Activision had recently caused controversy with news about a patent that would help encourage players to make use of microtransactions. Now, the company has filed another patent that also aims to promote microtransactions through the Video Game Stream system. The patent is titled, “System and method of identifying portions of video game streams for driving microtransactions.”
Basically, the VGS system is used to generate metadata from livestreams and playback of gameplay. This information will then be used to highlight items that may be bought in-game and may even showcase products that are being advertised. Here’s how it’s explained in the patent “In some instances, a metadata track may include micro-transaction information that identifies an item available for purchase. In some instances, the item may include a virtual item depicted in a corresponding video game playback, or a real-world item advertised as an overlay over the corresponding video game playback.”
The patent would actually be useful on one level, allowing players to stream videos with highly specific details. Players can also stream their games from multiple angles and viewers will be able to view a video from different angles as well. However, the promotion of microtransactions may be seen by many as being intrusive and harmful to the gaming industry.
As of now, Activision hasn’t actually implemented this feature into any of its games, so let us hope it stays that way in the future.