Microsoft is trying out a new offer for gamers. People who join the Xbox Insider program can now stream some games they already own without paying anything upfront.
The catch is simple. They have to watch a few ads before each gaming session starts.
Each session lasts for one hour. After that time runs out, players would need to start a new session and watch more ads if they want to keep playing. This is similar to what some other cloud gaming services already do.
Microsoft made it clear that the ads will only play before the game begins. They will not pop up in the middle of gameplay. The company also said it wants the ad quality to match the standard of its games.
This trial is only running for a limited period. The company did not say exactly how long it will last.
Microsoft says this test is about giving people cheaper ways to play. But it also comes at a time when the company is raising prices on Xbox consoles and Game Pass subscriptions. Xbox leaders have said the gaming division needs to make more money. As a result, the company has already cut thousands of jobs and cancelled some game projects as part of a bigger restructuring.
An ad-supported option could bring in extra income while letting more people try cloud gaming without committing to a monthly subscription. For now, it remains a test, and only a small group of gamers can take part.