Free cloud gaming access for Xbox games coming soon

Xbox Cloud Gaming Exits Beta: A Look at Upcoming Free Tier Options

After more than six years of extensive public testing, Xbox Cloud Gaming, previously known as Project xCloud, has officially transitioned out of its beta phase. This milestone was marked by a notable price increase for Xbox Game Pass, which now stands at an impressive $29.99 per month for the Ultimate tier. However, the silver lining is that cloud gaming is now included in all Game Pass tiers, providing players the opportunity to enjoy cloud-based gaming without having to pay for the premium subscription.

Exploring the Potential Free Tier

In an exciting development, sources within Microsoft, as reported by Tom Warren from The Verge, have indicated that the company is experimenting with an innovative ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming. This initiative could potentially allow users to access a limited selection of games for free, eliminating the necessity for a Game Pass subscription. During the gameplay, players will encounter a short pre-roll advertisement lasting two minutes, and usage will be capped at five sessions per month, with a one-hour limit for each session. However, these constraints may be subject to change as Microsoft fine-tunes the service for broader release.

Enhancing Game Access without Subscription Fees

Currently, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can enjoy streaming from a diverse game catalog, as well as titles they already own. The introduction of an ad-supported tier could expand options, enabling players to stream not only their owned titles but also games from programs like Free Play Days and Xbox Retro Classics, mirroring the flexibility seen with services like Nvidia GeForce NOW.

What’s Next for Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Public trials for the free ad-supported tier are expected to commence in the coming months, promising accessibility across various platforms, including PCs, Xbox consoles, handheld devices, and web browsers. Despite the backlash regarding the recent price hike, players can still subscribe to Game Pass at the older rate through retailers like Amazon. If the free tier rolls out as planned, it represents a significant step towards democratizing access to gaming, although gamers will need to weigh the trade-off of watching ads along with session limits.

Source: The Verge

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