Microsoft gets an official Massive competitor in Google

Google is confirming that it has bought in-game advertising provider AdScape Media for an undisclosed amount.

Guess Microsoft is going to have to think of something new to say regarding Google as a competitor to Microsoft's Massive acquisition. Earlier this week, when asked about potential Google competition in the in-game ad space, Microsoft Platform and Services Senior Director Katherine Hays deflected an analyst's question by saying that Google's rumored acquisition of AdScape was unconfirmed.

(Microsoft purchased in-game ad vendor Massive Inc. in May 2006.)

On the Google Web site, Google offers a tidbit of info regarding its AdScape plans:

"Q. Do you already have deals signed with game developers?

A. We have been in discussions with many in the game development community and hope to partner with both large and small game publishing companies."

So there's now yet another arena where Microsoft and Google will butt heads. Let the (in-game) games begin.