XBOX is testing an ad-supported system to stream select games from your library for a limited time, available to XBOX Insiders only.
During this test period, XBOX Insiders with an XBOX account will be able to stream games they own for free with ads. Players will have one hour session limits across supported devices and regions.
Here’s what you can expect according to XBOX:
- Ads will play before sessions begin.
- The core game experience is unchanged.
- This is optional. Players can choose other ways to play at any time.
- For many players, the device they already own now allows them to stream games with XBOX. Cloud can also help XBOX One owners play newer games built for XBOX Series X|S without needing to purchase new hardware right away. That can be especially meaningful in places where consoles are harder to find or less affordable, giving more players another way to access great games on devices they already have.
They write the below in regards to advertising:
Advertising has existed in gaming for decades, from in-game placements to free-to-play models. But it hasn’t always been built with the player in mind. When done well, advertising can help lower the cost of access. It creates another way for players to get into games without an upfront streaming purchase and expands audiences through new ways to play.
Given that, we want to be clear about how we will approach ad-supported services across XBOX:
- We start with the player. Ads should create value.
- We do not interrupt the flow of gameplay.
- We hold ads to the same quality bar as our content.
- We’re clear about what’s advertising.
- We make sure ads fit what players expect on each platform.
- We’ll learn from this test and continue to improve it based on how players use it and what they tell us. Our goal is simple. Give more people more affordable ways to play.