Microsoft is exploring offering free Xbox Game Pass streaming with ads

[laynelane]

TBH it's not an inherently bad idea as long as it remains an option. Subsidized sub service tiers via ads has been a thing for a while now. It's the method of implementation that can be called into question.

If MS figure a way to make the ads not screw over a player's input (I'd assume they'd have to create a save state of the very moment before the ad plays, then resume afterwards. Like Quick Resume, but not as a buzzword), I can see it working. More platform holders, even Sony/SIE I'd imagine, could potentially look into subsidized subscription models via ad support.

I also imagine that these platforms will try offering incentives for users who actually engage with the ads (i.e buy a product) through the service acting as an affiliate, like free reward points or gift cards towards other games, or entering sweepstakes, etc. Again, it's just another option; if you don't want the ads just sub to a tier without them and be done with it.

My issue with it is the "option" part. MS is also the company that put a full-page, pop-up ad on system boot for CoD. It's a different scenario, but MS has an established history with pushing anti-consumers bs in their products. On a larger scale, I don't think it's any secret that many companies would love to entwine ads with paid games or services. Any traction on this, imo, has the possibility to lead to problems down the road. If this, for example, was successful - it would only encourage others to start following suit. I also don't have any faith that MS would keep it as simple as what's stated by the CFO.

 

[nongkris]

Lol this is the same CFO that Phil had to correct about gamepass being on playstation and nintendo? He seems to be selling pipe dreams to investors

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

My issue with it is the "option" part. MS is also the company that put a full-page, pop-up ad on system boot for CoD. It's a different scenario, but MS has an established history with pushing anti-consumers bs in their products. On a larger scale, I don't think it's any secret that many companies would love to entwine ads with paid games or services. Any traction on this, imo, has the possibility to lead to problems down the road. If this, for example, was successful - it would only encourage others to start following suit. I also don't have any faith that MS would keep it as simple as what's stated by the CFO.

I agree, there is an element of greed in this and Microsoft are very much known for their greed in the tech space. They had the COD ad stuff ready the day that deal was cleared, for example, and had no shame or taste about it.

Ideally, I'd prefer if games are going to do ads, they make them native and integrated into the game world, in ways that make sense to that game's setting and don't break immersion. Like the KFC/Taco Bell etc. locations in the original Crazy Taxi. A system where developers can easily implement contextual ads in their games on items like billboards or screens, that can be updated with licensing changes, wouldn't be so bad.

Like don't go trying to shove prescription medicine advert billboards in a Final Fantasy or Persona game; that would be completely immersion-breaking. But Pocky ad displays on street signs of a Yakuza game? That would fit quite well. Now, for sub services, that is going to be a different approach. Don't make them too intrusive, and reward players who give their time to view or engage with them.

 

[KiryuRealty]

Lol this is the same CFO that Phil had to correct about gamepass being on playstation and nintendo? He seems to be selling pipe dreams to investors

Odds are the CFO is the one who is on point here, and Phil is just doing damage control to keep the same subhumans he takes selfies with and flies out to Redmond for circle jerks from beheading him for heresy.

 

[Alabtrosmyster]

I keep hearing about this generous Nigerian prince who’s willing to give money for free. I’m apparently related to him as well so this complicates things quite a bit I’m afraid.

He should start by giving money to his own people!

 

[Deleted member 223]

Its going to be offered as an "option" just like the digital-only Xbox One, and digital-only Xbox Series S were optional to Xbox One with disc drive and Xbox Series X respectively. But that's is just the marketing-narrative ploy to ease the dick in, call it lube if you will. Cause eventually you will get no "option" to escape it just like the Xbox Series X revision is poised to kill physical format support for Xbox for good - hence no option.

This company is a fucking cancer and it's very unfortunate they set their eyes on gaming. Enjoy the golden years while you still can. Bottomline, do not support them in anything they do in gaming, tell your friends, hold the line and RT.

 

[Alabtrosmyster]

TBH it's not an inherently bad idea as long as it remains an option. Subsidized sub service tiers via ads has been a thing for a while now. It's the method of implementation that can be called into question.

If MS figure a way to make the ads not screw over a player's input (I'd assume they'd have to create a save state of the very moment before the ad plays, then resume afterwards. Like Quick Resume, but not as a buzzword), I can see it working. More platform holders, even Sony/SIE I'd imagine, could potentially look into subsidized subscription models via ad support.

I also imagine that these platforms will try offering incentives for users who actually engage with the ads (i.e buy a product) through the service acting as an affiliate, like free reward points or gift cards towards other games, or entering sweepstakes, etc. Again, it's just another option; if you don't want the ads just sub to a tier without them and be done with it.

I think they should emphasize products placement in interactive objects, like offer an umbrella to Sennua in Hellblade II. She might also be able to buy Starbucks coffee to help her clear her mind with all the sleep she must be loosing that would help her greatly. Different shoe brands depending on the occasion as well.

I think that would be great and it would not interrupt the games at all, if anything they will feel more real with all these elements that are from the real world being also in the game. Obviously the next phase would be to do both placement and interrupting ads.

 

[Kokoloko]

Just give up ffs before you do worse to the industry...

 

[Gediminas]

TBH it's not an inherently bad idea as long as it remains an option. Subsidized sub service tiers via ads has been a thing for a while now. It's the method of implementation that can be called into question.

If MS figure a way to make the ads not screw over a player's input (I'd assume they'd have to create a save state of the very moment before the ad plays, then resume afterwards. Like Quick Resume, but not as a buzzword), I can see it working. More platform holders, even Sony/SIE I'd imagine, could potentially look into subsidized subscription models via ad support.

I also imagine that these platforms will try offering incentives for users who actually engage with the ads (i.e buy a product) through the service acting as an affiliate, like free reward points or gift cards towards other games, or entering sweepstakes, etc. Again, it's just another option; if you don't want the ads just sub to a tier without them and be done with it.

Only thing that m$ is figuring is how to screw everyone and abuse.
Not the other way around.

 

[Sircaw]

Microsoft is a fucking Genius Company, this is the best idea ever.

From now on, I am not going to type in "Hot sexy chicks, Lingerie, nudes and Milf hunter right now into my search bar.

Personalized ads will take care of the rest.

I can now earn money and be a DIRTY BASTARD AT THE SAME TIME.

WOOHOO.

@Dr Bass , i bet you are really unhappy now for selling that xbox.

 

[anonpuffs]

Microsoft is a fucking Genius Company, this is the best idea ever.

From now on, I am not going to type in "Hot sexy chicks, Lingerie, nudes and Milf hunter right now into my search bar.

Personalized ads will take care of the rest.

I can now earn money and be a DIRTY BASTARD AT THE SAME TIME.

WOOHOO.

they will instead give you cat videos

 

[Sircaw]

they will instead give you cat videos

There is a darkness inside you!

 

[Alabtrosmyster]

they will instead give you cat videos

They know what he really wants deep inside.

 

[Sircaw]

They know what he really wants deep inside.

A javelin

 

[JAHGamer]

I spit out my drink

 

[laynelane]

I spit out my drink

That was so well-edited and hilarious!