Microsoft is reportedly readying to announce a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming.
The Verge broke the news, saying the software maker has started testing ad-supported games streaming internally – allowing employees to play select titles for free without a Game Pass subscription.
This version will reportedly include the ability to stream some games you own, as well as eligible Free Play Days titles, and Xbox Retro Classics games.
Internal testing is trying around two minutes of preroll ads before a game is available to stream for free. Sessions have a one-hour limit with up to five hours free a month.
The ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming version will be available on PC, Xbox consoles, handheld devices, and via the web. A public beta test will take place before launching in the coming months.
The report has already led to online jokes about poignant or serious moments in video games suddenly being interrupted by obnoxious ads for Whopper burgers.
The news comes as the company has expanded Xbox Cloud Gaming access to its lower-tier Xbox Game Pass plans for the first time – albeit at lower resolution and bitrates – along with slugging a 50% price hike on the top-tier subscribers, which led to a swift backlash.
