Microsoft's new patent is causing controversy: After playing the boss, ads will pop up and you can watch them in exchange for ad-free time.

Abstract:

A published Microsoft patent document explores ways to display targeted ads between games. The mechanism described in the document is: players first get a period of ad-free play time; after the quota is used up, they watch ads at a suitable interruption point, and then get the next period of continuous play time.

The subject of this patent is context management of interactive software access, involving PC, Xbox and cloud games. The plan proposes to use the status data provided by the game engine to find the point when the interaction is temporarily interrupted. End-of-mission, loading screens, narrative passages, and boss battles are all possible locations for discussion in the document.

At selected break points, a video or banner ad can be displayed. Boss battles in "Light and Shadow: Expedition 33" and "Elden's Ring" were used as hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how ads might affect the experience if they appeared after victory. This doesn't mean either game will use the technology.

At present, the published patents can only show that Microsoft has explored this technical solution, but cannot prove that it has actual deployment plans. The available information also does not confirm that the mechanic will make its way to Xbox Game Pass or any third-party games.