wraggster
September 21st, 2009, 15:55
Microsoft revealed some of its plans for Zune HD gaming last week, tying in with the launch of its new device. However, it seems it's using advertising to generate revenues from the initial batch of titles.
Ars Technica reports that it takes 30 seconds to load the Zune HD's chess game, with that time filled with a video advertisement for the Kia Soul. Meanwhile, another game, Goo Splat, takes 17 seconds to load, and shows a static ad for the same car.
It will be interesting to see how Zune HD users react. The games are free, but there is no option yet to purchase an ad-free version. Meanwhile, it's unclear whether the long loading times are directly a result of the advertising.
However, one piece of positive news for Microsoft is that developers are finding it relatively quick and easy to port their iPhone games to Zune HD.
In fact, developer Foundation42 claims it took just half a day to port its upcoming iPhone puzzler WordMonger to run on Microsoft's device.
"Yesterday we ported it to the Zune HD in 12 hours!" they say. "We are really hoping that Microsoft can provide a way to publish third party games on the Zune app store soon.
http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/29227/Zune-HD-games-to-come-with-ads
Ars Technica reports that it takes 30 seconds to load the Zune HD's chess game, with that time filled with a video advertisement for the Kia Soul. Meanwhile, another game, Goo Splat, takes 17 seconds to load, and shows a static ad for the same car.
It will be interesting to see how Zune HD users react. The games are free, but there is no option yet to purchase an ad-free version. Meanwhile, it's unclear whether the long loading times are directly a result of the advertising.
However, one piece of positive news for Microsoft is that developers are finding it relatively quick and easy to port their iPhone games to Zune HD.
In fact, developer Foundation42 claims it took just half a day to port its upcoming iPhone puzzler WordMonger to run on Microsoft's device.
"Yesterday we ported it to the Zune HD in 12 hours!" they say. "We are really hoping that Microsoft can provide a way to publish third party games on the Zune app store soon.
http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/29227/Zune-HD-games-to-come-with-ads