In-game advertising on next-generation gaming systems is expected to grow to $852 million by 2011, fueled largely by connectivity enhancements in the consoles. The projection is part of a forecast released by ABI Research. The $852 million spending forecast for 2011 represents a more than ten-fold increase over the $80 million ABI expects this year. Earlier reports placed the category at $56 million in 2005. - The ClickZ Network

Well, if you are an Internet marketing professional or someone who is closely following the trends in internet marketing, then after reading the above-mentioned lines, you must have deduced ‘Oh! So this is the latest avenue for marketing my products and services.”

Large section of the population enjoys playing games. And, some of us might even be die-hard game addicts; though, being one is nothing to boast about. But, if you happen to be a cunning Internet marketing professional, you will say that there exists a large market that can be targeted by simply placing the ads in the video games.

According to Michael Wolf, research director, digital home, at ABI Research, “The growth and interest in this generation [of game consoles] is in part because the number of connected consoles are much, much greater. Attach rates for consoles are around 50 percent for this generation. When you have that many consoles connected to the Internet, it delivers a much wider base to deliver advertising to.”

In-game video advertising also allows you to reach out to your target market in an interesting manner. For instance, you can create an advert revolving around the game itself. This allows you to create a powerful message. In addition, since the advert is based on the game, viewers do not view it as ‘obstructive’. Moreover, the use of animation and latest video techniques adds an extra zing to your ad.

You can also create ads wherein they form a part of the game. For instance, you may create an ad in the form of a puzzle, wherein the player receives extra points or extra life after solving the puzzle. This will make the ad more attractive to the viewer.

So, if you are into Internet marketing, you can surely look forward to in-game advertising as the next big thing.