Microsoft’s gaming division has begun testing ad-supported cloud gaming with members of the Xbox Insider programme. Instead of paying a subscription fee, participants can access games from their libraries by watching advertisements, although each gaming session is limited to one hour.

Microsoft has officially confirmed what had been rumoured for months. Users participating in the Xbox Insider programme can now try cloud gaming for a limited time by paying with their time instead of their money. “Today, we’re starting to test an ad-supported system that will allow you to stream different titles from your library for a limited time in exchange for watching ads”, reads the company’s official statement.

The system will play several advertisements before each gaming session, although Microsoft has not yet revealed their exact number. Each cloud gaming session can last for a maximum of one hour. The company has also not clarified whether users will be able to start several consecutive sessions by watching more advertisements every 60 minutes or whether a daily limit will apply. Microsoft does assure players that “the gameplay experience remains unchanged” and that the option is entirely voluntary, since “players can choose other ways to play at any time”.

“Advertising has been present in the video game industry for decades, from in-game ads to free-to-play models. However, it hasn’t always been designed with the player in mind. When done well, advertising can help reduce the cost of access. Offering players another way to access games without an initial purchase expands the audience by offering new ways to play”, the company argued. Xbox also claims that the system will not be filled with the intrusive and excessive advertisements commonly seen on social media platforms.

Microsoft Is Trying to Solve a Serious Problem

It is no coincidence that the system has appeared in the current climate. The Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s most powerful console, now sells for a minimum of $749, creating an insurmountable barrier to entry for many potential customers. The company is therefore experimenting with ways to provide access to Xbox games without requiring players to purchase expensive new hardware.

“Devices already owned by many gamers allow them to stream Xbox games. Cloud gaming can also help Xbox One users play new titles designed for the Series without needing to buy the console right now. This can be especially important in areas where consoles are hard to find or less affordable, giving users another way to access fantastic games”, Microsoft explained.

Source: 3DJuegos