New Delhi: Microsoft might be planning to release its ad-supported cloud gaming plan more widely. According to some sources, some users have started seeing notifications on the Xbox application that say 1 hour of ad-supported play time per session. It remains unclear when this will officially be rolled out. However, it would be safe to assume that it may happen soon, as the notifications have started to surface for it. Microsoft confirmed earlier last year that it was indeed testing the ad-supported cloud gaming plan. There hasn’t been any official confirmation on its release date.
Xbox’s ad-supported cloud gaming plan is an option from Microsoft that will let players stream and play games over the internet without needing to download them to a console or PC. Unlike traditional Xbox Game Pass tiers that focus on downloaded titles, this plan is expected to be rolled out at no cost by integrating ads into the cloud gaming experience, enabling users to access a library of games through streaming on supported devices like phones, tablets, and browsers. Under the ad-supported model, players are likely to see some advertisements, which help subsidise the cost of the service. The aim seems to be attract more casual gamers who want to try cloud gaming without paying full price, while still offering access to a broad range of Xbox games through Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure.
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that works across multiple platforms, enabling gameplay on Xbox consoles, PCs, and supported devices through cloud streaming. The service is offered in three tiers: Game Pass Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. In India, the Essential plan is priced at Rs 499 per month, the Premium plan costs Rs 699, while the Ultimate tier is available for Rs 1,389.
