Xbox Switches to Monthly Hour Limits to Cloud Gaming but Insists It Will Only Impact 4% of Game Pass Subscribers
Microsoft is adding pay-as-you-go cloud play and capping monthly hours for Game Pass subscribers, saying only 4% exceed the new limits.
- On Thursday, Microsoft's Xbox unit announced monthly cloud gaming time limits for Game Pass subscribers starting in November, ending years of unlimited access while simultaneously opening pay-per-play access to non-subscribers.
- Rising cloud gaming costs and climbing demand for Microsoft's finite computing power prompted the shift, mirroring consumption-based pricing used for products like GitHub Copilot, as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma evaluates business model changes.
- Game Pass Ultimate subscribers paying $22.99 monthly receive 15 hours of cloud gaming; Premium members at $14.99 get 10 hours; Game Pass Essential at $9.99 includes 5 hours, with additional hours purchasable through the Xbox Store.
- Microsoft expects the limits to affect just 4% of subscribers, while non-Game Pass users can now purchase cloud playtime for games they own, and the company is testing free ad-supported streaming for Xbox Insiders.
- Despite platform restrictions from Apple and Google delaying an Xbox mobile store, Xbox chief Asha Sharma said earlier this year the mobile initiative remains viable as Microsoft pursues cloud and mobile expansion.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Microsoft opens up Xbox Cloud Gaming with new pay-as-you-go option
Microsoft says it will let anyone access Xbox Cloud Gaming in November, without the need to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass. The change to a pay-as-you-go model is part of some sweeping changes to Xbox Cloud Gaming today, and is designed for people who don't use cloud access enough to warrant a monthly subscription. "Players […]
If you use the XBOX Game Pass subscription to play via Cloud, start rationing your sessions.
Game Pass Is Getting Worse, And More Expensive
Microsoft has made a big announcement about one of the big perks of Xbox Game Pass, cloud streaming, and the news is not great. Starting in November, Microsoft will put limits on how many hours per month people can use the service, and then allow people to pay more to unlock more time. Below is a breakdown of how many hours you'll get included with the tier of Game Pass you're subscribed to: Game Pass Ultimate: 15 hours Game Pass Premium: 10 ho…
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