Microsoft Buys Massive

Microsoft is plunging into the business of in-game advertising with the purchase of Massive Inc., a New York based advertising firm that specializes in serving ads in online games. Rumors of the deal have been circulating for a week or so, but Gamasutra reports that the news was confirmed by Microsoft today. "The deal is also intriguing considering that Massive has already signed prominent deals with Sony Online Entertainment, a major division of Microsoft archrival Sony, and is providing in-game ad serving for some of SOE's MMO titles, including The Matrix Online and Planetside - the companies have not yet updated on the status of these deals." How long before they introduce a free version of Xbox Live supported by ads?

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