Microsoft Trials Free Cloud Gaming with Ads for Xbox Insiders

Xbox Insiders can now enjoy free game streaming from their libraries through ad-supported sessions, launching today. These sessions are limited to games you already own and last for up to one hour. Ads will only play at the start of the sessions, and if you have a paid cloud gaming subscription, you can skip the ads entirely.

This ad-supported streaming option is available for a limited time as part of a testing phase. Microsoft began internal testing of this feature late last year, with reports indicating that the test included around two minutes of preroll ads before streaming began.

In conjunction with this, Microsoft raised Game Pass prices but introduced unlimited cloud gaming for the more affordable Game Pass Essential subscription, which is priced at $9.99 per month. Previously, access to Xbox Cloud Gaming required a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The aim of this ad-supported streaming test is to create more budget-friendly options for playing Xbox games. The trend of ad tiers has been growing in video streaming services, and this move could indicate a similar evolution in gaming subscriptions.

Moreover, Microsoft highlights that cloud gaming could enable Xbox One owners to access newer titles designed for Xbox Series X/S without the need for a console upgrade. This announcement comes amid significant changes within Xbox, including layoffs, studio closures, and a renewed focus on the beloved Fallout franchise. Additionally, Xbox console prices are set to rise by over $100 starting August 1st.