“Tooth Protector” and “Escape” work because they actually make the advertising part feel connected to the gameplay instead of just throwing a logo on the screen. The games are fun enough to keep people engaged, and the mechanics help reinforce the message the company is trying to get across. Instead of feeling like a commercial, it feels more natural and interactive.
“Chase the Chuckwagon” and “Shark Bait” fail mostly because they just are not very good games. The advertising feels way too obvious, and the gameplay itself is pretty weak and repetitive. They focus more on showing off the brand than actually making something fun or memorable to play, so the whole thing feels kind of pointless.
Volvo’s “Drive for Life” does more than just advertise cars. It pushes Volvo’s image as a company focused on safety and responsible driving. The game lets players experience situations tied to driving decisions, so it helps reinforce the brand’s values in a more interactive way instead of just telling people “Volvo cars are safe.”
One company that used in-advergame advertising was Dodge for their Stow N Go game. They used games as a way to build their brand image and connect players to their message through gameplay.
One of the first home-console advergames was Kool-Aid Man for the Atari 2600, it was made to appeal to younger kids and try to sell more Kool-Aid.
The Toilet Training” game is considered sophisticated because it actually uses gameplay mechanics to make its point instead of relying only on ads or visuals. The way the player interacts with the game is what delivers the message, which is more advanced than just sticking product placement messages in front of someone. I can see why Bogost thinks it is sophisticated because he finds it more thoughtful than most advergames, but it still depends on whether someone actually finds the game engaging. This could be a male vs female perspective though because I don’t know how intrigued I would be by a game where I have to accurately pee in a bowl. Could be eye-opening though.
Advergames and anti-advergames are actually pretty similar because both are trying to persuade the player through gameplay. They both use the rules and mechanics of the game to push a message or idea. The difference is just the goal advergames are trying to promote a brand or product, while anti-advergames are usually criticizing companies, politics, or social issues.