I have neglected the in-game advertising topic for a while and am clearly behind with the news… some 1 month behind. I’ve just come across an announcement from Massive Inc. – Microsoft owned ad network for in-game advertising – that I thought it’s too interesting to pass even if it’s 1 month old.
Check out their press release below, it seem they’re the first to be properly audited for in-game ad impressions counting.
NEW YORK — June 3, 2008 — Massive Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp. and a leading network for video game advertising, today announced that it has successfully completed an audit by Interactive Media Services Group Ltd. (ImServices) to verify the accuracy of Massive’s process for impression counting. As the first dynamic in-game advertising network to undergo a third-party impression audit, Massive provides advertisers and agencies with the accountability required of a mature media form.
“Our audit by ImServices, an industry leader in auditing Web sites and advertising networks, is the latest affirmation that the Massive in-game advertising network is taking the necessary steps to rapidly evolve and to deliver the level of measurement and accountability our clients expect,” said Cory Van Arsdale, chief executive officer of Massive. “As the pioneers and leading innovators in the in-game industry, we remain committed to a high level of transparency and integrity in our processes, and third-party auditing is a critical step.”
“Our review of Massive’s controls over advertising delivery, measurement and data security shows Massive to be compliant with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Ad Impressions Measurement and Audit Guidelines and applicable Minimum Standards as published by the Media Rating Council (MRC),” said Dick Bennett, CEO of ImServices. “I believe it is significant that Massive, one of the top players in online gaming, has taken the leadership role and become the first in-game advertising network to seek a third-party audit.”
Massive will undergo annual audits on the performance of its current procedures based on standards for accuracy and accountability. Specifically, the audit verifies that Massive’s process for impression counting is consistent, and that the sizes, angles and cumulative second thresholds cited are accurately reflected in the network’s technology and operations.
While no industry standards currently exist for in-game advertising measurement, Massive will be one of a number of in-game advertising companies working with the IAB and the MRC to develop acceptable standards. Once such guidelines are in place, Massive will evaluate its processes and make necessary adjustments so that it is in full compliance, and will make them the basis of all subsequent audits.
The team’s broad industry experience at ImServices has given them considerable insight into the needs of online advertisers, content providers and service providers. They possess a thorough knowledge of the processes involved with developing independent measurement standards and have been deeply involved in initiatives to create these critical standards for the online advertising community. Through active participation in key organizations such as the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and Advertising Research Foundation (ARF), they have helped to shape evolving online measurement and verification standards.
About Massive Inc.
Massive Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp., is the creator of a leading network for dynamic video game advertising. The Massive Network offers advertisers the ability to engage an aggregated gaming audience in real time across multiple platforms. Over 200 blue-chip advertisers have run campaigns across the Massive Network throughout North America and Europe. Publishers in the Massive Network generate revenue through dynamic in-game advertising, enabling them to fully realize the value of their content while preserving and enhancing the game experience. Massive’s technology allows for all forms of downloadable media and advertising content to be contextually integrated into the game environment, including image, audio, video and game object formats. More information can be found online at http://www.massiveincorporated.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
