Microsoft is changing how cloud gaming works with Xbox Game Pass, and some subscribers are going to feel the difference.
Starting in November, Xbox Game Pass plans will include a fixed number of cloud gaming hours each month. Until now, eligible subscribers have been able to stream games without a monthly time limit.
The new limits will be:
- Game Pass Ultimate: 15 hours per month
- Game Pass Premium: 10 hours per month
- Game Pass Essential: 5 hours per month
Microsoft says the change is expected to affect around 4% of Game Pass subscribers. However, that number does not tell the whole story. For players who use cloud gaming regularly, the new limits could be a major change.
Once a subscriber uses all their monthly cloud gaming hours, Microsoft will allow them to purchase additional playtime through the Xbox Store. The company has not yet announced the pricing for these extra hours.
Microsoft says pricing, available hours and some cloud gaming features could vary depending on the market. More details will be shared before the new system goes live in November.
There is another interesting change coming alongside the new limits.
Starting in November, players will be able to use Xbox Cloud Gaming without a Game Pass subscription by purchasing cloud gaming hours through the Xbox Store.
This will allow users to stream eligible games they already own on supported devices. It could be useful for people who only want to play through the cloud occasionally and do not want another monthly subscription.
I think this part of the announcement could actually be useful. Not everyone needs Game Pass every month, especially if they already own the games they want to play. Paying for a few hours of cloud gaming when needed could make more sense for some players.
Xbox One owners can use cloud gaming to play some games designed for Xbox Series X|S without immediately upgrading their console. This can be useful in markets where newer consoles are expensive or difficult to buy.
Microsoft says it will continue adding cloud support for more games throughout the year.
Microsoft says the main reason is simple. Cloud gaming becomes more expensive as people use it more and play for longer. Running games remotely requires Microsoft’s servers to continuously process and stream gameplay to users. By introducing monthly limits, the company says it can keep offering cloud gaming while continuing to invest in reliability and performance.
Microsoft also acknowledges that the change could mean a higher cost for some players. That is probably the biggest concern here. Game Pass has increasingly become an important part of Microsoft’s gaming strategy, and cloud gaming is one of its biggest differentiators. Putting a monthly limit on it makes the service less attractive for heavy cloud users, particularly on the higher-priced Ultimate plan where users may expect fewer restrictions.
At the same time, Microsoft says only around 4% of subscribers are expected to be affected. So for most Game Pass users, this may not make much difference.
Now the important question is how much Microsoft will charge for additional hours. If extra cloud gaming time is reasonably priced, occasional users may not mind the change. If the additional cost is high, it could turn cloud gaming into a much more expensive option for regular players.
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