Microsoft Cites AI Boom as Reason for Xbox Cloud Gaming Time Limits

Microsoft has attributed its recent Xbox Cloud Gaming restrictions to the AI boom, according to an insider report. The limitations, announced on September 3 for a November rollout, set monthly cloud gaming time allowances at 15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, 10 for Premium users, and five for Essential tiers. These caps will supposedly start losing Microsoft money above a certain threshold.

The changes will affect approximately 4% of Game Pass subscribers, with the company yet to reveal pricing details on additional cloud time purchases beyond the initial limits. Microsoft has offered grandfathering guarantees for existing users in select markets as part of its softened rollout policy.