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Google almost certainly creating multi-user virtual world
World of Googlecraft? GoogleQuest? Pirates of the Google Sea? No, really. It could happen. Sort of.Apparently Google isn't satisfied with how massive it is already; the tech juggernaut might be developing a virtual online world. Okay, so it probably won't really be an MMORPG per say, but it could be something similar to Second Life. Rumors of the project have been gaining momentum for a while now, and we here at Massively are laying out all the evidence right here for you to see.
Google going against Xbox Live
In the recent acquisition of Adscape, Google picked up an interesting patent. It seems that Adscape was granted a patent in 2005 for a "system and method for interactive on-line gaming." While it's true that Xbox Live has been active since 2002, the patent was actually filed in September of that year, months before Xbox Live launched. The description is fairly vague, though: "The customer located equipment is connected to the gaming service provider through a broadband access network, and includes a gaming console." That could apply to almost any online service, depending on one's definition of "gaming console." Still, if there is one thing big business isn't shy about, it's patent lawsuits. Both Google and Microsoft have recently stepped up their efforts to enter the online gaming ad space. It will be interesting to see how things develop.[Via Xbox-Scene]
Google purchases in-game ad provider, Adscape
Red Herring confirms what The Wall Street Journal suspected last month: Google has purchased the ad firm, Adscape, for a cool $23 million. The move is expected to pave the internet company's way into in-game advertising, though sources within the advertising world warn it won't all be a smooth ride. "There is a whole world of difference between the form of advertising done by Google and Madison Avenue. While everyone appreciates the dollars Google can throw around, when it comes to [in-game ad] experience they just don't have it."Google may not have the experience (yet), but something tells us that an in-game version of the context-sensitive Adsense can't be far behind. Very soon you'll be taking a stroll through Raccoon City, only to be reminded of some great online deals for guns, ammo and "restorative herbs." [Via Download Squad]
Google looking to purchase video game ad firm
According to reports on the Wall Street Journal and CNN Money, Google has begun negotiating the purchase of AdScape Inc., a move that would allow the internet behemoth to step into the realm of in-game advertising. Though neither party has outright confirmed that such a deal is in the works, it would not seem out of place less than a year after Microsoft purchased similar ad firm, Massive Inc., for between $200 million and $400 million. Online services like Xbox Live are efficient vehicles for advertisement delivery, with connectivity allowing dynamic in-game ads tailored to specific content and user interests. Indeed, Google's contextual AdSense program would be an ideal fit, though it would remain to be seen how unobtrusive or accurate the results are. We can't wait to see the ads that come up on the virtual billboards in Chocolate Breast Explosion III or Gazpacho Ninja.
