Developer backtracks after agreeing to test Facebook’s VR ads

Earlier this month, Facebook announced plans to begin testing advertisements inside Oculus Quest apps. These new in-VR ads would be tested across a few different apps and games, leading to a wave of negative reviews for certain titles and forcing at least on developer to reconsider.

Facebook's VR ads won't be limited to free to play apps or games. One paid title, Blaston from Resolution Games, was set to be included in the advertising test, which in turn caused an uproar of negative reviews for the game. Now, based on that feedback, Resolution Games is backing away.

Speaking with The Verge, Resolution Games CEO, Tommy Palm, said: “We appreciate all of the feedback and thoughts on the Oculus ad test for Blaston and other games that was announced last week. Some good points have been made, and we realize that Blaston isn’t the best fit for this type of advertising test. Therefore, we no longer plan to implement the test in Blaston.”

Resolution Games may still be involved in the advertising test, but instead it will be with a free game, known as ‘Bait!'. Right now, this title is being explored as an alternative but the studio is still seeking feedback.

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KitGuru Says: While some developers may back away, there is no chance Facebook drops plans to bring advertising to VR, so all we can do is hope that they won't be intrusive. VR is all about immersion and if we start getting ads for cat food in the middle of games, then that immersion breaks.

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