Microsoft to trial free ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier

Microsoft is preparing to offer a free, ad supported tier of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, company sources said, joining a broader shift in its subscription strategy and expanding access to cloud play beyond paid Game Pass members. The company has been internally testing the option with employees and expects to open a public beta in the coming months, with a wider rollout to follow.

People familiar with the tests said the free tier requires viewers to watch a preroll advertisement of roughly two minutes before gameplay begins. Current internal limits cap sessions at one hour and allow about five hours of free streaming per month, though those parameters could change before public release. The service under test will let users stream some games they already own, select eligible titles including short-term Free Play Days offerings, and a collection of retro classics. It is being trialed across consoles, personal computers, handheld devices and web browsers.

Cloud streaming has until now generally been available only to Game Pass subscribers. Introducing a no-cost, ad supported option would enable non-subscribers to try cloud play without purchasing a subscription, while...