Microsoft has struck a deal to introduce TV-style commercials to Xbox Live in an effort to further monetize the service.
The commercials will be 15-30 seconds long and run within TV and video apps. The deal also confirms that new channels are coming to the US version of Xbox Live, including one from Manga Entertainment.
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Microsoft has recently seen a huge upswing in advertising cash from Xbox Live. Since 2010, the service has seen an increase of revenue of around 142 per cent. This has been no doubt bolstered by last year’s dashboard redesign and the increase in advertising space it provides.
However, it has also caused ire from users who feel the dash has become less user-friendly as a result. News that users are to be force-fed TV-style commercials and adverts may well provoke further anger, as the service is already paid-for.