Microsoft Patent Raises Concerns Over Ad-Interrupted Games

Microsoft has filed a patent application for technology that could pause video games to display ads, sparking concerns among gamers. The system, described in the Contextually Aware Management of Interactive Software Application Access filing, would detect natural stopping points in a game and serve promoted audiovisual content, such as commercials.

The technology would allow players to resume gameplay after watching an ad, potentially earning new credits for ad-free time based on minutes played or progress made. This system could be used in various games, including Xbox titles, which Microsoft has been testing with ad-supported cloud gaming.

Notably, the patent application comes amid public testing of ad-supported cloud gaming by Xbox, where players can stream select games without paying for a subscription in exchange for watching ads before each one-hour session. However, the company specifically stated that this test does not interrupt gameplay.

The patent filing has raised eyebrows among gamers, with some expressing concerns about the potential invasion of ads into console and PC gaming experiences. Microsoft's chief strategy officer, Matthew Ball, had previously expressed reservations about interrupting gameplay, saying it would be 'bad' for players.