Xbox Cloud Gaming Service Hits Roadblock with Hourly Limits

Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service has taken a step back in recent changes to its Game Pass subscriptions. The service, which allows users to play Xbox games on various devices without needing an actual console, had been touted as a game-changer for gamers.

However, the company is now capping the number of hours users can play on the cloud, depending on their subscription plan. For example, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be limited to 15 hours per month, while those on the lower-tier plans will get even less - 10 hours or 5 hours.

This change has been met with criticism from gamers who had grown accustomed to playing Xbox games without worrying about console space or hardware costs. Microsoft's decision to cap cloud gaming hours is likely due to the increasing cost of server resources, which have become more expensive with the rise of AI and data center costs.