European operator Orange announced its first ad-supported commercial trial, offering its French subscribers mobile games from publisher Filao at reduced prices or for free in exchange for accepting advertising during gameplay. Launched in conjunction with mobile advertising solutions developer Amobee Media Systems, the trial features ad content from brands including Coca-Cola, Saab and Société Générale--the spots are delivered in the idle moments during game-loading or between levels, and enable users to initiate a call or visit a WAP site should they wish to learn more about the advertiser in question.
"The mobile industry is willing to test the role that ad-funding could play a part in growing the mobile entertainment market," Amobee CMO Patrick Parodi said in a prepared statement. "Similar trials in other territories have shown high levels of user acceptance."
For more on the Orange trial:
- read this NewMediaAge article [1]
Related article:
- Google CEO: Free phones for paid advertising [2]
Links:
[1] http://www.nma.co.uk/Articles/31035/Orange+trials+ad-funded+mobile+games+in+France.html
[2] http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/google-ceo-free-phones-for-paid-advertising/2006-11-13