Xbox Cloud Gaming: Microsoft plans free, ad-financed version

Microsoft apparently wants to test a free version of its cloud gaming offering. This is reported by The Verge. Currently, you need a subscription to Microsoft's Game Pass to be able to stream titles with Xbox's cloud gaming. In the future, according to the report, you will also be able to play games without a subscription, albeit with severe restrictions.

According to The Verge, Microsoft could offer free cloud gaming with ad breaks. In contrast to the version linked to Game Pass, the selection of games is also limited: users of the free version would only be able to use cloud gaming with some games that they already own and are supported by Microsoft. Free-to-play titles could also be available as part of special offers.

This sounds as if the free version of Microsoft's cloud gaming is most likely intended as an option to try out the feature or certain games briefly. The planned restrictions also give the impression that free cloud gaming is not really designed for long-term use: according to The Verge, users have to watch around two minutes of advertising before they can even start playing. A session should only last around an hour, and a maximum of five free sessions are allowed per month. However, the precise details could still change.

Public test planned

According to The Verge, Microsoft is currently testing the free Xbox Cloud Gaming offer internally before launching a public test phase soon. Microsoft recently made Xbox Cloud Gaming available to all subscribers to its Game Pass gaming subscription. Previously, only Ultimate subscribers were able to stream games.

Since last fall, Xbox Cloud Gaming has also been able to stream some games that are not included in Game Pass—as long as they were purchased on the Xbox platform. The compatible games can be viewed on Microsoft's website.

(dahe)