We may pay Microsoft a fee for the honor of using its online gaming service, but that doesn't free us from having to look at a load of advertisements. Microsoft is aiming to make commercials on the Xbox 360 even more blatant, by bringing its Silverlight software to the system.
According to MS' Sean Alexander, companies will be able to run ad campaigns that simultaneously spread across computers, television screens and mobile phones. Basically, we can drown in adverts thanks to Microsoft, while the platform holder sits back and becomes a money magnet.
"Silverlight-powered media on Xbox will have the same appearance as ads seen on a web browser," says Alexander.
Truly exciting stuff ... for people who aren't us. We gamers who contribute millions of dollars to Microsoft every year are left wondering what, exactly, we need to pay for if the company is already making mad bank on ads. Of course, the answer is that we're paying for nothing, but we'll need to keep doing it in order to play The Halo. I bet we'll be forced to download the thing, which is of no benefit to us, onto our systems as well.
If we end up with that Smiley advert where the girl shouts "HELLO-OOOO" really loud, I am canceling my subscription.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
9:00 AM on 07.01.2009
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All except for said HELLO-OOOO!
PSST press the guide button for smilies
Such bullshit. There are already ads in the spotlight sections for 7-11, McD's, etc. Why do we need to install a fucking silverlight plug-in for more fucking ads?
Maybe I'll be buying a PS3 instead after all...
I would hope that Xbox Gold members who pay for online service don't have to be subjected to this (though they are a natural target as their Xbox systems are more likely to be continually internet connected)and I guess this would provide a chance for something that I'm sure Sony has always wanted to do... pay for online service (with no ads) or continue with ad-supported free service. Though in all reality, those of us that actually pay for the privilege of buying the Qore magazine have to put up with ads, so who knows.
I just hope that any advertising is very discreet and unobtrusive.
realy makes that free psn look good eh? hopefully sony will NOT go this route. could possibly sway some x360 users over.
but then again the ps3 is just too expensive; maybe sony can offer an ad-based PS3 system. you get a ps3 for $100 but have to endure endless banner adds on the XMB :P
/end sarcasm filter
...*pays for gold, with a tear in his eye and a mess on his face*
I blame it on 1v100.
Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KII1i7Gvk8Q#t=2m45s (well, except for WMG; **** them!).
If Sony put some ads on their online service I'd understand, but part of the whole point of PAYING for a service is to REMOVE ads.
Thousands of websites do it every day.
You pay for cable TV. There is a shit ton of commercials on TV. No one seems to complain about that.
Anyway, they will give you the normal PR line "Ads on the NXE will produce revenue for more content for Live subscribers" Which is bullshit. But that's the c.y.a. explanation.
You pay for cable TV. There is a shit ton of commercials on TV. No one seems to complain about that.
Anyway, they will give you the normal PR line "Ads on the NXE will produce revenue for more content for Live subscribers" Which is bullshit. But that's the c.y.a. explanation.
http://majornelson.com/archive/2009/07/01/advertising-on-xbox-live.aspx