Reports of ad-supported Xbox game streams show Microsoft's lack of imagination

[Amateur Moon Throug]

Microsoft's foray into cloud gaming has been met with a lukewarm reception from gamers. The latest development in this story suggests that the tech giant is leaning on advertising as a means to make its streaming service more accessible to a wider audience.

In what can be seen as a step forward, Microsoft is planning to introduce an ad-supported streaming tier for non-subscribers. This move aims to give occasional players a taste of cloud gaming without the need for a monthly subscription. However, it's essential to note that this new feature will only be available in limited circumstances and won't grant access to the entire Xbox Cloud Gaming library.

The reasoning behind this approach is twofold. Firstly, Microsoft wants to test the waters by offering a more affordable option to those who might not be willing or able to commit to a subscription-based model. Secondly, it seems that Microsoft is attempting to gauge the reaction of gamers to free or low-cost advertising-supported access before deciding on its broader strategy.

However, many experts believe that this approach falls short of innovative thinking. The proposed ad-supported streaming tier feels like an incremental step rather than a bold move. What if Microsoft were to offer players more creative ways to engage with its cloud gaming service? For instance, a 30-minute timed demo stream of any available title in exchange for watching a short ad could be an attractive option.

Microsoft should consider experimenting with new business models and exploring revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. The company can draw inspiration from services like Netflix, which relies on occasional ads to keep its streaming service affordable while generating revenue. Microsoft could also explore a "rent-a-game" model, allowing players to rent digital copies of titles for a set period at an additional cost.

While the ad-supported streaming tier may provide some benefits, it's crucial that Microsoft takes a more comprehensive approach to expanding access to cloud gaming. The company should aim to create engaging and innovative experiences that resonate with gamers, rather than relying on a single revenue stream.

Ultimately, the way forward for Xbox Cloud Gaming will depend on Microsoft's willingness to experiment and innovate. Until then, the tech giant's reliance on advertising feels like a missed opportunity to truly revolutionize the gaming landscape.

 

[Fool]

I gotta say, this whole ad-supported streaming thing is kinda cool I mean, it's not perfect but it's a start, right? Microsoft's trying to make cloud gaming more accessible which is awesome...but let's be real, it feels like they're playing it safe . What if they took some risks and got creative with their business model? Like, have you ever tried watching an ad before playing a 30-minute demo of your fave game ? It could actually work! The problem is, I think Microsoft's stuck on the idea that ads = money ...but what if they're just scratching the surface of something way more innovative?

 

[Dizzy Dotterel]

Wow the gaming industry is evolving so fast, I think Microsoft should definitely consider more options beyond traditional ads, maybe something like free trial periods or community-driven events? interesting idea to explore revenue streams like "rent-a-game" model, could make Xbox Cloud Gaming even more attractive to gamers

 

[Gifted Gannet]

the problem with microsoft's plan is that it's just too obvious ... instead of making it more accessible to everyone, they're still trying to make money off ads. i mean, can't they think outside the box? what if they offered some kind of free trial or something for new players? that way, people can try cloud gaming without committing to a subscription. and then they could offer ad-supported options later on... it's just too straightforward with this plan

 

[Wrong]

I gotta say, I'm kinda meh about this new ad-supported streaming tier thingy ... I mean, it's a good starting point, but what if they just stick with the same old subscription model? It feels like Microsoft is playing it too safe and not really taking any risks. What about all you casual gamers out there who want to try cloud gaming without committing to a sub? This tier should be available 24/7, no questions asked ... I wish they'd consider something more experimental, like a "game of the month" subscription where you get a new game each month for a fixed price. That sounds like way more fun than watching ads all day

 

[Nudist Batt]

Microsoft's cloud gaming is still trying to figure out its identity . Introducing an ad-supported streaming tier is like throwing a bone to gamers - it shows they're listening, but it's not exactly a game-changer . I mean, who doesn't love free stuff? But if you want to make the service more accessible, why not try something more interesting? Like a "game-of-the-month" subscription with a twist - you get to play it for 3 months in exchange for watching ads during your favorite TV show . That way, you're not sacrificing anything, but still getting a taste of cloud gaming without breaking the bank .

And another thing, why does Microsoft feel like they need to prove something with this ad-supported tier? It's like they're saying "Hey, we're not as cool as Netflix" . Newsflash: you are cool! You have an awesome library of games and a strong brand behind it. Stop trying to copy everyone else and be innovative for once .

I'm all for giving gamers more options and making cloud gaming more accessible, but Microsoft needs to think outside the box (or in this case, the subscription model) . It's time to get creative and come up with some fresh ideas that actually excite gamers. Until then, I'll just keep on streaming my games on PC .

 

[Worrisome Wo]

I'm not sure about this ad-supported tier thing... it seems like Microsoft is just trying to make money off us gamers . I mean, who wants ads in the middle of their gaming session? It's like watching TV on your console... not ideal. What if they offered a free trial or something instead? That way, we can try out cloud gaming without committing to a subscription. Or maybe a "rent-a-game" model like you said ... that could work. But relying solely on ads feels like a short-term fix. Can't Microsoft think outside the box for once?

 

[Long]

I gotta say, I'm a bit underwhelmed by this new ad-supported tier . I mean, it's not bad, but it feels like just another way for Microsoft to make money off of us gamers . Don't get me wrong, I'd love to play some cloud games without breaking the bank, but what if they could do more? Like, have a "game-a-month" subscription or something . That would be so sick! But no, instead we're stuck with ads and limited access to the library . It's like they're just phoning it in at this point .

I'm all for Microsoft trying new things, but this feels like a half-hearted attempt to get us on board . I wish they'd take some risks and try out some innovative business models instead of playing it safe . And what's up with the limited circumstances? Can't we just have access to the whole library like everyone else? .

 

[Jamaican Fashion College]

i feel like microsoft is playing it too safe ... an ad-supported tier could be cool but it's not enough! what about letting players try out games for like 30 mins and watch an ad? that sounds way more appealing than just getting a watered down experience . netflix does it right with ads, microsoft can learn from them! the xbox cloud gaming should be about innovation and fun, not just slapping together something mediocre . we need more variety in game rentals too, like renting a game for a week or something... that would be lit!

 

[The Care]

think this is a pretty obvious move by microsoft they want to make sure ppl can try out their cloud gaming service without committing to a sub but at what cost? it feels like they're just testing the waters and seeing how much ads gamers will tolerate i mean, if they wanna make it more accessible to non-subscribers, why not throw in some cool perks or exclusive content for watching those ads? that's what nintendo did with their online service and look how successful it was

 

[Preschool D]

I'm telling ya, this is a total setup Microsoft's trying to get us gamers hooked on their cloud service, but they're doing it with ads... Like, what if that's just the beginning? They could be testing the waters for more sinister stuff , like tracking our gaming habits and selling that data to the highest bidder. And don't even get me started on this "rent-a-game" model... Sounds like a way to keep us locked in their ecosystem, paying extra for the privilege of playing their games . Mark my words, this is just the start of something big... or bad

 

[Bored Bat]

idk man, microsofts approach is so basic they're just trying to get ppl to try their cloud gaming thing out without committing to a sub tho it's not gonna be enough though, gamers want more than just ad support, we need innovative ways 2 engage with the service, like those timed demos i mentioned earlier or even a "rent-a-game" model would be fire