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Microsoft Trials Free Cloud Gaming with Ads for Xbox Insiders

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Xbox changes continue with new console boot animation

Xbox Insiders Offered Free Game Streaming with Ads

Starting today, Xbox Insiders have the opportunity to stream games from their personal libraries for free in ad-supported sessions. These sessions are limited to games that the user already owns, with a maximum duration of one hour. However, users will only encounter ads “before sessions begin,” and they have the choice to opt-out if they have a paid cloud gaming subscription.

Microsoft Tests Ad-Supported Game Streaming

Microsoft has announced that the ad-supported streaming option is available for a limited time as part of a testing phase. Last year, the company conducted internal tests on an ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, featuring approximately two minutes of ads before streaming sessions, according to sources from The Verge.

Expansion of Affordable Gaming Options

In a move to provide more affordable gaming alternatives, Microsoft recently introduced unlimited cloud gaming to its lowest-priced Game Pass Essential subscription at $9.99 per month. This change eliminated the requirement for a Game Pass Ultimate subscription for Xbox Cloud Gaming. The current test on ad-supported streaming aims to broaden access to Xbox games at a reasonable cost, aligning with the trend of ad-supported tiers on video streaming platforms.

Cloud Gaming Benefits for Xbox Owners

Microsoft highlights the potential of cloud gaming to enable Xbox One users to play newer games designed for Xbox Series X/S without the need to invest in a new console. This development comes amidst significant changes within the Xbox ecosystem, including organizational restructuring, studio closures, and a renewed focus on the popular Fallout franchise. Additionally, Xbox console prices are anticipated to rise by over $100 starting August 1st.

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