An option other than streaming through Game Pass
With Microsoft broadening Xbox Cloud Gaming availability to all editions of Xbox Game Pass earlier this week (featuring diverse advantages and restrictions for each), the corporation is reportedly ready to unveil a free variant for xCloud shortly as well.
This information is sourced from Tom Warren at The Verge, who mentions that the ad-supported streaming is currently being evaluated internally, with the expectation that it will revolve around selected “Stream Your Own Game” titles, eligible Free Play Days games, and the Xbox Retro Classics collection.
“Insiders familiar with Microsoft’s strategies inform The Verge that the tech company has initiated testing of ad-supported game streaming internally, enabling employees to experience selected titles at no cost without a Game Pass subscription.”
This feature is expected to begin rolling out soon as part of a public beta program, with the comprehensive launch anticipated within the forthcoming months. It will also reportedly be obtainable via PC, web browsers, consoles, and portable devices.
Interestingly, the internal evaluations are claimed to consist of two minutes of preroll advertisements prior to gaining access to a game in this manner, along with a cap of one-hour sessions totaling a maximum of five hours per month. The publication suggests that these limits could easily be modified for the public release, so it’s not advisable to overanalyze them.
Regardless, it appears that Microsoft is poised to announce this shortly, and we will inform you when that occurs!
What are your opinions on this? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
[source theverge.com]
Fraser serves as the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he dedicates his time to covering the most significant developments in the Xbox universe and beyond.