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Online Ad Specifications

File Formats

File Formats

Image

  • Extensions: .jpg/.jpeg, .gif, .png
  • Other requirements: If created internally, all .psd (Photoshop) files
  • Recommendations: If applicable, send fonts used in image creation
  • Detailed specifications: Max weight: 200K (skins/backgrounds), 75K (skyscrapers, large rectangles [at least one dimension over 300]), 50K all remaining

Flash

  • Extensions: .fla (Flash version 7 or higher)
  • Other requirements: Send .swf, HTML, and any images and fonts used. A back-up static image ad must be provided for users who do not have Flash installed
  • Recommendations: Provide demo link for previewing desired animation functionality
  • Detailed specifications: Initial load: see Image of same size. Maximum after Polite Load (see Global Rules for Polite Load definition): 2MB. Provide the HTML markup for embedding the animation if you do not use "clickTag". wmode MUST be set to transparent

Rich Media

  • Extensions: .html, .htm, .css, .js, and Flash/Image
  • Other requirements: Flash and Image requirements apply. Must have "close" functionality, and overlays must be user-initiated by an easy to understand button/mechanism
  • Recommendations: Consider using skins (CSS and images) for all static content
  • Detailed specifications: Typically consists of 3 Flash ads: an overlay element (max. 900 x 800), a leaderboard, and a super skyscraper. Overlay should not go beyond the bounds of the other pieces (i.e. either above leaderboard or below skyscraper or both)

Videos

  • Extensions: .mov, .wmv, .avi will all be converted to .flv (please send .flv if possible)
  • Other requirements: Currently only pre-roll
  • Recommendations: Provide your highest quality video. We will compress if we feel the video is too large for pre-roll
  • Detailed specifications: 29 FPS, max size 900 x 506

Other formats may be permitted. Contact us with any additional questions.

 

Specifications

Specifications

High Impact

Type Size (WxH) File Formats Timing Rich Media
Super Leaderboard 970x250 Image, Flash No looping Yes
Super Skyscraper 300x600 Image, Flash No looping Yes
Skin/Background 1920x1080 Image Static No
Prestitial Up to 700x500 Image, Flash :10 No
Interstitial Up to 700x500 Image, Flash :10 No
Linear Video 16:9 Ratio Flash :15 - :30 Yes
Non-Linear Video 16:9 Ratio Flash :15 - :30 Yes
Gallery Slide Show Insert TBA Image, Flash :10 TBA

Standard

Type Size (WxH) File Formats Timing Rich Media
Leaderboard 728x90 Image, Flash No looping Yes
Super Skyscraper 300x600 Image, Flash No looping Yes
Medium Rectangle 300x250 Image, Flash No looping Yes

Sponsorships

Type Size (WxH) File Formats Timing Rich Media
Top Ten Lists 300x250 Image Static No
Podcast 300x250 Image Static No
Weekly Poll 300x250 Image Static No
Contest Blog Post/Advertorial Varies Image, Flash Static No
Global Rules

Global Rules

  1. The advertiser must submit ad banner creative to Game Informer at least five (5) business days prior to the Go-Live date. Game Informer tests the banners, their tags, and playability in advance of the Go-Live date to ensure the integrity of the ads running on gameinformer.com. Game Informer will not guarantee ad performance for ads received less than five (5) business days prior to Go-Live.
  2. No pop-up ads are permitted.
  3. Sound must be user-enabled (disabled by default).
  4. Third-party content serving must be approved.
  5. All Flash content is expandable up to a maximum of double the height (leaderboard) or width (skyscraper).This may depend on the agreed-upon location of the ad and if any other ads are expandable (only one is allowed per page).
  6. Polite load is required for all Flash videos. Initial load must be small (image weight, see File Formats for details) and subsequent load of media must start 4 seconds after initial load or after the entire page is rendered.
  7. Ads may be subject to approval/modifications to optimize site functionality and ad mechanics.
  8. FPS of media aspects may not exceed 29.
  9. User's browser may not be affected by ad (i.e. browser shake, full screen).
  10. Flash video must allow user to mute/un-mute and play/pause. Video must adhere to Polite Load (#6) and sound (#3) rules or have a user-initiated start. Please provide the HTML markup for embedding your animation if you do not use "clickTag". wmode MUST be set to transparent.

Competing Retailer Tags

Ad creative should not include tags, logos or references to competing retailers of GameStop. These retailers include, but are not limited to, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. All advertising copy and art is subject to publisher approval.

 

Tips & Hints

Tips & Hints

  1. Test your ad in more than one browser.
  2. Ad does not interfere with site functionality (i.e. menus, links, and css).
  3. Functions as expected with mouse movements (i.e. mouse-out causes contraction on ads that expand on hover).
  4. Anything left by rich media can be closed by the user so as to not interfere with browsing.
  5. All specifications are met.
  6. All links and buttons are tested.
  7. Ad does not break site content, including other ads.
  8. Browser must not be affected by ad (i.e. browser shake, full screen).
  9. For Flash, please provide the HTML markup for embedding your animation if you do not use "clickTag". wmode must be set to transparent.
  10. Ad is not too taxing on CPU/RAM (common causes are high frame rate, too many layers, too many effects).