You know the old saying… when it’s free, you’re the product!
Microsoft has one idea in mind for Game Pass: making it free for everyone. But wait, there’s a problem. Want to play without paying a dime? So, get ready to watch some ads.
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Microsoft is playing the free Game Pass card
Mentioned at the Wells Fargo Summit, Game Pass could see a revolution. Tim Stewart, Microsoft’s CFO, detailed his vision, highlighting the importance of xCloud, Microsoft’s game streaming service. The idea is to allow access to Game Pass Ultimate and hundreds of games on any browser-enabled device, including smartphones.
This strategy specifically targets emerging markets such as Africa, India and some countries in South Asia, where smartphones are more widespread than personal computers or consoles. Microsoft’s proposal is therefore simple: users watch one or two ads lasting a few tens of seconds and then have access to hours of gameplay – just like YouTube.
An increasingly present model
The idea is inspired by on-demand streaming models like Netflix and Disney+, where free, ad-funded shows are gaining popularity. Sarah Bond, head of the Xbox division, had already mentioned this possibility last April, referring to “timed game segments” as part of the Game Pass subscription.
After Activision Blizzard acquired the games (Call of duty, Diablo…) It should soon join Game Pass. So expect big changes in Microsoft’s subscription offering. Not only could this initiative open up gaming to millions of new users, it could also redefine the way we access and consume video games.
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⋙ PS5: Sony is removing this great game from PlayStation Plus and there is little time left to enjoy it
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