Siliconera has discovered a patent filed by Microsoft which gives the company the rights to the concept of in-game advertising bots.<\/p>\n
This does not necessarily mean that Microsoft will begin using ad-bots anytime soon. Often companies file patents for ideas or products that they have no immediate plans to use.<\/p>\n
It would seem that Microsoft’s patent refers to interactive avatar’s bearing adverts. Players will apparently be rewarded for interacting with the advertisement.<\/p>\n
The patent refers to an ‘advertiser-generated avatar’ that would be part of the game world. The in-game character would be associated with a product being advertised, and the game would theoretically reward the player for engaging with the avatar.<\/p>\n
The avatar would only reward the player if the player is able to present evidence that they are actually paying attention to the advert, and furthermore, the patent mentions that the amount of compensation awarded to the player will be linked to how well the player is able demonstrate an understanding of the advert.<\/p>\n
The game will also track the player’s interaction with other players, and monitor how many other players the player refers to the advert.<\/p>\n
While many would obviously cringe at the idea of being pestered by in-game ad-bots, if used then the concept could theoretically make it possible to lower game costs, or in some cases lower subscription fees.<\/p>\n
The concept is not an old one, and most MMORPG players will be overly familiar with in-game ad bots. As annoying as they are, if used in a controlled manner then it is conceivable that Microsoft may actually improve the standard of in-game advertising.<\/p>\n