Advertising
Ongoing coverage on Advertising.
Latest coverage
Xbox rolls out ad-supported game streaming test for its insider programs, as hardware supply and affordability crisis rages on
Microsoft's Xbox is testing an ad-supported game streaming service for its Insider program, allowing users to play select games for free for one hour with ads before sessions. This initiative aims to improve game accessibility for players with less powerful or unavailable hardware, especially amidst ongoing hardware supply and affordability issues exacerbated by the generative AI boom. The company emphasizes that this is an optional feature designed to lower access costs and expand player bases, though the implementation of external advertising at the start of gameplay sessions is a notable departure from traditional in-game ads.
Microsoft starts testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox
Microsoft has begun testing ad-supported game streaming for Xbox Insider Program members, allowing one-hour free sessions supported by advertisements. This initiative aims to provide more affordable access to games on existing devices. The company believes that well-implemented advertising can lower access costs and expand player audiences.
Xbox Starts Testing Ad-Supported Cloud Streaming Tier Through Insider Program
Xbox has begun testing a new ad-supported tier for its cloud streaming service exclusively for Xbox Insiders. This tier will feature session limits and display ads before gameplay begins, but will not include a built-in game library and is separate from Game Pass. The company emphasizes that this optional service aims to lower access costs and expand player audiences, with ads designed to be non-intrusive and relevant to the player.
Meta's pro-AI ad campaign is conspicuously light on AI
Meta's recent advertising campaign focusing on artificial intelligence is notably light on specific details about AI. The company aims to counter public fear surrounding AI but does not elaborate on the reasons for this stance.
Xbox Is Putting Ads Before Games, And It Feels Gross
Xbox is testing an ad-supported model for cloud gaming where players can watch ads before playing owned games for an hour. While optional and intended to add value, the author argues this move crosses a line for the industry, potentially leading to more intrusive advertising and broken promises from Microsoft.
Xbox is asking players to test advert supported game streaming
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported game streaming channel for Xbox Insiders, allowing them to stream owned games for free with ads before sessions begin. This initiative aims to explore the viability of ad-supported subscriptions and provide more affordable access to games, with ads intended to add value without interrupting gameplay.
Xbox reveals ad-supported cloud streaming
Xbox is testing an ad-supported cloud streaming feature for Xbox Insiders, allowing non-Xbox Game Pass subscribers to stream select titles from their library with ads at the beginning of the experience. This feature is optional, and users can stream without ads by subscribing to Xbox Game Pass. There is currently no public release date for this feature.
Xbox adds advertisements to games in "ad-supported" streaming trial, and it sounds like there's more ads…
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported version of its Xbox game streaming service with Xbox Insiders, which will include advertisements at the start of a session. The company states that the core game experience remains unchanged after the initial ads and that this tier is optional. Microsoft aims to provide more affordable ways to play games through advertising, emphasizing that ads should not interrupt gameplay and should meet quality standards.
Xbox is testing free, ad-supported cloud gaming
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported tier for its cloud gaming service on Xbox. This move mirrors a similar strategy employed by Nvidia's GeForce Now, aiming to offer free access to cloud streaming with advertisements.
Free, Ad-Supported Gaming Is Now Available On Xbox In A Test
Microsoft has launched a test for a free, ad-supported version of its cloud gaming service on Xbox, available to select Xbox Insiders. This initiative aims to make gaming more affordable by allowing players to stream games for up to an hour after watching ads, without interrupting gameplay. The program, previously tested internally, is now being rolled out publicly to explore new ways for players to access games without upfront purchase or new hardware, provided they have a stable internet connection.
Beginning Ad-supported Game Streaming Test & Learn
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported game streaming service for Xbox Insiders, allowing them to play owned games for free with ads for one-hour sessions. This initiative aims to lower the cost of access to games and expand audiences across supported devices like Xbox Series X|S and PC. The company emphasizes that ads will not interrupt gameplay and will meet the same quality standards as their content.
Apple has banned home service content on upcoming Maps ads
Apple has reportedly banned home service content from appearing in advertisements on its upcoming Maps feature. This move may be intended to reserve ad space for local businesses.
Nintendo of America was so poor in the '80s that it was "bartering" for 2am TV commercials while employees had to dodge "snakes and rats in the bathroom"
In the 1980s, Nintendo of America faced severe financial constraints, leading to employees working in poor conditions and resorting to bartering for advertising time. Early employees recounted experiences of dealing with snakes and rats in the workplace and creatively securing TV commercials, even at 2 am, through barter deals with entities like Toys R Us.
EA vice president of advertising says game ads are a 'huge opportunity', but it 'has to make sense for…
Alexander Dao, EA's vice president of advertising and sponsorship, discussed the company's new advertising platform, highlighting the significant opportunity for in-game ads. He emphasized the importance of integrating advertising thoughtfully from the initial game design phase to ensure it feels native and offers flexibility for brands. Dao also noted the need for standardization in viewability and reporting, while stressing that any advertising must make sense for the specific game, citing a successful collaboration with Coach in The Sims as an example of democratizing access to branded products.
Activist group takes over London bus stops with fake Meta Glasses ads
An activist group has placed fake advertisements for Meta Glasses on London bus stops, featuring an optical illusion spoof of the film 'They Live.' The campaign aims to critique Meta's advertising practices and augmented reality initiatives.
Disney might be planning a free Disney+ tier
Disney is reportedly considering the introduction of a free, ad-supported tier for its Disney+ streaming service. This move would differentiate it from other streaming platforms that offer ad-supported plans at a reduced cost, instead opting for a completely free model.
Dead by Daylight, Control, and McDonald's Are Helping Advertise Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
Several video game companies, including Dead by Daylight and Control, along with the fast-food chain McDonald's, are participating in advertising efforts for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced. The exact reasons for this cross-promotional activity remain unclear.
AI-generated ads on Google will hopefully get disclosures soon
Google is implementing a policy to disclose when its AI tools are used for advertisements. This information will be automatically noted within the 'My Ad Center' feature, providing transparency to users about AI-generated ads.
It looks like monitor manufacturers can download bloatware without consent that will serve you pop-up ads
Monitor manufacturers like LG and Dell are reportedly installing bloatware, including antivirus trial offers, onto users' PCs without consent, often via Windows updates. This software prompts users with pop-up ads and subscription offers, leading to user complaints and concerns about potential malware. Users are advised to disable automatic application downloads and, in some cases, the Windows Store to prevent these installations.
DuckDuckGo Browser can now block video ads, including YouTube's
The DuckDuckGo browser now includes a default setting to block video advertisements, which includes ads on platforms like YouTube. This feature aims to provide a cleaner viewing experience for users.