Microsoft has disclosed a patent application for playing "promotional content" during gameplay. The application also describes a credit mechanism linked to promotional audio-visual content, which may involve pausing player interaction with the game in some cases.
The patent description indicates that the system can grant corresponding credits based on promoted audio-visual content. In certain scenarios, these credits can delay the "pause of interaction with the interactive software application" and also postpone the continued display of promotional audio-visual information.
The document cites examples where credits could correspond to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or longer. However, it remains unclear when and how this technology will be implemented in practice. The proposals in the patent application do not guarantee that related features will necessarily be released to players.
In July 2026, Xbox launched a cloud gaming streaming test with ads, where advertisements would play at the start of each one-hour session. The scope described in this patent application extends to during gameplay and adds an association between promotional content and credits.
In March 2026, Microsoft also filed another set of game-related patents, mentioning an intelligent gaming assistant taking over player operations to help them pass difficult sections. Like this promotional content proposal, its final implementation timeline and specific form remain undetermined.