Independently-defined alteration of output from software executable using distributed alteration engine

A method for causing advertising output from distributed client nodes operating a game program, comprising:

• processing a defined executable file of a specified game application to develop an alteration scheme, using a second application, wherein the game application is configured to provide video output on a client node in response to client input as defined by the defined executable file, the defined executable file being capable of independent operation on the client node to provide a video game output without the additional executable code, and the additional executable code being capable of executing independently of the defined executable file;
• preparing, using the second application, the additional executable code operable to detect events occurring during operation of the defined executable file on the client node and to perform respective defined actions in response to the events to implement the alteration scheme, wherein the respective defined actions include output of advertising information during operation of the game application;
• and
• providing the additional executable code and the advertising information to the client node, whereby the advertising information is output from an output device of the client node during operation of the defined executable file thereon according to alteration scheme data obtained from a separate file located in a memory of the client node.