Get ready for a game-changer! Microsoft has officially confirmed that a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently being tested internally. This means you could soon enjoy your favorite Xbox titles without a Game Pass subscription, simply by watching a few ads.
Reports about this exciting new feature first surfaced earlier this month, hinting at public testing and a full launch in the near future. Further confirmation arrived via The New York Times, which noted Microsoft’s internal trials for a complimentary cloud gaming service, distinct from Game Pass, that would offer access to select games in exchange for ad viewing. This move aligns with Xbox’s broader strategic plans.
According to initial insights, Microsoft employees are actively testing the program. The current iteration allows users to stream certain games they already own, as well as titles featured in Free Play Days and Xbox Retro Classics. This offers a fantastic opportunity for a broader audience to experience the convenience of cloud gaming.
During these internal tests, users encounter approximately two minutes of pre-roll advertisements before they can start streaming a game. Each session is limited to one hour, and players can enjoy up to five free hours per month. It’s important to remember that these specifics are part of the internal testing phase and are subject to change before the service rolls out to the general public.
The vision for Xbox Cloud Gaming with ads includes availability across multiple platforms: PC, Xbox consoles, various handheld devices, and directly through web browsers. The next step will be a more extensive public testing phase before the official consumer launch. Currently, Xbox’s cloud streaming capabilities are exclusively available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers, making this ad-supported tier a significant expansion of accessibility for millions of potential players.