Microsoft's adding an ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox is planning to add a free, ad-supported tier to its cloud gaming service. That means you should be able to stream certain games without paying.

The Verge broke the news, citing sources familiar with Microsoft's plans. The tech site reported that Microsoft was getting ready to announce the news and had been testing ad-supported gaming internally. The ads would reportedly take the form of a two-minute pre-roll before playing, and there may be limits on how long games could stream.

Wrote The Verge:

"I understand that the free ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming will include the ability to stream some games you own, as well as eligible Free Play Days titles, which let Xbox players try games over a weekend. You’ll also be able to stream Xbox Retro Classics games."

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a key offering from Microsoft and allows gamers to stream with certain Game Pass subscriptions. The company recently instituted a price hike — like everything else these days, it seems — pushing Xbox GamePass Ultimate up 50 percent to $29.99 per month.