Microsoft is going to make free games less popular
At least, that’s what we think. This is because Microsoft will allow more advertisements for free games and many gamers are not a fan of that.
Many gamers aren’t too keen on in-game ads, but you may be seeing more of them soon. It is true that Microsoft has to make money somewhere if the game is offered for free. Sources claim the tech giant is developing a program to help marketers place ads on free-to-play Xbox games.
Ads in free games from Microsoft
Businesses could buy from an ad inventory to secure space on virtual billboards. It’s not clear whether this also applies to character skins or video roles, but Microsoft is apparently setting up a “private marketplace” to limit ads to brands that won’t disrupt gameplay. That’s good again. The ads must therefore fit the game. Another advantage is that developers can earn money, without relying too much on, for example, skins and season passes.
Microsoft is reportedly still looking for ad tech companies that would build the catalog and collaborate on placement. However, the debut will not be long in coming, as the program could start in the third quarter. So we’re talking about summer.
Response
The company declined to confirm or deny the plans. In a statement to Insider, a spokesperson said Microsoft was constantly striving to “improve the experience” for developers and players, but had nothing else to share. Gamers have been worrying about this for a long time. It might annoy them, as ads for real-world products make their way into fictional universes. That makes the experience less.
