Microsoft Slashes Cloud Gaming Limits for Xbox Subscribers
Microsoft is introducing significant changes to its Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Starting in November, cloud gaming hours will be limited for subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential tiers. The new limits are as follows: 15 hours per month for Ultimate subscribers, 10 hours for Premium, and just 5 hours for Essential.
This change affects four percent of Game Pass subscribers, according to Microsoft. To use more cloud gaming time beyond these limits, users will need to purchase additional hours through the Xbox store in bundles that can roll over if unused in a particular month. The exact pricing details have not been revealed yet.
Microsoft cites the growing cost of providing cloud gaming as the reason for these new restrictions. However, this move may be perceived as a step back from the unlimited cloud gaming feature previously offered to all Game Pass tiers, including Essential and Premium, just over a year ago.