Source is the same as for the Microsoft rumour. If you believed that (you did) then you'll believe this too, I imagine.
I believe it insofar as Microsoft have a history of wanting to push these types of monetization practices in their gaming offerings. The whole thing with the DRM and always-online, and their idiotic messaging around it, that did happen. They did try doubling the price of XBL Gold last year out of nowhere and with no added benefits, or did everyone just forget?
Look the idea itself is sus, if it's going to be done the way it sounds like it will. I'm 100% against that type of ad monetization practice outside of content in a gaming subscription service, because anyone thinking it will be just for F2P games (on MS's side), is being delusional. If it works there, why won't they try making it work with non-F2P games, too? At least if they cap it at GamePass then it isn't too much different from the way it's done on cable TV networks.
You'll have to forgive me for believing MS would want to actually push for this but you'll also have to forgive me for thinking the timing of this particular one with Sony is pretty convenient and at least partly some type of damage control over the backlash the one with MS has gotten by a lot of people. But also, there were "leaks" in 2013 showing Sony were going to do all the same no used games, DRM, always-online stuff XBO was doing, and we know what actually happened.
Considering the amount of idiots blaming the Microsoft news on Gamepass, I wonder how they'll spin this.
I notice you didn't ask any of that about the Microsoft news, from the same fucking website. Could you be more transparent?
I didn't have time to post in the thread. However the reason I probably wouldn't ask those particular questions is because unfortunately Microsoft have a pretty open history of trying to implement monetization-driven features that IMO do more harm to the Xbox brand than good. Again, the always-online, no-used games DRM stuff from 2013 (and their insipid messaging around it that just made it worst). Them wanting to double the price of XBL Gold last year (and instead of that just being a rumor, they literally made the announcement official and walked it back after everyone hated the change), which was very recent.
Now this ad program stuff; considering MS's services-driven strategy I'm almost certain they're going to implement it and maybe it does start with F2P but they also have a couple of 1P games with ads in them so I don't think they're against doing it for those games as well. At which point what more is there to really say? At least with Sony I know there is a prior instance where they were "said" to be doing the same kind of stuff as MS and it turned out they didn't. Not only that they never confirmed the rumors or supposed leaks in any way, either, and I don't remember them trying to double the price of PS+ for no reason last year. They're only doing it now to consolidate PS Now into PS+ and there are clear benefits coming with the price doubling (which is not required if you still want regular PS+).
If Sony confirm this, if they're going to do this ad thing too the way it's being described, my stance isn't going to change. It'll be a net negative, it'll spread out beyond F2P games and it will hurt immersion. If they or Microsoft have a way to integrate the ads into the game itself tho, as non-intrusive, easily-ignorable assets on game billboards, buildings etc. (and where the ads would fit the setting of the game), then fine. I don't really have a problem with THAT method.
But that one requires a lot more work and isn't what's being talked about, so again what's the point in focusing on it from that POV?
www.businessinsider.com
