Facebook’s Oculus Headset To Get Ads In The VR Realm, Here’s How They’ll Look
Image via Facebook
Facebook, which acquired Oculus in 2014, has announced it will start testing in-headset advertisements in a few virtual reality (VR) titles.
However, unlike popup advertisements on the browser, these VR advertisements will be more subtle.
Instead of interrupting gameplay, the advertisements will be integrated right into the VR scene you’re in. For example, an in-game billboard could start featuring real-life brands, giving you an option to visit their webpage if you click on it.
While no one wants advertisements, it’s necessary for a profitable business model. Facebook said it is exploring new ways for game developers to generate revenue, so the platform will be self-sustaining enough to support a variety of business models for new content and audiences.
According to SlashGear, Facebook will first trial these in-game advertisements with Blaston from Resolution Games, along with other developers launching new titles over the coming weeks.
After gathering data and feedback from the trial, it will then determine the next steps for advertising on the platform.
In terms of user feedback, gamers will be able to hide specific advertisements, or blacklist a developer completely. Users can also access a more detailed ‘Ad Preferences’ page, by clicking the “Why am I seeing this ad?” option in-game.
Advertisers will not access raw Quest sensor or hand-tracking data, which is not shared with Facebook itself.
Facebook has said it has “no plans to use movement data to target ads,” and Messenger, Parties, chats, or voice interactions will not be used either.
While it’s no surprise VR advertisements have arrived, it remains to be seen how users will react to these less-intrusive advertisements, and how brands moving forward will choose to advertise in-game.
Image via Facebook
[via SlashGear, images via Facebook]
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