Microsoft is preparing to introduce a free version of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service that will incorporate advertisements. This development follows several months of internal testing, primarily involving Xbox Insiders. Over the weekend, updates to the Xbox app revealed loading screens that reference “1 hour of ad-supported playtime per session,” aligning with the company’s internal trials, which have been restricted to one-hour sessions.
The ad-supported version will offer users an opportunity to stream select games they own as well as participate in eligible Free Play Days titles during weekends. Reports indicate that users will also have access to Xbox Retro Classics games, which will include preroll advertisements before gameplay begins. Microsoft has been conducting internal tests that revealed approximately two minutes of ads before users can start streaming games for free.
According to sources familiar with the matter, players can expect a maximum of five hours of free gameplay per month under this new structure. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to Xbox titles while generating revenue through advertisements. Microsoft officially confirmed the existence of the ad-supported service shortly after initial reports emerged.
As anticipation grows, it is expected that the public announcement and testing phase will occur in the coming weeks. By leveraging ads, Microsoft seeks to broaden its audience and provide a cost-effective gaming experience. The integration of advertisements into Xbox Cloud Gaming could significantly reshape how users engage with gaming on the platform, making it more inclusive while also maintaining a revenue stream for the company.
