Microsoft Patent Application Sparks Outrage Over Ad-Interrupted Games
A Microsoft patent application has sparked controversy among gamers after it was revealed to describe a system that could temporarily pause video games to show ads.
The filing, titled Contextually Aware Management of Interactive Software Application Access, was published September 3 and claims priority to a related application filed in May 2023. The technology would watch for natural stopping points in the game before showing what Microsoft calls 'promoted audiovisual content.'
In one example, a racing game would be paused so a player's car couldn't crash while the ad runs.
Gamers have expressed their discontent with the idea, calling it 'disgusting' and 'making console and PC games into mobile games.' Some even stated they would stop buying games on Xbox if this feature is implemented.