Microsoft Cuts Cloud Gaming Limits Amid Rising Costs
Microsoft is implementing hourly limits on its cloud gaming service for Game Pass subscribers. Starting in November, users will have limited hours of cloud gaming each month, depending on their subscription tier. The company anticipates this change to impact about 4% of Game Pass customers.
The new restrictions are as follows: 15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, 10 hours for Premium members, and 5 hours for Essential subscribers. Exceeding these limits will require users to purchase additional hours through the Xbox Store.
This move is seen as a way for Microsoft to control costs associated with cloud gaming, which increases as more users access the service. The company believes that heavy users will be affected by this change and may need to pay extra for additional playtime.
Microsoft plans to announce pricing for additional hours in November, giving investors insight into how aggressively it aims to monetize cloud gaming.