Microsoft to Limit Cloud Gaming Hours for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers
Starting in November, Microsoft will impose monthly hour limits on cloud gaming for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Game Pass Ultimate members will receive 15 hours per month, with options to purchase additional time.
Microsoft announced it will implement monthly hour limits for its cloud gaming service within Xbox Game Pass starting in November 2024. The change affects all subscription tiers, with Game Pass Ultimate members receiving a maximum of 15 hours of cloud playtime per month.
In addition to the subscription-based limits, Microsoft plans to sell cloud gaming time directly through the Xbox store. This will allow players to access cloud gaming for their owned, eligible titles without a Game Pass subscription.
The company is also preparing a free, ad-supported cloud gaming option. Players will be able to watch advertisements to earn additional playtime, serving as an alternative after exhausting their monthly allocation and generating advertising revenue for Microsoft.
These adjustments are part of Microsoft's strategy to diversify revenue streams and focus on growth areas within its Xbox division, as the traditional console market faces challenges. Cloud gaming is seen as a key component of future business models for the platform.