Xbox Cloud Gaming: Ads for Free Playtime?

Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service, currently exclusive to Game Pass subscribers, may soon offer limited ad-supported playtime to non-subscribers. New reports suggest this feature could be implemented as soon as this year, allowing players to stream purchased games for a set duration after viewing advertisements.

This initiative is reportedly an expansion of Microsoft's "Stream your own game" program, which lets subscribers stream digital titles they already own. The ad-supported tier would enable non-subscribers to access this feature on a session-by-session basis, potentially attracting a wider audience to cloud gaming.

While this offers a glimpse into broader accessibility, it also sparks discussion about more innovative approaches. Competitors like Nvidia GeForce Now already use ads for free game streams, and Microsoft could explore other models like timed demos or ad-discounted subscriptions to further engage casual players.