Microsoft Expands Access to Free Ad-Supported Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft expands testing for free ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming, letting Insiders stream owned titles and free-to-play games without Game Pass.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft has expanded testing for its free, ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service to the Xbox Insider community.
- Players watch a two-minute ad block prior to gameplay to get one hour of uninterrupted streaming.
- The model enables streaming current-gen releases on older hardware like the Xbox One without a Game Pass subscription.
Microsoft Is Expanding Testing for Free Xbox Cloud Gaming
Last year, the first news of an ad-supported free Xbox Cloud Gaming service surfaced. At the time, the testing was limited within Microsoft but as one could imagine, the backlash was already pretty bad. Many players weren’t exactly thrilled with the idea of watching ads just to access cloud gaming.
But while that is the case, it seems like this is a wheel we can’t stop from turning anymore as new testing of it has begun in the wider Xbox community, particularly among Xbox Insiders.
Even so, this seems like a wheel we can’t stop turning anymore. Microsoft has now expanded the testing to the wider Xbox community, particularly among Xbox Insiders. The test is completely voluntary and Insiders can opt out at any time. If you’re curious to see how everything works but haven’t joined Xbox Insiders yet, you can sign up anytime.
Now, the specifics. While Xbox Cloud Gaming has well over a thousand titles in its library, this free testing phase won’t include the entire catalog. Instead, players will only be able to stream games they already own that support cloud streaming including Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light. On top of that, free-to-play games will also be available like Call of Duty: Warzone, Genshin Impact, and War Thunder.
The advertising model is fairly straightforward. Before each gaming session begins, players will watch a two-minute block of multiple ads. Once that’s finished, they’ll get one hour of uninterrupted gameplay. After that hour is up, another two-minute ad break will start. But to give the players control on whether to continue in this format, a countdown will appear before that next block of ads.
Since Xbox already knows that backlash is inevitable, they clarified their approach with this ad-supported service:
- 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.
According to Variety, the ads will come from “globally recognizable brands and specific to the markets that Xbox Insiders are viewing them within.”
From Xbox’s perspective, advertising opens the door for players who want to use cloud gaming without paying for Game Pass which is currently the only way to access the service. It’s also being positioned as a practical option for Xbox One owners who aren’t planning to upgrade their consoles anytime soon. Since cloud gaming can stream current-generation titles directly to older hardware, players can experience newer releases without buying an Xbox Series X|S.
So, are they selling enough for you to give it a try?
Where can I buy Xbox Game Pass at the cheapest price?
Allkeyshop can help you score massive savings when you buy Xbox Game Pass simply by using our price comparison tool. It will help you find the cheapest price of video games and subscriptions in real time.
Then to level up your savings even more, apply the exclusive Allkeyshop discount codes with selected merchants which you’ll see in the tool too. And don’t be concerned about location or platform, we’ve got that all covered.
Buying cheap game keys safely is our main goal so not only will you see the lowest game key prices but you also get insights on price history, shop reviews, buyer protection programs if available, and even payment fees for Paypal and credit card.
Sending some gaming news your way from a surfing paradise island. Loves creating content, and researching informative facts and useless trivia. A novice in the gaming industry but a veteran in communications and publication.
Download the Allkeyshop Browser Extension Free
For all the latest video game news, trailers, and best deals, make sure to bookmark us.
You can find all the best and cheapest online deals on CD keys, game codes, gift cards, and antivirus software from the verified CD key sellers on our store pages.
To not miss any news on Allkeyshop, subscribe on
Google News
.
MORE RELEVANT ARTICLES
Comments (0)