Microsoft may be considering a new model for accessing games on Xbox consoles that would involve advertisements. The company has filed a patent titled 'contextually aware management of interactive software application access,' which outlines a method for pausing a game at the operating system level to display 'audiovisual promoted content.' Upon completion of this content, users would receive a credit granting them limited access to the game, potentially ranging from 15 minutes to an hour.
This potential ad-integration comes at a time when Xbox Game Pass is reportedly facing challenges, making an ad-supported tier a conceivable, though not confirmed, development. Microsoft has also recently implemented playtime limits on Xbox Cloud Gaming, restricting users to 15 hours per month with Game Pass Ultimate. This move, combined with high RAM prices impacting cloud streaming capabilities, could exacerbate the need for such ad-based access methods.
While the patent's implementation remains uncertain, the possibility exists that this technology could be used to offer free-to-play options. However, the trend of integrating ads into subscription services, even premium tiers as seen with Disney+, suggests that Microsoft might consider incorporating ads into existing paid plans.
The patent filing aligns with Microsoft's broader efforts to increase Xbox profitability. This initiative follows recent layoffs within the company and the reassignment of the Halo development to Activision. Furthermore, the upcoming 'Project Helix' is expected to incur significant costs, potentially driven by the ongoing RAM crisis.
Microsoft already displays advertisements to users upon logging into their Xbox Series X consoles. The newly revealed patent suggests an expansion of this strategy, potentially allowing players to 'rent' access to games by viewing ads.