AMD Immediately Removes Offensive Ads For Unrelated Software That Came With 17.4.4 Driver

When AMD released 17.4.4 driver for the Radeon Software ReLive Edition, the effect went beyond improving the performance of “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III.” The graphics card also forced on users advertisements for unrelated software on Thursday. The driver automatically included a tracking code that provided a shortcut to the website of “Quake Champions.”

AMD graphics card owners are not happy as they complained about the forced advertisements for unrelated software. The complaints were posted on various platforms such as Reddit, Twitter and every major PC gaming and hardware forum, PC World reports. Some posters used vulgar language to express their disgust.

After AMD card owners expressed their anger, the chip maker immediately removed the shortcut install within the same day that the driver was released. It explains the shortcut to the company’s excitement to work with Bethesda. The advertisement would have made it easier for users of Radeon to sign up for the beta program of “Quake Champions.” AMD said it updated the 17.4.4 driver and removed the install shortcut.

AMD also apologized if adding the shortcut install with advertisements for unrelated software inconvenienced Radeon users. The tech website finds it unusual that AMD used a mandatory desktop shortcut to a portal instead of the promotional space in the Radeon Settings software found in its front and center when updating drivers. Game Debate describes what AMD did as “a new low in subversive advertising.”

The major consumer backlash that arose from the shortcut install with advertisements for unrelated software was because there allegedly was no opt-out for the shortcut for Radeon users. Game Debate, however, points out that the shortcut could be deleted.

PC Games notes that it is not just AMD but also Nvidia that have been placing game ads on their drivers for many years. Experts believe money is involved when companies place a shortcut install with advertisements for unrelated software on its websites.