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Xbox cloud streaming is currently only available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, but that might change soon with the rumor of a new free version. Microsoft would offer the cloud gaming service for free but it would come with the stipulation that users would have to watch ads from time to time. This model isn’t too different from streaming video services like Hulu. Which lets you watch content for free but ads are spliced in.
At the moment a free ad-supported version of Xbox cloud gaming is only something that’s been discussed. Or at least, there’s no confirmation of how serious Microsoft is about this endeavor. The rumor comes from Microsoft Gaming CFO Tim Stuart who spoke at the Wells Fargo TMT Summit in November. During his interview, Stuart mentioned his vision for Xbox cloud gaming. “For models like Africa, or India, Southeast Asia, maybe places that aren’t console-first, you can say, ‘hey, do you want to watch 30 seconds of an ad and then get two hours of game streaming,” Stuart said at the summit.
It’s clear that Stuart is looking at this as a possible offering in regions where people play games on mobile more than other platforms. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be available more widely though. However, it does seem like the idea would be to test the waters in those regions.
Xbox cloud gaming is currently available for free for Fortnite
Technically you can use Xbox cloud gaming for free right now. But as The Verge points out it’s only available for one game. Fortnite. There is always a possibility of expanding access to other games. But as of right now, there hasn’t been any confirmation from Microsoft on if that will happen. However, it does seem more likely now with Stuart talking about an ad-supported model.
It at least shows that Microsoft is kicking around the idea of adding more games you can play without the need for a paid subscription. An ad-supported model would likely lend itself well to the mobile platform. Since ads are typically shown to gamers in a variety of ways in exchange for something in return. This is most commonly used to reward players with extra in-game currency or special items. But it could be successful in getting players to use Xbox cloud gaming for a few hours. Especially if all you have to do is watch one 30-second ad spot.