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.

BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Microsoft Confirms Halo PlayStation 5 Release in Major Strategy Shift

Microsoft will release Halo Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 next year, marking the franchise’s debut on a Sony platform. The move represents a fundamental shift in how Microsoft views competition in the gaming landscape. Xbox leadership describes competing more with entertainment platforms than rival consoles.

The End of an Era

In what industry observers are calling one of gaming’s most significant strategic pivots, Microsoft has confirmed plans to bring its flagship Halo franchise to PlayStation 5. According to reports from The New York Times, the company will release a remake titled Halo Campaign Evolved on Sony’s platform next year, ending more than two decades of console exclusivity for Microsoft’s most valuable gaming IP.