- Xbox is said to be testing a new ad-based cloud gaming service internally.
- The service will forego the need for Game Pass and allow users access to a select list of titles to stream.
- Ads will also be part of the offerings, and a public beta is expected in the near future.
Xbox has recently upped the prices of its consoles and subscription service. Game Pass Ultimate now costs as much as $30, leading to many gamers criticizing the new pricing structure.
However, Microsoft seems to have an ace up its sleeve. According to reports, free access to Xbox Cloud Gaming is set to go live soon.
Why it matters: Microsoft hopes to push cloud gaming as a big part of the gaming division over the next few years. This is just one in a long list of steps being taken to achieve this goal.
Tom Warren from The Verge states that internal testing of the project is already underway. Microsoft currently plans to introduce an ad-supported tier of the streaming service, which will support a select number of games.
Eligible Free Play Days games will also be part of the package, in addition to Xbox Retro Classics offerings. It is said that Microsoft is testing one-hour sessions and plans to provide five hours for free every month.
These limits could still change by the time Microsoft officially announces this new tier. Moreover, a public beta is expected to show up very soon.
Overall, these changes are part of Microsoft’s Game Pass revamp. The service is set to change significantly over the next few months, potentially leaving behind a large chunk of its established player base.
What do you think about Microsoft’s upcoming cloud gaming access? Would you be okay with ads during gameplay sessions? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than three years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.