Amidst the backdrop of rising Game Pass subscription prices, Microsoft is reportedly exploring the potential of an ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, marking an evolution in how users may access their gaming experiences. Internal tests, as highlighted by The Verge, suggest that gamers may soon encounter around two minutes of preroll advertisements before they can stream games without charge.
The proposed ad-supported tier is designed with several constraints aimed at balancing accessibility and value. Microsoft is experimenting with session limits of one hour and a total of five free gaming hours each month. However, these figures are subject to change as the offering is refined prior to any official release.
Access and Availability
This new tier aims to let users stream games they own and access select trials from initiatives such as Xbox Free Play Days and Xbox Retro Classics. A critical detail that remains uncertain is whether subscribers to the PC-only version of Game Pass will be eligible to utilize the ad-supported gaming option.
As Microsoft rationalizes the increase in Game Pass prices, stating the intent is to provide “more flexibility, choice, and value”, there persists a sense of ambiguity regarding the exact offerings of each Game Pass tier. This uncertainty could complicate decision-making for users navigating through different service levels to find the best fit for their gaming habits.
Consumer Considerations
For users who prefer streaming games they already own, there may be alternative choices worth considering. Self-hosting and streaming directly from personal gaming PCs could present a more attractive solution, offering superior picture quality and lower latency compared to cloud-based alternatives.
Overall, the proposition of an ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier indicates Microsoft’s commitment to evolving its service ecosystem. As the company continues testing, gamers can anticipate a potential shift in how accessible gaming experiences are offered in the landscape of cloud gaming.
