Microsoft to increase office attendance and test ad-supported cloud gaming

Microsoft has announced a policy shift requiring many employees to work from the office four days a week, effective February 1, 2027. While some Xbox division roles may remain exempt, those exceptions will require a reapplication process. Some observers suggest this move follows recent waves of layoffs and may influence staff retention.

In gaming news, Xbox is testing a new feature called Cloud Playtime Now through its insider program. This service allows users to access Xbox Cloud Gaming without a full Game Pass subscription. Users can purchase specific blocks of playtime, such as 10 or 50 hours, or opt for 30 minutes of free gameplay in exchange for watching approximately two minutes of advertisements. Time limits will also be introduced for existing Game Pass subscribers, with the entry-level tier limited to five hours per month.