Digital Magazine – Microsoft could soon open a new chapter in its cloud gaming journey — one that gives players access to games for free, supported by ads. According to a recent report, the company is internally testing an ad-based tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming, signaling a potential shift in how gamers access content without paying for an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
A Free Tier with Limits
As reported by The Verge, Microsoft employees are currently experimenting with a new ad-supported model that allows users to stream select titles without an active Game Pass plan. However, there’s a trade-off: players must watch a short series of ads before gameplay begins. Early testing suggests that each session begins after roughly two minutes of advertisements.
The service reportedly grants players one-hour gameplay sessions, with up to five free hours available per month. While these restrictions could change prior to public release, the approach appears designed to give gamers a taste of Xbox Cloud Gaming without requiring any upfront payment.
What Games Will Be Available?
The ad-supported tier will likely include a mix of content from various sources. Early internal testing reportedly features:
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Games users already own on their Xbox accounts
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Free Play Days titles, which are limited-time demos for upcoming or popular releases
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Xbox Retro Classics, including titles from Activision’s nostalgic library of the 1980s and 1990s
This combination gives Microsoft an opportunity to showcase a diverse catalog that appeals to both modern and retro gamers.
A Strategic Move Amid Price Increases
Interestingly, news of this free tier surfaces amid mounting criticism of Microsoft’s recent price hikes across its gaming ecosystem. The company recently increased prices for Xbox Game Pass tiers and even its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in the United States. Microsoft cited “macroeconomic factors” for the adjustments, but many fans expressed frustration — some even rushing to cancel Game Pass subscriptions, temporarily crashing the Xbox website.
In that context, the free ad-supported tier could serve as a goodwill gesture to offset negative sentiment. Offering a free, accessible option might help Microsoft retain user engagement while broadening its audience in regions or markets where subscription prices remain a barrier.
Expanding Access Across Devices
The upcoming tier will reportedly be available on Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, PC, handheld devices, and web browsers, making it one of the most accessible gaming platforms under the Xbox umbrella. Microsoft is expected to conduct public testing through the Xbox Insider Program in the near future, though no official launch date has been confirmed.
Balancing Ads and Accessibility
An ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming experience isn’t entirely surprising. The gaming industry has long flirted with integrating ad-based models as a way to lower entry barriers for players while maintaining revenue streams for developers and publishers. However, success will depend heavily on how non-intrusive and well-integrated these ads feel.
If done right, Microsoft could set a precedent for a new “freemium” model in cloud gaming — one that balances accessibility with monetization. But if ads become too disruptive, the initiative could risk alienating the very audience it hopes to attract.
Looking Ahead
While Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed the program, its internal testing suggests the idea is gaining traction. With Game Pass already a key pillar of the company’s ecosystem, a free ad-supported tier could serve as both an entry point for new users and a bridge to premium subscriptions.
If successful, it could reshape how the gaming giant approaches its long-term strategy offering players more choices than ever before on how they want to play, pay, and experience Xbox titles in the cloud.