Microsoft to Launch Free, Ad-Supported Xbox Cloud Gaming
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is testing an ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming that allows free streaming of select games without a Game Pass subscription.
– The free version will include streaming of owned games, Free Play Days titles, and Xbox Retro Classics games, preceded by preroll ads.
– Internal testing features a one-hour session limit and up to five free hours per month, with these limits subject to change upon official launch.
– The ad-supported service will be available on PC, Xbox consoles, handheld devices, and the web, with a public beta planned before full rollout.
– This development coincides with Xbox Cloud Gaming exiting beta and expanded access for Game Pass Premium and Essential subscribers, alongside recent price increases.
Microsoft is reportedly preparing to introduce a free, ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming, potentially transforming how players access its streaming service without a Game Pass subscription. According to sources close to the company, internal testing is already underway, allowing employees to stream certain games at no cost in exchange for viewing advertisements.
The free version is expected to let users stream games they already own, participate in Free Play Days weekend trials, and access a collection of Xbox Retro Classics. During internal tests, players encountered roughly two minutes of preroll ads before starting a game. Microsoft is also experimenting with session limits, currently set at one hour per play, with a monthly cap of five hours of free streaming. These restrictions could be adjusted before the official public rollout.
This ad-supported model will be accessible across multiple platforms, including PCs, Xbox consoles, handheld devices, and web browsers. A public beta is anticipated in the near future, paving the way for a full launch in the coming months.
This development coincides with Microsoft’s recent expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming to include Game Pass Premium and Essential subscribers, part of a broader restructuring of the Game Pass ecosystem. Notably, the company also raised the price of its Game Pass Ultimate tier by 50 percent.
Xbox Cloud Gaming has officially exited its beta phase, bringing enhanced streaming capabilities for Ultimate members. Subscribers can now stream supported titles in 1440p resolution with bitrates reaching 30Mbps, while other games stream at 1080p with up to 20Mbps. Premium and Essential members, however, are limited to 1080p resolution and a 12Mbps bitrate.
Plans for an ad-supported streaming option have been in motion for some time. Microsoft Gaming CFO Tim Stuart first alluded to a free version nearly two years ago. More recently, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s Vice President of Next Generation, emphasized the company’s goal to improve affordability and accessibility. He noted that such initiatives could help bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to new regions and attract players through varied entry points.
(Source: The Verge)
