XBOX Cloud Streaming Ad-Supported Tier Enters Testing For XBOX Insiders

Recently, XBOX has show to act upon aspects that many see to benefit the platform. In one announcement, it was revealed that backwards compatibility is to hit PC with Achievement support due in the “coming months.” It was also reported that the firm is already testing Project Positron which stands as an entitlement program to grant ownership of physical games to your digital library.

For XBOX Cloud Gaming, there has been ongoing discussions of making the platform available outside of subscription. It was reported that an ad tier would be enabled for the feature. However, this does go against recent comments from leadership. XBOX strategy boss Matthew Ball stated that “interrupting the gameplay experience would be bad” in regards to advertisements being integrated into the platform.

Now on Thursday, Microsoft announces that the ad-supported tier for XBOX Cloud Gaming is finally moving forward with testing now rolling out to XBOX Insiders Alpha-Ring tiers. However, the limited time test window enables feature use for up to one hour.

“For many players, the device they already own now allows them to stream games with XBOX. Cloud can also help XBOX One owners play newer games built for XBOX Series X|S without needing to purchase new hardware right away. That can be especially meaningful in places where consoles are harder to find or less affordable, giving more players another way to access great games on devices they already have,” the XBOX Wire post reads.

“Advertising has existed in gaming for decades, from in-game placements to free-to-play models. But it hasn’t always been built with the player in mind. When done well, advertising can help lower the cost of access. It creates another way for players to get into games without an upfront streaming purchase and expands audiences through new ways to play.”

The post also lists five testaments on what its intentions are for advertising with XBOX in mind: 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. 

Are you interested in trying this new ad tier for XBOX Cloud Gaming?

Source: XBOX Wire