Microsoft appears ready to launch an ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier. Insider Jez Corden reports that users who own digital Xbox games but lack Game Pass could soon stream them via ads. This follows test messages offering 'one hour of ad supported play time per session.'

The move addresses a key barrier: currently, you need a Game Pass subscription to access Xbox's cloud streaming library. An ad-funded option would let gamers play titles they've purchased without a monthly fee, potentially expanding the service's reach significantly.

This strategy aligns with Microsoft's goal to keep its Azure data centers profitable and consistently utilized. The announcement could arrive during this week's Xbox Developer Direct showcase, where major titles like Fable and Forza Horizon 6 will be featured.