Do PC Games Have Ads?

Ads are quickly becoming the new norm for PC games after nearly being incorporated into many mobile games.

There is no definitive answer to “Do PC Games Have Ads” however, it is safe to assume that most free PC games have Ads in one form or another, while paid titles do not have any Ads.

In the following article, we will share all about Ads in PC games and why they are there in the first place.

Why Do PC Games Have Ads?

There are several reasons PC Games have ads; like it or not, they might be there to stay. Here are a few reasons why you see Ads in PC Games. (like Ads on mobile phones weren’t enough)

A game that has, in my opinion, optimized the in-game ads (in all fairness, playing in an in-game stadium makes this quite natural) is FIFA.

Revenue Generation

The main reason why game developers allow Ads in their products is to generate revenue. Most of the time, it is a prevalent practice for self-publishing developers and gaming SMEs. 

The revenue generated from Ads can be used to fund future game development or to support the costs of running the game development studio.

Targetted Promotion

Ads can help promote a game to a broader audience. By placing ads in strategic locations, game developers can reach potential customers who might not otherwise be aware of their product.

Think of it like this; you are a regular League of Legends player, unaware of a recent release of a sequel to the game. Ideally, the developers place Ads to convert players like you to familiarize themselves with their newest games.

Player Interests

The third primary reason for running Ads in PC Games is a bit “out-of-the-box.”

By monitoring the performance of ads, developers can learn which aspects of their game are most appealing to potential customers and make necessary adjustments. Therefore, Ads can also be tools for game developers to understand things like UI focus and player interests.

Brand Awareness

Ads can help to build brand awareness for a game. By creating a recognizable brand for their product, game developers can make a loyal following of customers who are more likely to purchase future products or try their newest games.

League of Legends and PUBG are perfect examples of games that hit popularity due to extensive in-game marketing.

Instant Purchases

Finally, Ads can agitate a sense of urgency for potential customers. The developers already have all the player stats and can run targeted Ads for their major pain points. For example, Ads to make players purchase an in-game currency when they have nearly completed quests for an entire game pass.

By running ads for a “limited time,” game developers can encourage potential customers to make a purchase sooner rather than later.

Types of Ads in PC Games

Depending on the game’s market share and standpoint, you’ll find four main types of ads in PC games: banner ads, video ads, interstitial ads, and native ads.

Banner Ads

Banner Ads are the most common type of Ads in PC Games. They usually appear as a banner at the top or bottom of the screen. The ad’s content can either be a promotion for another game or upselling of an existing in-game item.

Video Ads

Video ads are usually pre or post-roll ads that play before or after launching a game. Most commonly, it appears as a cut-scene Ad at the beginning of a new event in the game that players can purchase to unlock and collect rewards.

Interstitial Ads

Interstitial ads are full-screen ads that appear in between levels or gameplays. Like mobile games, these Ads are not skippable and feature other products that may not relate to gaming.

The main reason is that the developers generally incorporate these Ads using Google Ads. Interstitial Ads are rarely seen in popular AAA titles, but they appear in most small titles.

Native Ads

Native ads are integrated into the game and usually take the form of in-game items players can purchase by clicking on them. The most common example of native game Ads can be a “Premium Crate” or “Currency” with discounted prices that appear in an online game’s shop section.

Things To Know About Ads in PC Games?

It’s no secret that many PC games are supported by advertising. Whether in-game ads or banner ads on game websites, ads are a big part of the gaming landscape. But for some gamers, ads can be a significant annoyance. 

Can You Stop Ads In PC Games?

The answer is yes and no. There are some ways to block game ads, like using an Ad blocker (if playing games on a website) or playing games offline, but they are not foolproof. 

Even if you can block ads, there’s no guarantee they won’t find their way back into your game. The best way to deal with game Ads is to learn to ignore them. After all, they are just a part of the gaming experience.

Which PC Games Have Ads?

Generally, Ads appear on anything connected to the internet, and the logic also applies to PC games. The takeaway? Online PC Games will likely have Ads running within their UI and gameplay. 

However, you can always switch to a single-player or offline campaign-focused game to escape the trouble of Ads altogether.

Are Ads in PC Games Distracting?

Some gamers argue that ads in games are intrusive and disruptive, saying that ads take away immersiveness from the gaming experience and can even ruin the overall vibe of a game. On the other hand, others say that ads in games are simply a part of the gaming landscape and are not necessarily intrusive or disruptive.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual gamer to decide whether or not they mind ads in games. Some people may not mind them, while others may find them a significant annoyance.

Conclusion: Do PC Games Have Ads?

In a way, PC Games have Ads in one form or another. If you are playing a single-player game that runs offline, you rarely encounter annoying Ads. However, if you are into multiplayer games with online functionality, there is a high chance that you will see one of the many types of Ads as mentioned in the article above.

We hope this guide helped you understand PC games, but if you still have some questions, feel free to contact us.