Microsoft may soon offer gamers a way to launch a free, ad-supported version of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, giving players limited access to game streaming without a paid subscription. However, there’s a catch!
After sparking backlash over a hefty 50% price hike for its Game Pass Ultimate subscription, the Redmond giant seems to be exploring a more wallet-friendly alternative: a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming.
According to The Verge, the new tier — which recently came out of beta — is already being tested internally with Microsoft employees. The free version would allow users to play selected owned titles, a few Xbox Retro Classics, and games included in the company’s Free Play Days promotions. The best part is that one does not need a Game Pass subscription to access it.
There is a Catch
But, of course, there’s a catch. The service will include advertisements and restrictions on playtime, which means players may have to sit through several minutes of ads before gameplay begins. Early tests suggest players may need to watch several minutes of ads before each gaming session, which limits free sessions to one hour, up to five times per month. Those restrictions could still change once the program launches.
Microsoft is expected to roll out the ad-supported tier in beta soon to be available across PC, Xbox consoles, handhelds, and web browsers. What remains unclear is the streaming quality: the newly unlocked 1440p option with bitrates up to 30Mbps will stay exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, while the free version will likely cap out at 1080p with 12Mbps bitrate caps.
Currently, all three paid Game Pass tiers provide unlimited cloud gaming, though cheaper tiers have longer wait times. It’s safe to assume that the free version — with its built-in ads — will come with longer waits too.
If Microsoft pulls this off, the ad-supported tier could help the company attract new users and retain players who are put off by rising subscription costs, while expanding its cloud gaming ecosystem.
