News

Obama political ads enter games

US Gamers under Barack-attack

OCT
15
2008

US Presidential candidate Barack Obama is the subject for advertisements featured in nine EA titles, including Burnout Paradise.

Holly Rockwood, director of corporate communications at Electronic Arts told GigaOm: "I can confirm that the Obama campaign has paid for in-game advertising in Burnout."

She continued: "Like most television, radio and print outlets, we accept advertising from credible political candidates," she clarified "Like political spots on the television networks, these ads do not reflect the political policies of EA or the opinions of its development teams."

According to the Seattle Times, Rockwood revealed that ad agency Massive approached both the Obama and McCain campaigns but McCain's declined.

The ads can only be seen in 10 states: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin.

The ad campaign will run until November 3rd for the following Xbox Live titles: Burnout Paradise, Madden 09, Nascar 09, NBA Live 08, Need for Speed Carbon, Need for Speed Prostreet, NFL on Tour, NHL 09 and Skate.

This is an interesting development in the presidential race as when giving advice to parents, Senator Obama often urges families to "turn off the television set, and put the video games away."

By James Wallis

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