Google is throwing its weight into advergaming.  The company recently launched Lively, a virtual world which is an excellent platform for games.  Along with this platform, the company that is the leader in online advertising and has made in-roads into radio and other traditional advertising outlets announced that it will look to serve up ads inside of games.

In game advertising has seen explosive growth that is expected to continue.  With Google’s involvement, placing marketing messages in these outlets will likely become simpler and potentially more effective.
Advergaming is a strong brand building activity.  Your company has the opportunity to engage an ideal demographic audience for a longer period of time in an activity that is well received by the participants.  Games are different from outlets such as television because they are active.  This stimulus can create a lasting memory of your brand.

Google’s entry into this market should breed development of more game opportunities to a wider variety of audience.  Games have become very popular within the social networks even with the much publicized legal wrangling of Scrabulous.  Expect the trend to continue with continued strong growth of online games.

With all of these factors in play and more people staying at home due to gas prices, advergaming could be an excellent vehicle for your marketing efforts.