Freeware as advertisement

[GBGames]

People make freeware games to attract eyeballs to their site. Would customers generally be turned off if the freeware game ended with a nag screen that advertised the games site, or a specific shareware product?

Let's say I have Game X that is shareware. I also have Game Y, which is freeware. People come for Y, play it, and then see an ad at the end that basically says, "You could exit the game, or you could exit and go to my website to see Game X" (of course, with much more smoothness and class).


Would that be considered adware, or would customers see that it is an honest attempt to let them know that yes, they are playing a free game, but I've got another game here they might like too?

[Sillysoft]

People like playing games for free. I don't think anyone will stop playing it because of a marketing screen that shows up at the end.

[GBGames]

True. I was mainly concerned that some rumors might get started where people call it adware because of the ad, and other people assume it installs crap on their system.

[GameStudioD]

I dont think there is anything wrong with telling people about the games you have for sale. It may be annoying if a player plays the game alot and is subjected to the same ad every time. I would suggest an opt-out check box ("Do not display this again") and have a link to your site in the main menu.

[Greg Squire]

I don’t think it will turn people off as long as it’s a splash screen pointing them to your website (maybe with a link) and letting them know of “more free demos and games available here” kind of thing. I think people will tolerate some of that since it’s free, just like they tolerate ads on TV or radio. However, if the game automatically opens their browser to your website, or worse starts a download of a game demo, then you might get branded as adware / spyware.

[svero]

The problems with using freeware games as ads is twofold

1) They generally get distributed much like regular game demos (with the exception of various freeware only sites) so the lack of exposure download sites give you for your demos is the same lack of exposure you get for your freeware. It will result in some extra eyeballs, but not that much! You end up with the same problems. A brief stint in some what's new lists and then quick obscurity.

2) Often they end up in the hands of people who were literally seeking out stuff they didnt have to pay for. Not always the ideal target audience.

I currently have 3 freeware titles out and they have brought a few sales, but nothing too spectacular. In my case the games are just little games I put together quickly, so perhaps someone making freeware that's more finely tuned to their audience would get more out of it. A freeware breakout game might have a better chance of selling some commercial breakout games than a freeware shooter for instance.