Microsoft's Cloud Gaming Service Struggles to Find Its Footing as it Turns to Ads to Expand Access.
In a move that has left many gamers underwhelmed, Microsoft is reportedly planning to offer non-subscribers access to its Xbox Cloud Gaming service through paid ads. While this may seem like a reasonable way for the company to expand its reach, critics argue that it's a lackluster attempt at innovation and fails to address the underlying issues with its business model.
Currently, only subscribers to Microsoft's Game Pass subscription can access the full range of games available on Cloud Gaming. However, new reports suggest that the company is planning to introduce a limited "ad-supported" option that will allow non-subscribers to stream certain games for a short period of time in exchange for watching ads.
This move has been met with skepticism from gamers and industry experts alike. While it may provide some access to Cloud Gaming for those who aren't willing or able to pay for a subscription, it's seen as a half-hearted effort by Microsoft to expand its reach without making any meaningful changes to its business model.
One can only wonder why Microsoft is relying on ads instead of exploring more innovative ways to offer its services. For instance, offering short demo streams of available games in exchange for watching a short ad or simply as a sales tactic could have been an attractive option. Similarly, discounted access to a streaming-only Game Pass subscription for those willing to watch occasional ads like Netflix could have been an interesting approach.
Unfortunately, Microsoft seems to be stuck on the same tired business model that has led to the failure of Stadia and other similar services. Instead of learning from these failures, it's opting for a more conservative approach that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term success.
Ultimately, Microsoft needs to do better than this if it wants to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving world of cloud gaming.
In a move that has left many gamers underwhelmed, Microsoft is reportedly planning to offer non-subscribers access to its Xbox Cloud Gaming service through paid ads. While this may seem like a reasonable way for the company to expand its reach, critics argue that it's a lackluster attempt at innovation and fails to address the underlying issues with its business model.
Currently, only subscribers to Microsoft's Game Pass subscription can access the full range of games available on Cloud Gaming. However, new reports suggest that the company is planning to introduce a limited "ad-supported" option that will allow non-subscribers to stream certain games for a short period of time in exchange for watching ads.
This move has been met with skepticism from gamers and industry experts alike. While it may provide some access to Cloud Gaming for those who aren't willing or able to pay for a subscription, it's seen as a half-hearted effort by Microsoft to expand its reach without making any meaningful changes to its business model.
One can only wonder why Microsoft is relying on ads instead of exploring more innovative ways to offer its services. For instance, offering short demo streams of available games in exchange for watching a short ad or simply as a sales tactic could have been an attractive option. Similarly, discounted access to a streaming-only Game Pass subscription for those willing to watch occasional ads like Netflix could have been an interesting approach.
Unfortunately, Microsoft seems to be stuck on the same tired business model that has led to the failure of Stadia and other similar services. Instead of learning from these failures, it's opting for a more conservative approach that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term success.
Ultimately, Microsoft needs to do better than this if it wants to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving world of cloud gaming.
I'm not surprised they're trying ads now... it feels like they just copied Netflix's model from 5 years ago 
. They need to think outside the box and come up with something new, not just slap on a "new feature" label and call it a day 
. If they want to attract more people, they should be offering free trials or demo days, something that gives people a taste of what Cloud Gaming has to offer without breaking the bank 
. And who knows, maybe they could even do a game-of-the-month subscription thing? It's not rocket science, but it looks like Microsoft is stuck in neutral 
.
. Like, what if they offered some free trial or something and then asked users to support the service with a ad-free subscription? 
... I wish Microsoft would take some risks and try something new instead of playing it safe 
The demo stream idea I mentioned earlier would've been a nice touch, but I guess that's not in the cards for now. Stadia failed for a reason... let's see how this one plays out before we write Microsoft off entirely 
. I mean, ads on xbox? that's just gonna push people away if they already don't want to pay for the service 
. what about free trials or demos or something? that would be a way in...not just forcing people to watch ads lolol. and btw, how much are we talking here? is it like 5 bucks an hour or something? I don't think so 
. Can you imagine watching an ad in the middle of a intense game? It just doesn't feel right.
. Like, what about short demo streams or discounts for occasional ad-watchers? That sounds like a win-win situation to me. Instead, they're going with the "pay for no ads" approach which isn't as appealing.
. Stadia, Google's cloud gaming service, was a great idea but ultimately failed because of its business model. Let's hope Microsoft can do better than that 
. Offering limited-time demo streams or discounted subscriptions with occasional ads could be a win-win for both consumers and the company. It's all about creating value-added services that don't compromise on quality. Anything less just feels like they're phoning it in 
. The current ad-supported option might get more casual gamers on board, but it'll likely alienate the core audience that's driving growth. Can't they see that? 
. They should be innovating and trying new things instead of relying on ads to prop up their struggling business. I mean, come on MSFT! Step up your game or risk being left behind 
.