Microsoft is reportedly preparing to offer ad-supported access to its Xbox Cloud Gaming service for non-subscribers. Leaked loading screens suggest a '1 hour of ad supported playtime per session' for limited use. This would expand beyond the current Game Pass subscription requirement, focusing on streaming purchased games.

The move appears targeted at the 'Stream your own game' program, which lets Game Pass subscribers stream titles they already own. According to reports, a 'session-based ad-supported access tier' could arrive this year. This strategy mirrors Nvidia's GeForce Now, which uses ads before free-tier streams.

While offering a low-commitment entry point, the approach feels limited. Critics suggest Microsoft could experiment more boldly with demos or discounted streaming-only subscriptions. The company needs to avoid repeating Stadia's rigid buy-before-you-play model that hampered adoption. Ad-supported sessions might attract casual players but won't revolutionize cloud gaming access.