If you use Xbox Cloud Gaming as your main way to play, there is a big change coming in November. Microsoft has officially announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming will no longer offer unlimited streaming to Game Pass subscribers, with monthly playtime limits being introduced across all Game Pass tiers starting in November.
Until now, Game Pass users have been able to use Xbox Cloud Gaming without worrying about a monthly time limit. Since 2020, the service has allowed players to stream games without downloading them, play across different devices, access Game Pass games through streaming, and play purchased games wherever they want. Starting in November, however, the amount of cloud gaming time included with a subscription will depend on the Game Pass tier:
- Game Pass Ultimate: 15 hours
- Game Pass Premium: 10 hours
- Game Pass Essential: 5 hours
The Xbox team has admitted that this will be a major limit, especially for people who regularly use cloud gaming. However, Microsoft estimates that the change will only directly affect around 4% of Game Pass subscribers, mainly those who depend heavily on the cloud as their main way to play. Reaching the monthly limit will not mean that players are completely locked out of Xbox Cloud Gaming. Instead, they will be able to buy additional cloud playtime directly through the Xbox Store.
“We’re introducing this model because the cost of providing cloud gaming grows as more people use it and play for longer. Moving to monthly limits allows us to keep offering the service while continuing to invest in its reliability and performance,” Microsoft said.
Nonetheless, players who use Xbox Cloud Gaming a lot may have to spend more money once they reach their monthly limit. They will be able to buy extra hours from the Xbox Store, but Microsoft has not yet announced how much these extra cloud gaming hours will cost. Exact prices and regional options are expected to be shared closer to the November launch. As more information becomes available, we’ll make sure to let you know here at GameObserver.
ObserverCrew Picks
bserver
bserver
