Microsoft Tests Free Xbox Cloud Gaming With Ads Amid Game Pass Price Hikes
Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming that could provide an alternative to its increasingly expensive Game Pass subscription service. The move comes as the company faces declining console sales and subscription cancellations following recent price increases. This ad-supported model follows similar strategies adopted by streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+.
Testing a New Gaming Model
Microsoft has confirmed it’s conducting internal tests of a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, according to reports from The New York Times. This development arrives at a crucial moment for the company’s gaming division, which recently announced that Xbox Game Pass subscription prices will increase starting November 4th.