Microsoft Patents Ad System That Rewards Players with Free Playtime

Microsoft has filed a patent application for an 'ad credit' system that would deliver contextually relevant ads to players during games. The system, which is designed to launch a short promotional window at natural pause events in a game, would reward players with more ad-free playtime as they continue playing.

The patent application, filed on September 3, describes a 'contextually aware' content management system that can determine the optimal time to display ads. This approach is similar to Xbox's recent ad tests, which allowed users to stream games for free by watching ads instead of paying for a Game Pass subscription.

Microsoft's new patent application may be an attempt to build on its recent efforts to monetize its gaming business through ads. The company has been restructuring its gaming division and cutting jobs and management layers under the direction of new CEO Asha Sharma. Sharma has stated that Xbox should feel 'seamless, instant, and worth of the communities we serve,' indicating plans to make it easier for developers to build games and reach players across devices.

The patent application also mentions Microsoft's plan to unify its ad businesses into a single consumer technology stack using AI-integrated elements. This move suggests that the company may be planning to integrate more AI-powered advertising elements into its legacy gaming business.