A story on Red Herring says that the search engine giant has bought the San Francisco firm in what may be a strategic move to secure multiple technology patents.

An anonymous source “familiar with the matter” is quoted as saying: “While everyone appreciates the dollars Google can throw around, when it comes to [in-game ad] experience, they just don’t have it.”

According to next-gen.biz, Google has reacted to the news, calling it “rumour and speculation”.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Google’s interest in Adscape last month.

Last year, Microsoft acquired in-game ad firm Massive for around $200 million.