Xbox Cloud Gaming gets free ad-supported test for Insiders
Microsoft has started testing a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming with members of the Xbox Insider program. The temporary test allows eligible users to stream selected games from their digital libraries without paying for a cloud gaming subscription. Each streaming session is limited to one hour.
Ads only appear before gameplay
Microsoft says advertisements will appear before a session begins. The company does not plan to interrupt gameplay with additional ads during the one-hour session.
Given that, we want to be clear about how we will approach ad-supported services across XBOX:
- We start with the player. Ads should create value.
- We do not interrupt the flow of gameplay.
- We hold ads to the same quality bar as our content.
- We’re clear about what’s advertising.
- We make sure ads fit what players expect on each platform.
Players with a paid subscription that includes cloud gaming will not need to watch the advertisements. The ad-supported option is presented as an alternative rather than a replacement for existing paid access.
Microsoft had previously tested around two minutes of preroll advertising internally. Earlier reports also mentioned a limit of five free hours per month, although Microsoft has not confirmed whether this monthly restriction applies to the current Xbox Insider test.
© Microsoft Xbox One can stream newer games
The company also points to older Xbox hardware as one use case. Xbox One owners can use cloud streaming to play supported titles designed for Xbox Series X|S without purchasing a newer console.
Availability remains limited to selected cloud-compatible games. Xbox already allows subscribers to stream supported games they own, including titles that are not included with Xbox Game Pass.
Acording to The Verge, Microsoft describes the Insider release as a limited test period. The company has not announced when the ad-supported option will become available to all users or which regions will receive it.
Sources: Microsoft
