Hey Xbox fans, sounds like Microsoft is thinking about adding ads to Xbox Game Pass streaming!
At a recent summit, Microsoft’s CFO Tim Stuart talked about bringing Game Pass to “places that aren’t console first” like Africa.
For those markets, he suggested maybe doing something like “watch 30 seconds of an ad and get 2 hours of game streaming.”
The idea is it could reach millions of gamers who can’t afford the full subscription cost. Makes sense, get revenue from ads so you can offer the streaming cheaper or free.
Stuart emphasized Microsoft’s goal is to have Game Pass on every possible screen – smart TVs, mobiles, even PlayStation and Nintendo!
Game Pass costs over a billion dollars a year for Microsoft, so they’re looking at creative ways to maximize revenue, especially for new markets.
Ads could definitely help subsidize the costs and lead to wider accessibility. Of course, current full-price subscribers might not love seeing ads added.
For now it’s just an idea being thrown around. But with Microsoft openly discussing it, ads in Game Pass streaming seem very much on the table.
A bold move that could pay off through wider reach, or backfire if mishandled.
