Earlier this year, Xbox gamers noticed little messages hinting at an ad-supported streaming tier coming to the platform. This streaming option is now available for testing for Xbox Insiders, and it’s optional for those interested in seeing what playing games via the cloud for free might look like.
Testing for ad-supported streaming began Thursday for Xbox Insiders, according to a post on Xbox Wire. This is a limited test to allow players to stream select games they own at no additional cost by watching ads before they start playing.
“It creates another way for players to get into games without an upfront streaming purchase and expands audiences through new ways to play,” the company said in the post.
Xbox Insiders will be able to use this ad-supported option if they choose to play select games they own. Once a game is picked, a number of ads will play first. Players can then play the game as usual for an hour-long session. It’s unclear if this is going to be the standard pattern for ad-supported streaming after testing or if there will be additional changes to the setup.
Streaming is currently available for Xbox Game Pass subscribers on Xbox devices and via Xbox apps for different devices, including laptops, desktops, smart TVs, tablets, phones and portable gaming devices. Those with subscriptions will not have to see ads during testing, but can choose to if they want to get an idea of how the service works.
It’s been a rough 15 months for Microsoft and the Xbox platform. When President Donald Trump announced his sweeping tariffs that would affect gaming hardware in April 2025, the next month, Microsoft announced it would have to increase the price of its Xbox Series consoles. The company has since raised the price of its consoles a second time, and a third price hike will happen on Aug. 1 due to the ongoing memory shortage.
Microsoft also bumped up subscription prices for Xbox Game Pass last October, but did reduce the cost this past April. Xbox leadership also changed, with longtime boss Phil Spencer being replaced by Asha Sharma. Then, earlier this month, Microsoft laid off thousands of workers and is looking to sell four of its game studios: Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs and Compulsion Games.
These issues for Microsoft have made gamers concerned about the future of the Xbox platform. The company said back in March that it still has plans to release its next console sometime in 2027.
Oscar Gonzalez
Contributing writer
Oscar Gonzalez is a Texas native who covered video games, conspiracy theories, misinformation and cryptocurrency.
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