EA and Hi-Rez Studios have partnered with a new in-game advertisement platform, PlayerWON. As reported by Axios, PlayerWON is an in-game advertisement platform owned by Simulmedia, which will allow marketers to display advertisements in free-to-play PC and console games.
Hi-Rez Studios has already started running advertisements for its free-to-play MOBA Smite. Much like how it works with mobile games within the same space, PlayerWON will give players the option to watch an advertisement segment lasting for about 15-30s in exchange for in-game rewards.
Which titles from EA’s existing and upcoming catalog will be showcasing such advertisements remains mystery, but Apex Legends seem to be one of the games ripe for such integration. Given how popular in-game advertisements and concerts have gotten over the years with titles like Fortnite, many others will likely follow in the footsteps of EA and Hi-Rez, especially given the number of free-to-play titles on the market.