What are 3d Ads? Types, Benefits & 3D in gaming

Picture of By Hridja
By Hridja
3d ads

What are 3D Ads?

Ever seen an ad that just feels… flat? Like it’s just sitting there on your screen or a page?

Well, 3D ads are the opposite of that. Imagine ads that have depth, things that seem to come forward or go backward. That’s the basic idea behind 3D advertising.

Instead of just length and width (like in regular 2D ads), 3D ads play with height, width, and depth. This extra dimension makes things way more interesting and eye-catching. Think about those cool 3D movies – it’s kind of the same idea, but for ads. They grab your attention because they feel more real, more tangible, even when they’re still on a screen or a billboard.

Types of 3D Ads – More Than You Might Think!

So, 3D ads aren’t just one thing. There are a couple of main ways you see them around:

Web-Based 3D Ads – Right On Your Screen

These are the 3D ads you can experience without even leaving your comfy chair. They live on the internet! Think about ads you might see on websites or social media that you can actually interact with. Maybe you can spin an object around, zoom in to see details, or even virtually “step into” a scene.

These ads use clever tech to create that 3D effect right on your computer or phone screen. It’s all happening digitally, making it pretty accessible for lots of businesses.

Piccadilly Circus 3D billboard takeover | Meta Quest

3D (Anamorphic) Billboards – Big, Bold, and Out There!

Now, these are the showstoppers! Imagine walking down the street and seeing a billboard that’s not flat, but has things sticking out or creating illusions of depth. That’s a 3D billboard!

These are physical billboards that use special designs, materials, and sometimes even screens to create a 3D illusion that you can see in real life. They are super attention-grabbing when viewed from a pecific angle because they break away from the usual flat billboard experience.

If you want to understand more about this topic, then I’ve written a detailed blog, you can check out this page about what 3D billboards are. (Yep, shameless plug! 😉).

3D Ads Level Up in Video Game Marketing

You know, when you think about industries that were born for 3D, video games have gotta be right up there. Games are all about creating immersive worlds and characters, so it’s no surprise they’re using 3D in their ads to really grab gamers’ attention.

Think about it: video games are visually driven. Players are drawn in by amazing graphics, cool characters, and exciting worlds. So, when game companies advertise, using 3D in their videos just makes sense. It’s like speaking the same visual language as the players.

In video game ads, you often see super cool 3D characters taking center stage. These aren’t just flat images; they’re characters that feel like they’ve jumped straight out of the game and into the ad. This works so well because:

  • It Shows Off the Game’s Look:
    3D ads give potential players a real taste of what the game looks like. They can see the detail in the characters, the environments, and get a feel for the game’s overall style.

  • Characters Become the Stars:
    Lots of games are built around awesome characters. 3D ads can put these characters front and center, making them memorable and getting players excited to interact with them in the game.

  • Creates Hype and Emotion:
    A well-made 3D character in an ad can really create a buzz. It can make a game feel more real, more exciting, and build anticipation for the release. Think about those epic game trailers with huge, detailed characters facing off – that’s 3D in action, making you feel something.

  • It’s What Gamers Expect:
    Let’s face it, gamers expect high-quality visuals. Using 3D in video game ads isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s almost expected. It shows that the game is modern, visually impressive, and worth checking out.

So, yeah, video game marketing is a prime example of how 3D ads can really shine. They fit perfectly with the industry, appeal directly to the target audience, and are super effective at getting gamers hyped up for the next big release.

10 Key Benefits of Using 3D Ads for Your Business

Why should businesses even consider incorporating 3D ads into their marketing strategies? The answer is simple: they offer a multitude of advantages that can significantly impact your brand’s visibility and effectiveness. Here are ten key benefits of leveraging the power of 3D advertising:

Captivate and Command Attention

In today’s saturated advertising landscape, grabbing and holding attention is a constant battle. 3D ads offer an immediate advantage by being inherently more visually engaging than traditional 2D ads. Their novelty and depth make them stand out from the visual clutter, compelling viewers to stop and take notice. This initial attention is the crucial first step in any successful advertising campaign.

Enhance Memorability and Recall

Because 3D ads are so attention-grabbing and create a more immersive experience, they tend to leave a stronger and more lasting impression on viewers. This increased engagement translates directly into better brand recall. People are more likely to remember a product or brand they’ve seen advertised in a unique and memorable 3D format compared to a standard flat image or banner.

Showcase Innovation and Modernity

Embracing 3D advertising sends a clear message to your audience: your business is forward-thinking, innovative, and willing to adopt cutting-edge technologies. This perception of modernity can significantly boost your brand image, positioning you as a leader in your industry and appealing to tech-savvy consumers.

Standout in a Crowded Market

In most industries, businesses are constantly vying for consumer attention. 3D ads provide a powerful differentiator. While the majority of ads still rely on traditional 2D formats, utilizing 3D allows you to break through the visual monotony and instantly set your brand apart from the competition. This unique approach can be a significant competitive advantage.

Effectively Showcase Product Features and Details

For businesses with visually appealing products or intricate designs, 3D ads offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their offerings in detail. Whether it’s allowing potential customers to virtually rotate a product, zoom in on specific features, or even experience it in an augmented reality setting, 3D ads provide a level of engagement and understanding that 2D simply can’t match. This is particularly beneficial for industries like automotive, electronics, and fashion.

Simplify Complex Information and Storytelling

Sometimes, conveying complex information or telling a detailed brand story in a concise ad format can be challenging. 3D visuals can be incredibly effective in breaking down intricate concepts and presenting them in a more digestible and engaging manner. For example, an animated 3D ad could illustrate how a complex piece of machinery works or visually walk viewers through the benefits of a multi-step process, making it easier for them to understand and remember.

Forge Stronger Emotional Connections

The immersive and realistic nature of 3D ads can evoke stronger emotional responses from viewers compared to flat, less engaging ads. By creating a more tangible and lifelike experience, 3D advertising can tap into emotions and build a deeper connection between consumers and your brand. This emotional resonance can lead to increased brand loyalty and positive associations.

Drive Higher Levels of Engagement and Interaction

Many web-based 3D ad formats allow for user interaction. Viewers can often rotate objects, explore virtual environments, or even customize products within the ad itself. This interactivity significantly increases engagement time and allows potential customers to actively participate with your brand, leading to a more memorable and impactful experience.

Generate Increased Social Sharing and Virality

Unique and visually striking content is highly shareable on social media platforms. 3D ads, with their novelty and “wow” factor, are prime candidates for going viral. When people encounter a particularly creative or impressive 3D ad, they are more likely to share it with their networks, leading to organic reach and free publicity for your brand.

Can Actually Be Cost-Saving (in the long run)

While the initial investment in creating high-quality 3D ads might be higher than traditional 2D ads, their increased effectiveness in capturing attention, boosting memorability, and driving engagement can lead to a higher return on investment in the long run. By achieving better results with fewer impressions or clicks, you might ultimately find that 3D advertising is a more cost-efficient strategy for achieving your marketing goals.

Wrapping It Up – 3D Ads: From Billboards to Battle Arenas (and Beyond!)

3D advertising is proving it’s way more than just a passing fad. From billboards that make you stop in your tracks to web ads you can play with, and especially in the dynamic world of video games, 3D ads are making a real impact. They’re not just about looking cool (though they definitely do!), they’re changing how businesses grab attention and connect with people.

We’ve seen how 3D ads can boost memorability, showcase innovation, and make brands stand out. And when you look at the video game industry, it’s clear that 3D ads can be incredibly powerful for creating excitement and showing off what makes a game special.

Whether it’s a massive 3D billboard grabbing eyeballs on a busy street, an interactive web ad letting you explore a product, or a stunning 3D character trailer for the latest game, the message is clear: 3D advertising is a versatile and potent tool. It’s all about adding depth to visuals and adding depth to your marketing.

So, if you’re thinking about how to make your brand message pop, it might be time to think in three dimensions. Read about these amazing 3D & CGI ad examples here. The world of 3D advertising is still evolving, and it’s exciting to see where it will go next!

Hi, I'm Hridja, a marketing consultant focusing on digital strategies. I wrestle with marketing jargon by day and dream of the perfect subject line by night.

When I'm not writing, I'm obsessively collecting ads and email campaigns – basically building a massive digital library that I hope will be a treasure trove of inspiration.

Consider me your friendly neighbourhood marketing nerd, just trying to make sense of the ever-changing digital landscape and maybe, just maybe, build the world's most epic library of ads and emails.

You'll find my work here on Digital Tripathi.

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