Activision keeps exploring new ways to implement microtransactions in their games, as just last month they filed a patent that matched players in multiplayer games with certain other players to drive up microtransactions, and now a new patent has been filed which is described as a "system and method of identifying portion of video game stream for driving microtransactions".
The patent, which isn't used in any games yet, focuses on broadcasting games and implies adding overlays ("micro-transaction hotspots") to streams. These hotspots will lead to in-game purchases which are linked to the shown gameplay. For example, if a streamer uses a certain loadout the system will show specific weapons/items from that loadout on screen, which can be purchased by clicking on it.
The patent isn't specific as to whether streamers would be able to benefit from this advertising, however, or whether this new system would withdraw funds automatically.
How do you feel about these new methods to implement microtransactions in games?
Thanks, Twinfinite.