The Reported Ad-Supported Xbox Cloud Free Tier Is Coming, Features Total Five Hour Sessions Per Month For Initial Testing

For those that are in the loop, it is no secret the massive changes that are coming to Xbox Game Pass soon. It was revealed that Xbox Game Pass is to restructure its subscription and majorly recalibrate the Ultimate option with a new $30 price tag soon. Even Xbox Rewards is also update with the new decision as it recently severed the option to redeem the subscription too.

In response, Microsoft did offer a statement on the matter: “We understand price increases are never fun for anybody, but we’re trying to reinforce by adding more value to these plans as well.” And that it did. The new Essential & Premium options now offer Xbox Cloud Streaming – a feature in testing for Xbox Insiders earlier this summer.

Around that time, Microsoft was also considering an ad-supported tier that players could opt-in for and play their titles regardless of being in the Xbox ecosystem. Now in a new report from The Verge, the aforementioned new tier is already shaping up internally at Microsoft with plans to roll out very soon. However, there are some caveats compared to what it will be upon full release.

Out the door, the ad tier would provide access to select owned library titles, free play weekends, and the Xbox Retro Collection as well. But, how much you play is the part that is still being worked out. The test phase that is coming will issue one hour play sessions – five in total per month for users. Tom Warren does elaborate that this is likely to change after Microsoft evaluates the testing for this new tier.

According to sources familiar, each session is to be greeted with two minute ad rolls before playing. Details on if advertisements will intervene when playing or be on-screen has not be clarified. Supported platforms for this tier for testing includes console, PC, handhelds, and web streaming.

Are you interested in participating in the Xbox ad-supported cloud tier?

Source: The Verge