Microsoft’s free Xbox Cloud Gaming service will soon be available with ads

Microsoft has been testing its ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service over the past few months, as I said It was exclusively revealed in October. Now, the software giant is close to testing a free streaming option with Xbox Insiders.

Over the weekend, Microsoft updated its Xbox app with loading screens for Xbox Cloud Gaming that indicate “one hour of ad-supported playtime per session.” This is in line with Microsoft’s internal testing, which was limited to one-hour sessions, with up to five free hours per month.

Sources told me in October that internal testing includes about two minutes of pre-advertising before the game becomes available to stream for free via Xbox Cloud Gaming. The free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming will include the ability to stream some games you own, as well as try out qualifying games Free play days Headlines over the weekend. You will also be able to stream Xbox Retro Classics Games with pre-roll ads.

Microsoft It has been officially confirmed The ad-supported service was tested just weeks after my report, and I now expect it to be officially announced and in public testing in the coming weeks.