It turns out that, after months of rumors and hints from leadership, Xbox is indeed going to test the waters by introducing ads to cloud game streaming. Rather than begin with a new tier for Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft is experimenting with adding ads for users streaming their own games from the cloud. Similar to NVIDIA’s GeForce Now free offer, players will be limited to a 1-hour session. Microsoft emphasizes that ads will not interrupt gaming sessions and that they have “been built with the player in mind,” and “When done well, advertising can help lower the cost of access.”
Obviously, user metadata can be utilized from various sources (pick an EULA, any EULA for examples of a potential source) to provide ads, and according to Microsoft, they will be used to add to the player’s experience. It’s not the end of the world, and players shouldn’t expect adverts just as they get their crosshairs on an elusive opponent or attempt a crucial racing maneuver with not a millisecond to spare, since it has been emphasized that ads will begin before the game.
- We start with the player. Ads should create value.
- We do not interrupt the flow of gameplay.
- We hold ads to the same quality bar as our content.
- We’re clear about what’s advertising.
- We make sure ads fit what players expect on each platform.
This new ad-supported free service is currently only being offered to Xbox Insiders and is optional; those who choose to try it can opt out at any time. As they say, the proof is in the pudding, and we’ll have to wait and see if Microsoft’s promises hold when it comes to adding value to the gaming experience while catering ads to users. Corporations have long made similar claims; one might wonder how long until various pharmaceutical products, and their endless disclaimers, are shown before a Call of Duty game due to its, ahem, potentially older demographic. If this new approach proves successful, it would not be a surprise to see a similar test for Xbox Game Pass forthcoming.
Discussion (2 replies)
Join Discussion →Hi we see that you're in your 50's and playing Dead or Alive beach volleyball. Here is your add for blue Chew mostly with AI talent to get you to buy your boner gum.
Ads , ive learned to accept, but dang, what is it with the obssesion, feels this is beyond money.
Also, the one thing that should have switched to free " ad suported" is cable at least a decade ago, and yet.