Microsoft Patents Technique for Inserting Ads Into Videogames While You’re Playing Them
So much for escapism. The post Microsoft Patents Technique for Inserting Ads Into Videogames While You’re Playing Them appeared first on Futurism .
Microsoft has patented a system that could inject advertisements into videogames while players are actively engaged. This "ad credit" system, detailed in a new patent application, aims to deliver promotional material in a non-disruptive manner. The system utilizes signals from the game engine to determine optimal moments to display ads, such as during boss fights, loading screens, and cutscene transitions.
When a positive signal is received, the game pauses briefly to either show a video ad or static image, after which a countdown timer resumes. The patent suggests that this method could provide a more varied user experience in interactive software applications by strategically inserting breaks in the content. Microsoft's patent, titled "Contextually Aware Management of Interactive Software Application Access," is believed to target free-to-play games on Xbox and PC platforms.
However, with the rise of publisher-driven mechanisms like microtransactions, it's possible that the system may eventually extend to paid titles as well. The patent's adoption remains uncertain at this stage, but it reflects Microsoft's ongoing efforts to integrate advertisements into user experiences.
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