Why Multiplatform Players are More Receptive to Advertising

As the gaming industry continues to take its place in the entertainment ecosystem, understanding the different audience segments becomes increasingly critical for brands looking to tap into this lucrative market. One particular category that stands out are the Multiplatform Players who exhibit a higher receptivity to advertisements than Mobile-Centric Players. But why is this the case, and how can brands leverage it to their advantage?

Understanding Multiplatform Players

In a recent study by Activision Blizzard Media called “The Many Ways We Play: A New View of Game Players,” 6 distinct player segments were analyzed and broken equally into two categories: mobile-centric players, and multiplatform players. Multiplatform players are a unique group of individuals who are deeply immersed in the gaming ecosystem and engage with gaming across multiple touchpoints, including mobile, PC, and console. They more often self-identify as “gamers”, view gaming as a primary means of entertainment, and extract more personal value from it.

Interestingly, these players are usually more open to advertisements. This openness can be attributed to their diverse gaming behaviors and motivations, which provide unique opportunities for brands to connect with them on a deeper level.

The Devoted and New Media Consumers

 When examining the multiplatform gamer segment, two segments stand out: "The Devoted" and "New Media Consumers." 

"The Devoted," who makeup 9.5% of all players, strongly identify as “gamers” and exhibit a high positive sentiment towards advertising within game experiences. This positive attitude isn't incidental; it's significantly influenced by their deep engagement with the game and their gamer identity. 

On the other hand, "New Media Consumers" represent a different angle. These players, 12.7% of all players, hold diverse entertainment tastes. Although they hold an equally positive view of ads as Devoted players, if not more so in the realm of influencers, The Devoted consider themselves closer to gaming and are more likely to deem some personal connection to brands interacting in the space. Conversely, The New Media Consumers are lovers of the latest and greatest in gaming, drawn to what's mainstream and new. As such, they like when brands can show them the latest. This suggests that brands should consider different approaches to engage these groups more effectively by choosing formats that add to the gaming experience such as Rewarded Video, and interactive formats such as Playables.

The Influence of Gamer Identity

A key factor that influences the receptivity of multiplatform players towards advertisements is their strong identification as a “gamer.” This identity not only signifies their deep engagement with gaming but also impacts their attitude towards in-game advertising. They're more likely to view ads as an integral part of the gaming experience. This is a chance for advertisers to reach audiences with high-quality creative when players are both expecting it—and in the case of rewarded ads—looking forward to it.

The Effect of Ad Timing

The way players react to the timing of ads can vary significantly across different segments. For some, ads that interrupt their gameplay can be seen as a major annoyance. However, multiplatform players, particularly the "New Media Consumers," are less disrupted by such ads. This suggests that they are more accepting of ads as part of their gaming experience, providing an opportunity for brands to connect with them effectively.

Strategic Advertising for Multiplatform players

The behaviors of multiplatform players on mobile underscore a significant opportunity for brands. This environment, where players are both numerous and varied in their tastes and habits, presents a fertile ground for advertising strategies that seek not just visibility but genuine engagement. Understanding and leveraging the nuanced receptivity of multiplatform players, especially within mobile games, enables brands to reach a wider, more receptive audience, thus elevating the potential for meaningful interactions. 

If you want to reach multiplatform players—gamers—you’ll find 52% of them playing mobile games daily, and 91% playing at least once a week. As the gaming landscape continues to adapt to diverse audiences, recognizing and tapping into the distinctive openness of multiplatform players becomes not just a strategy but a necessity for brands aiming to leave a lasting impression in this vibrant entertainment ecosystem.

About the Author

Antonio Miller is a Research Lead at Activision Blizzard Media. In this role, he oversees strategic research initiatives focused on the influence and opportunity of gaming to advertisers worldwide. Before joining Activision Blizzard Media, Antonio was a Senior Research Analyst at NPR, where he concentrated on brand insights through the lens of digital audio sponsorship experiences. Antonio holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University, Kogod School of Business, and is based in Los Angeles, California. Antonio is a lover of live music, the visual arts, and is on a hunt for the best Creole spot in town.

About Activision Blizzard Media

Activision Blizzard Media Ltd is the gateway for brands to the leading interactive entertainment company with hundreds of millions of monthly active users around the world. Our legendary portfolio includes iconic mobile game franchises such as Candy Crush™, esports like the Call of Duty League™,  the Overwatch League™ and some of the top PC and console gaming franchises such as Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, and StarCraft®. The idea is simple: great game experiences offer great marketing experiences. Learn more at www.activisionblizzardmedia.com.