Xbox Cloud Gaming May Launch Ad-Supported Access Soon

Last week, users of Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service noticed "one hour of ad supported play time per session" messages popping up during the launch of play sessions. Jez Corden, of Windows Central fame, believes that the popular subscription-based streaming model will offer a new product tier in the near future. The noted Xbox insider has reached out to industry contacts for comment regarding aforementioned leaks that mentioned an advert-supported branch. Post-seeking clarification, Corden's past weekend report outlined a major change—according to an unnamed source, it is confirmed that: "(adverts) will appear separately on Xbox Cloud Gaming, for those who have purchased Xbox games digitally, but don't have Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has hundreds of games available to buy via Xbox Cloud Gaming, but as of writing, you need at least one tier of Xbox Game Pass to access them. This session-based ad-supported access tier will change that." A late October New York Times article provided an early hint of Microsoft exploring a "free ad-supported" cloud gaming access tier. Uptake of the Xbox Cloud Gaming service—and similar streaming platforms—is expected to climb further in 2026 and beyond, as an unfortunate result of the ongoing computer memory and storage crisis. Corden proposes that Microsoft leadership likely wants to justify the cost of expanding and maintaining cloud service-focused data centers—an ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming access tier could ensure that: "Azure inference remains high and consistent," without any unwanted dry periods. Multiple gaming news outlets have connected this "advert-supported" tidbit to the next Developer_Direct showcase. Later this week, Xbox's main focus will be the presentation of Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation. A smaller update—regarding adjustments to Xbox Cloud Gaming—could be slipped in after larger preview beats. Sources: Windows Central, Eurogamer Related News