Microsoft Eyes Ad-Supported Gaming Model for Xbox Consoles

Microsoft is exploring an ad-supported way to rent out games on Xbox consoles. A patent filed by Microsoft, called 'contextually aware management of interactive software application access,' describes a process where players can watch ads in exchange for extra playtime. This could give users up to one hour of game time after watching an ad. The patent notes that the operating system would pause gameplay and present an ad, which would then grant the user a credit once it's over.

The concept is not new, as Xbox already shows ads when players log in. However, this patent suggests that Microsoft may be looking to take it a step further. This could be seen as a way for users to play games for free, but it also raises concerns about the potential for ads to disrupt gameplay.

Microsoft is trying to make Xbox more profitable, and this patent comes at a time when the company is aggressively cutting costs. It has recently had another round of layoffs and handed over Halo to Activision. The RAM crisis is also affecting project costs, with Project Helix expected to be expensive due to rising RAM prices.