"Microsoft Explores Free Xbox Game Pass with Ad-Supported Streaming"

Microsoft is considering offering free access to Xbox Game Pass in exchange for viewing advertisements, with a focus on expanding the service to emerging markets. Xbox's CFO, Tim Stuart, mentioned the possibility of ad-supported game streaming in regions like Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, where consoles are not as prevalent. Evidence suggests that this business model may be in the production stage, with code snippets referencing "Earned Time" blocks of Game Pass access. Microsoft had previously surveyed players about the potential introduction of a cheaper, ad-supported tier for Xbox Game Pass.