classic. It's in my all-time top 10, you know that. I love integrated awareness and action strategies.

But what advergame would you recommend as actually compelling on its own?

Posted by: Brian M. | Dec 19, 2007 1:59:46 PM

This advergame doesnt suck

http://www.dirtyrolling.com/

enjoy.

Posted by: craig elimeliah | Dec 19, 2007 11:40:04 PM

This advergame may still suck, but at least it is not unchallenging. It doesn't make that much sense, which is part of the charm. Takes forever to load.

The Discontinuity Game at:

T2playground.tv

Posted by: Jan Corwood | Dec 20, 2007 11:26:51 AM

Gary, stick a tampon in your mouth.

Posted by: TunaTacoGrande | Dec 22, 2007 1:16:03 AM

hey brian,

try this one on. the more you play, the more informed you get:

http://www.newsbreakergame.com/

Posted by: omnivorous | Dec 22, 2007 4:43:18 AM

Anyone ever work or know anything good or bad about a place called Colangelo in Darien, CT?

Posted by: Roy Hobbs | Dec 22, 2007 8:02:38 PM

http://www.gettheglass.com/
Get the Glass was well done artistically and the game play is pretty decent as well.

Posted by: Jen | Dec 25, 2007 5:56:44 PM

We just launched a new site that is a game, check it out http://www.pearljamtengame.com

Posted by: Craig Elimeliah | Mar 11, 2009 12:08:02 AM

Post a comment

Name:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comments:

The opinions expressed in comments are those of the individual poster. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Adweek or Nielsen Business Media. Comments of a promotional nature or comments that are otherwise inappropriate may be removed.