Xbox is launching an in-game advertising model against increasing game prices. More affordable options will be offered with ad-supported games.
Increasing development costs in the gaming world are forcing companies to develop new revenue models. Xbox strategy managers are evaluating the in-game advertising model to offset these costs and offer players more affordable options.
Active work is being carried out on advertising-based game models with the aim of facilitating access to high-budget productions. This strategy aims to create a new alternative for players, especially in an era when game prices are rising.
The era of advertising-based games begins
Development budgets in the video game industry are always increasing due to massive open worlds and realistic graphics. The costs of these projects, for which studios spend hundreds of millions of dollars, are directly reflected in the sales prices of the games.
Today, the standard sales prices of new generation AAA quality games have reached up to 70 dollars. Xbox management plans to introduce in-game advertisements to overcome this high price barrier.
Thanks to advertising integration, the aim is to release the games with much lower price tags. It is of great importance to use natural areas so that advertisements do not disrupt the gaming experience.
Areas such as on-screen billboards or in-game television screens are preferred for advertising placement. In this way, players do not encounter annoying pop-up ads that interrupt the game flow.
This method, which has been used for a long time in free-to-play productions, is now also integrated into full version priced games. The basis of the system is the idea of offering games at a discount to users who agree to see ads.
Game Pass and the new revenue model
The Xbox ecosystem continues to expand with this innovative step. Game Pass subscription service continues to offer a large library to millions of users.
It is emphasized that the in-game advertising model will be included in the more affordable options of the Game Pass service. With this model, the company aims to cover the costs of developers and preserve the budget of players.
What do you think about this new ad-supported game experience?