By John Oliver
Publication Date: 2026-09-24 16:55:00
Microsoft Gaming Ads Patent: Microsoft’s Patent and Its Potential Impact on Gamers
A patent filing by Microsoft, referred to as the gaming ads patent, was uploaded by the US Patent and Trademark Office on September 3, indicating a new direction for in-game advertising that could change how players experience gaming. This move, noticed by TechSpot, explores a concept where gamers might be required to watch advertisements to earn gameplay credits.
Entitled “Contextually Aware Management of Interactive Software Application Access,” the document outlines a system where users gain temporary access to games through credits. These credits could allow playtime of 15, 30, or 60 minutes, or until specific in-game milestones are reached. To continue playing, users would need to watch ads during “natural breaks,” such as after boss fights or between multiplayer rounds. While the idea aims to place gaming ads at less disruptive moments within a game, it may impact the immersive…