InnovationSoftwareTechnology

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.

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Halo’s PlayStation Debut Drives Ground-Up Unreal Engine 5 Remake

Halo: Combat Evolved is getting a comprehensive remake in Unreal Engine 5 for 2026 release, marking the franchise’s debut on PlayStation platforms. Development sources indicate this represents a strategic shift for the series and a potential template for future Halo titles. The move to industry-standard engine technology aims to streamline development while expanding the franchise’s audience.

The PlayStation Factor

Microsoft’s iconic Halo franchise is preparing for its PlayStation debut with what sources describe as the most comprehensive remake yet of the original game. According to development team interviews, Halo: Campaign Evolved represents not just another re-release but a strategic pivot for the 25-year-old franchise.

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Microsoft Confirms Halo Franchise Going Multiplatform, Starting With PS5

Microsoft has confirmed that the Halo franchise will be multiplatform moving forward, with the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved remake launching on PlayStation 5. The announcement signals a major strategic shift for what was once Xbox’s flagship exclusive series, potentially opening the door for more Halo titles on competing platforms.

The End of an Era for Xbox Exclusives

In what represents one of the most significant platform strategy shifts in gaming history, Microsoft has confirmed that the Halo franchise will be multiplatform “going forward,” according to announcements made during the Halo World Championship livestream. The confirmation came after the reveal of Halo: Campaign Evolved, a ground-up remake of the original game that will launch simultaneously on Xbox and PlayStation 5 in what appears to be just the beginning of Master Chief’s expansion beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem.