Play Buddies or Space Invaders? Players’ Attitudes Toward In-Game Advertising

Abstract

This article investigates beliefs that players of digital games hold toward the practice of in-game advertising (IGA), referred to as “attitudes toward in-game advertising” (AttIGA). The hedonic nature of IGA is the strongest, positive predictor of AttIGA. Beliefs about IGA as a means to lower games’ prices contribute positively, and beliefs about fostering materialism contribute negatively to AttIGA. Further, the relative importance of the belief factors determining AttIGA relates to the playing frequency of role-playing games and racing games. The results contribute to theory building and practical considerations of digital games as an important yet underutilized advertising medium.

Acknowledgments

Karolien Poels (PhD, Ghent University) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp.

Wim Janssens (PhD, University of Antwerp) is a professor of marketing, Hasselt University.

Laura Herrewijn (MSc, University of Antwerp) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp.