Microsoft Patents Ad-Display System for Free-To-Play Games
Microsoft has patented a system to display non-disruptive ads in its free-to-play games, including Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, and Call of Duty: Warzone. The system allows players a period of ad-free playtime before displaying 'promoted content' during downtime, such as between cutscenes or loading screens.
The patented technology is designed to be intelligent in how it displays ads, minimizing disruption to the gaming experience. Once an ad is displayed, the game freezes until the ad is shown, after which the ad-free playtime resets. This method of displaying ads is similar to that found in free-to-play mobile games and applications.
The patent application may signal Microsoft's plans to further monetize its free-to-play games, potentially turning paid products into free-to-play titles with a new monetization method.