THE CRUNCH
Microsoft has patented a system that pauses games to show ads, with watching commercials earning players ad-free time credits. The patent describes a content management system that uses machine learning to identify downtime, such as after boss fights or during level loading, to serve promoted content. While the game is paused, the player watches the ad and then receives a credit that delays the next ad break. This is
similar to existing mobile games but aims to be less intrusive by integrating with the game engine. The patent suggests a credit-based model where watching ads extends ad-free playtime. While this is still a patent application and not confirmed for deployment, it aligns with Microsoft's recent experiments with ad-supported tiers for Xbox Cloud Gaming. The system could make in-game ads less jarring, but it also raises concerns about the industry's shift toward free-to-play models.
The patent application, filed with the USPTO, outlines a method to suspend user interaction with a game based on a trigger event, present promoted audiovisual content, and then resume gameplay. The system establishes a credit based on the promoted content, which delays the next suspension. This approach could encourage both gamers and publishers to focus on free-to-play titles, as it allows more people to enjoy gaming without spending cash. However, critics argue that this focus on monetization could stifle diversity and innovation in the gaming industry.