- Index hide
Xbox recently unveiled its plans to implement ads in free-to-play video games.
The “Stories” are no longer for the exclusive use of social networks, because now Xbox is implementing them in its new update.
The world and the experience of video games seem to be changing as time goes on and, with it, the platforms are becoming more sophisticated and more complex for consumers.
So much so that, A few days ago there was talk that Sony, with its PlayStation, and Microsoft, with its Xbox, would be integrating ads into their “free-to-play” video games (free).
An example of this could be given in car racing titles, where advertisements would be displayed on the billboards of the roads or circuits, this being of great help so that there is no type of interference with the player’s experience.
What, however, has surprised Microsoft’s statement is that it does not seek to generate income with this initiative, since its idea is more focused on free game developers being able to maximize their own income.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the experience for players and developers, but we have nothing else to share,” explained a company spokesperson.
The “Stories” arrive on Xbox consoles
Now, a new Xbox update seeks to connect even more with the gaming community, since, according to what has been reported in some media, the console has decided to implement a new function very much in the style of social networks such as Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat.
This is a new function of “Stories”, which will allow users to share a bit of their experience with console video games and, in addition, tag other users.
In other words, it seems that Microsoft has in mind that its consumers have a more social experience than is already allowed until now.
Through a statement, Kristen Mann, Senior Manager of Group Programs on the Xbox Experiences team, had this to say:
“The stories channel is located right on the home screen of the Xbox app. To create a story, click the + button on your gamertag located within the stories feed, and then select the game clip, screenshot, or achievement you’d like to post from the gallery. Once selected, you will go to a story preview page where you can choose to add a title to your post and then click the post button located in the bottom right.
Additionally, Mann noted that “the stories feed shows content from the last 72 hours, and anything you share is also posted to your activity feed on your profile.”
PlayStation vs. Xbox
The battle between two of the most popular consoles in the world is not now, of course; It has been developing for years and it seems that Sony is leading the way.
In 2020, both companies (Sony and Microsoft) launched their new consoles, the PS5 and the Xbox Series X respectivelyand it is Sony who, so far, has taken off in sales.
Figures from October of that year reveal that the PS5 has sold more than 13.4 million units worldwide and its horizon is to end 2021 selling 14.8 million units, even taking into account the shortage in stock.