Microsoft reduces Xbox Cloud Gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers
Microsoft is reducing monthly cloud gaming hours included with its Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, effective November. Ultimate tier users will get 15 hours per month, Premium tier members receive 10 hours, and Essential tier players are limited to just five hours. The change comes less than a year after Microsoft expanded unlimited cloud access across all tiers of the service. The company cited rising costs as the reason for limiting usage but has not disclosed pricing details for additional playtime purchases in the Xbox Store. These restrictions may affect how users try out games, access newer titles on older consoles like the Xbox One via cloud streaming, or use mobile devices to play away from home. Microsoft is also opening up cloud gaming hours for purchase by non-subscribers through the Xbox Store, allowing them to stream eligible owned games without a Game Pass subscription. The move appears aimed at managing costs while maintaining flexibility in access.
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Topics: Game Pass subscriptions subscription changes Xbox Cloud Gaming