If you’ve ever wanted to try Xbox Cloud Gaming without paying for Game Pass, Microsoft is finally giving some players that chance. The company has started testing a new free version of the service, but you’ll need to watch ads before you can jump into a game.
Microsoft officially announced the test in a post on the official Xbox Wire blog, where it confirmed that eligible players can stream games without a paid Xbox Game Pass subscription. For now, though, the trial is only available to members of the Xbox Insider program. However, there are a few limits. Streaming sessions are capped at one hour, and players must watch an ad before each session starts. Once the hour is over, users can immediately begin another session by watching another ad, with their progress carrying over seamlessly across devices.
Microsoft says the ads will never interrupt gameplay, so players won’t see commercials appearing in the middle of a game. In addition, the service is currently limited to a selection of games that players already own digitally, along with certain free-to-play titles.
Microsoft also aims to make these ads helpful and easy to accept by following these rules:
- 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.
Anyone interested in trying the feature can join the Xbox Insider program by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC. Microsoft also confirmed that the ad-supported option is completely optional, while all existing paid Xbox Cloud Gaming plans will continue to be available. For more Xbox-related coverage, keep checking GameObserver.
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