Microsoft is changing how Xbox Cloud Gaming is included with Game Pass, with monthly playtime limits set to take effect in November. Game Pass subscribers will receive a fixed number of cloud gaming hours each month, while players will also be able to purchase additional playtime separately.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming each month, while Premium subscribers will get 10 hours and Essential subscribers will receive 5 hours.
The change represents a shift from the current system, where eligible Game Pass subscribers can use cloud streaming without a monthly hour limit. Xbox says it expects the new restrictions to affect around 4% of Game Pass subscribers.
Once the included monthly hours have been used, subscribers will be able to purchase additional cloud playtime through the Xbox Store. Microsoft has not yet announced pricing, with further information on the cost of additional hours, purchasing options and availability expected before the changes begin.
Cloud gaming will also become available without a Game Pass subscription under the new system. Starting in November, players will be able to purchase cloud playtime directly through the Xbox Store and use it to stream eligible games they own on supported devices.
This will give players an alternative for occasional cloud gaming without requiring a recurring Game Pass subscription. Microsoft also points to Xbox One as another potential use case, as cloud streaming can allow owners of the older console to play eligible games designed for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S without immediately upgrading their hardware.
The availability of cloud gaming features, purchasable hours and supported games will vary depending on the market. Xbox says it will continue expanding cloud support for additional games throughout the year.
Microsoft says the changes are being introduced because the cost of providing cloud gaming increases as usage grows and players spend longer periods streaming games. The company says monthly limits will allow it to continue investing in the reliability and performance of the service, while acknowledging that some players could face higher costs as a result.
Xbox plans to provide additional information in November covering pricing, purchasing additional hours, eligible games, market availability and how players can check their remaining cloud gaming time. The company also says it will monitor feedback and may make adjustments to the system following its rollout.
