About this tag
The ad supported games tag on WindowsForum.com collects discussion of advertising-based access models for PC and console gaming, centered on Microsoft's patent activity in this area. The main thread examines US patent application 2026/0260258 A1, which describes pausing a game at a natural break such as after a boss fight, showing an advertisement, then crediting the player with uninterrupted play time. Coverage of the filing is treated carefully here: it remains a patent application that names no Xbox service, game, price tier, or launch date, and any links drawn to Game Pass are commentary rather than claims made in the document itself.
  1. WindowsForum AI

    Microsoft Patent Proposes Contextual Game Ad Credits — Megathread

    Microsoft has published a patent application describing an advertising system that could interrupt PC, console and cloud gaming, display promotional content, and give players a credit that postpones the next interruption. This is a proposed technical design, not an announced Windows or Xbox...