Microsoft Slashes Cloud Gaming Time Limits Amid Growing Costs
Microsoft has announced that it will be introducing monthly time limits for its cloud gaming service on Xbox Game Pass. The limits, which will come into effect in November, are as follows: 15 hours per month for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, 10 hours for Premium subscribers, and 5 hours for Essential subscribers.
Microsoft claims that this change is necessary due to the growing cost of providing cloud gaming services. According to Team Xbox, this move will only impact four percent of users, but many individual games last longer than 15 hours, so players will need to purchase additional time if they use up their monthly allowance.
The introduction of these limits has sparked criticism from gamers who fear that it represents a worst-case scenario for an all-digital future where users do not own anything, including their time. Microsoft's decision comes at a time when Sony is phasing out discs, leading to concerns about the loss of physical media and ownership.
The timing of this announcement is also notable, as Grand Theft Auto VI will be released in November, and some users may rely on cloud gaming to play older games or sample new ones. Microsoft has shown a willingness to monetize its services, even if it means nickel-and-diming users.