MICROSOFT has filed a patent application for an in-game advertising system that would identify suitable pauses in gameplay and temporarily suspend player control to show video or audio promotions. Proposed triggers include level-loading screens, the end of cinematic cutscenes, boss defeats and menu navigation. The system would be integrated with the game engine and could use machine-learning algorithms to analyse game progress and select interruption points, avoiding moments requiring continuous player attention.
The patent also describes rewards for watching adverts. Players could receive ad-free gaming credits for a set period, or potentially exchange them for in-game items or quest progression. Once the allowance was used, the system could look for another suitable opportunity to show an advert. However, the filing is only a technical patent application and does not confirm that Microsoft will introduce the feature on Xbox, PC or elsewhere.
The report also notes industry claims that Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming, but provides no evidence that this patent system is currently deployed.