Microsoft to Introduce Monthly Cloud Gaming Time Limits for Xbox Subscribers
Starting November, Microsoft will impose monthly time limits on cloud gaming access for Xbox Game Pass subscribers due to rising operational costs. Previously offering unlimited playtime, the company now plans to cap hours based on subscription tiers: 15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate ($22.99/month), 10 hours for Premium ($14.99/month), and five hours for Essential ($9.99/month). Users can purchase additional time if needed. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is reevaluating the division's business model to improve profitability, following a July test of ad-supported game streaming. Microsoft cited increasing demand on its computing resources as a key reason for the change, similar challenges faced by other tech firms offering usage-based pricing models like GitHub Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot. The company noted that only about 4% of Game Pass users exceed their new monthly cloud gaming limits. Non-subscribers will also be able to buy time to stream games they already own.
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