Microsoft is testing free, ad-supported cloud gaming for Xbox Insiders

Xbox Insiders can stream games from their libraries for free Ad-supported streaming sessions Starting today. Free streaming sessions are limited to games you already own, and sessions are limited to one hour. However, ads will only run “before sessions start.” It’s also optional — you won’t need to watch ads if you have a paid cloud gaming subscription.

Microsoft says the ad-supported streaming option will only be available for a limited time during the “testing period.” I had previously started internal testing for Ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming Late last year, sources said Edge While the test included about two minutes of pre-announcements before the broadcast sessions.

At about the same time, Microsoft also Game Pass price increasebut has added unlimited cloud gaming to the less expensive Game Pass Essential subscription, which costs $9.99 per month. Previously, you needed a Game Pass Ultimate subscription for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft says the goal of its current test of ad-supported streaming is to expand affordable ways to play Xbox games. Advertising has become layered Increasingly common On video streaming platforms in recent years – the addition of ads on the Xbox streaming service may signal a similar shift in game subscriptions.

Additionally, Microsoft notes that cloud gaming could “help Xbox One owners play newer games designed for Xbox Series The news comes at a time when Xbox is in a state of… state of turmoilincluded Mass layoffs, Close the studioand back to a fan favorite He falls privilege. Furthermore, Xbox console prices are set to Increase by up to $100 Starting August 1st.