Xbox Experimenting Ways To Include Ads In Games; Timed Slices Are Also Planned

Xbox is reportedly analyzing ways to integrate ads into its games, something akin to a mobile advertising system utilized in mobile gaming. Moreover, Microsoft is also tinkering with various models that can further enhance the gaming ecosystem for the giant conglomerate. The alluring tidbits stem from a recent interview by Rolling Stones UK and the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft, Sarah Bond.

Microsoft is tinkering with different models for the Xbox brand, including a feature where games can have advertisements without hindering the gameplay for a player. Sarah Bond’s words suggest that a model featuring advertisements in its games does not appear to be far-fetched. Moreover, a system with “timed slices of games” is also being discussed internally by the company, but no new models pointed out here have been finalized.

We’ve talked about how we’re experimenting with other models, like what does it mean for advertising in games which is more prevalent in mobile–are there models of that that work well in PC and console? Are there other models where you might have timed slices of games and stuff like that?” – Sarah Bond.  

The CVP of Microsoft’s Xbox brand also talks about giving more choices to creators for freedom. Sarah says that it is essential to provide creators with different options so they can experiment to create tempting entries. This prevents the devs from adapting to a specific mold, which can stifle creativity. Currently, the Game Pass service is the most vital business model for Microsoft gaming, but it seemingly wants to grow more branches.

Sarah Bond also praises the Xbox Game Pass model since it has made games more accessible and easier to play for many users around the globe. As per the CVP, the Xbox Game Pass service is only one of the latest models that Microsoft has honed over the years. She gives plenty of examples, including “pay-to-play” and “free-to-play” models. She argues that the Xbox brand is all about diversity of content, and Game Pass complements that.

Microsoft has always adopted a “hands-off” approach with its game studios, and the positive results can be seen in the recent Hi-Fi Rush entry by Tango Gameworks. The entry was reportedly holding first place for OpenCritic’s Hall of Fame 2023 award, and the humorous, action-packed venture proved to be an astounding success for Game Pass and the fans. 

Lastly, the notable figure also talks about the ever-changing field of AI with an exciting outlook for what innovative tech will bring in the future for developers and games. “I really think about what is big for gaming. I think there’s just so much incredibly innovative work going on in gaming right now that we should be excited about.”

Regardless, Xbox bringing ads to its games is not a good hunch for the gaming industry by any means, but the words of Sarah Bond also seem to match with the previous rumors that hinted at the same prospect. A recent report also suggested that Microsoft is allegedly planning in-game ads for its free-to-play titles. Although these models are currently in the experimental phase, so we suggest taking the news with a grain of salt. 

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