Microsoft patents system that rewards players with game time for watching ads

Microsoft has patented a system that could give players additional game time in exchange for watching advertisements, with the technology designed to decide when an ad can interrupt gameplay without completely derailing the experience.

The patent application, titled “Contextually Aware Management of Interactive Software Application Access,” was filed by Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sept. 3, 2026.