Microsoft's Cloud Gaming Service is set to Offer Ad-Supported Access in Extremely Limited Circumstances
In a move that has left many Xbox fans underwhelmed, Microsoft has reportedly planned to offer non-subscribers access to its cloud gaming service through ad-supported means, albeit with significant caveats. The company's foray into monetizing its Cloud Gaming platform will feature "1 hour of ad supported playtime per session" for users who opt for the limited-tiered offering.
According to recent reports, Microsoft is exploring video ads as a way to slightly expand access to its "Stream your own game" program. Currently, subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Essentials tier (or higher) can stream versions of some purchased games digitally, but non-subscribers will only be able to access this service with the added revenue from advertising.
Microsoft has been experimenting with video ads for free games, similar to Nvidia's GeForce Now service that features two-minute sponsorships before game streams. However, it seems that Microsoft is choosing a more nuanced approach by offering a "session-based ad-supported access tier" for non-subscribers later this year.
While the moderately useful option may provide some additional access to cloud gaming for casual players who are hesitant to commit to a monthly subscription, critics argue that Microsoft could come up with more imaginative ways to reach occasional players. For instance, they propose offering 30-minute timed demo streams of available Xbox Cloud Gaming titles in exchange for watching short ads or as an Xbox Live Arcade-style sales tactic.
It's worth noting that Microsoft should take note from Google's experience with Stadia, which ultimately ended in failure due to its restrictive business model. Instead, Microsoft could experiment with new revenue streams and innovative approaches to cloud gaming, rather than relying solely on ad-supported access.
For now, gamers will have to make do with limited access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming library, even if they are willing to watch ads. While it's not all bad news, some might feel that Microsoft is playing it too safe by opting for a more traditional advertising model instead of exploring more creative and impactful alternatives.
In a move that has left many Xbox fans underwhelmed, Microsoft has reportedly planned to offer non-subscribers access to its cloud gaming service through ad-supported means, albeit with significant caveats. The company's foray into monetizing its Cloud Gaming platform will feature "1 hour of ad supported playtime per session" for users who opt for the limited-tiered offering.
According to recent reports, Microsoft is exploring video ads as a way to slightly expand access to its "Stream your own game" program. Currently, subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Essentials tier (or higher) can stream versions of some purchased games digitally, but non-subscribers will only be able to access this service with the added revenue from advertising.
Microsoft has been experimenting with video ads for free games, similar to Nvidia's GeForce Now service that features two-minute sponsorships before game streams. However, it seems that Microsoft is choosing a more nuanced approach by offering a "session-based ad-supported access tier" for non-subscribers later this year.
While the moderately useful option may provide some additional access to cloud gaming for casual players who are hesitant to commit to a monthly subscription, critics argue that Microsoft could come up with more imaginative ways to reach occasional players. For instance, they propose offering 30-minute timed demo streams of available Xbox Cloud Gaming titles in exchange for watching short ads or as an Xbox Live Arcade-style sales tactic.
It's worth noting that Microsoft should take note from Google's experience with Stadia, which ultimately ended in failure due to its restrictive business model. Instead, Microsoft could experiment with new revenue streams and innovative approaches to cloud gaming, rather than relying solely on ad-supported access.
For now, gamers will have to make do with limited access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming library, even if they are willing to watch ads. While it's not all bad news, some might feel that Microsoft is playing it too safe by opting for a more traditional advertising model instead of exploring more creative and impactful alternatives.
. i think they should experiment with some other models, like those timed demo streams i mentioned earlier... or even just a one-time payment for access to the library without ads at all 
. google's stadia debacle was a major warning sign, and microsoft shouldn't be afraid to take some risks here. what do u guys think? 
its just so lame ... i mean ive heard about google stadia and how it didnt do well with that same ad supported thing... and now theyre gonna follow the same path? 
not exactly what i call "innovation" lol... cant we think of something better than just slapping ads on a cloud gaming service? 
maybe like a free trial session or something for people who wanna try it out? that way ppl can get hooked without feeling like theyre being forced to spend money 
. But hey, I'm sure some people will still find a way to make it work 
this is soooo weird I dont get why msntv need add vids in between gameplay lol what if ppl play thru the ad instead of game tho? they shd try demo streams or somethin
. like a free trial or something where you can play games for a bit without ads... just saying 
u guys r gonna be stuck with 1 hour of ad supported playtime per session? 
what's the point of even having Xbox Cloud Gaming if its just gonna be interrupted every 60 mins by a 30-second ad? 
about this move! i think microsoft is being too conservative 
. microsoft should be willing to take some risks and try out new things instead of playing it safe 
. i'm still hyped for xbox cloud gaming tho, even if it means tolerating ads every now and then 
i mean its not all bad, but u can do better than that micosoft. google's stadia failed cuz of the same thing so dont go down that route 
. It's just so limited and boring. And don't even get me started on how it might affect the overall gaming experience. I guess it's a decent option for casual players who don't want to commit to a subscription, but for everyone else? No thanks 
. Microsoft needs to take some notes from Google's Stadia fiasco and try something new. This just feels like a cop-out 
it's just so extra and annoying, i don't know how anyone would want to watch ads for an hour straight...i mean come on, have some creativity, microsoft! 
. That's just too much 
i'm so disappointed in this decision... like, microsoft had such great potential with xbox cloud gaming... and now they're just gonna limit access even more? 
maybe offer free trials or something? it's all about creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and making people feel like they're missing out on awesome gaming experiences...