With Microsoft extending Xbox Cloud Gaming access to all versions of Xbox Game Pass earlier this week (with different benefits and limitations for each), the company is apparently set to announce a free version for xCloud soon as well.
This is coming from Tom Warren at The Verge, who says that ad-supported streaming is being tested inside of the company right now, and the belief is that it’ll be centered around select “Stream Your Own Game” titles, eligible Free Play Days titles and the Xbox Retro Classics collection.
“Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell The Verge that the software maker has started testing ad-supported games streaming internally, allowing employees to play select titles free without a Game Pass subscription.”
This will supposedly start rolling out soon as part of a public beta, while the full release will take place at some point in the coming months. It’ll also reportedly be accessible via PC, web browser, console and handheld devices.
What’s particularly interesting is that the in-house tests are said to include two minutes of preroll ads before getting access to a game this way, along with a limit of one-hour sessions up to a maximum of five hours per-month. The outlet says these limits could easily be changed for the public release, so it’s not worth reading too much into them.
Anyway, it sounds like Microsoft is getting ready to announce this very soon, so we’ll let you know what that happens!
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