Microsoft to Limit Xbox Cloud Gaming Hours for Game Pass Subscribers

Microsoft says it will limit monthly access to Xbox Cloud Gaming for Game Pass subscribers starting in November.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming per month. The limit will be 10 hours for Premium subscribers and five hours for Game Pass Essential subscribers. Microsoft says the restrictions will affect four percent of Game Pass subscribers.

Subscribers who want more than their included hours will be able to buy additional cloud playtime through the Xbox Store. Microsoft has not yet announced exact pricing or other details. The company says the additional hours will be sold in bundles that can roll over if they are unused during a particular month.

Microsoft says it is introducing the limits because the cost of providing cloud gaming increases as more people use the service and play for longer. Xbox Cloud Gaming is used to try games before downloading them, play Xbox Series X games on Xbox One consoles, and access Xbox games on mobile devices away from home.

Microsoft will also let people without a Game Pass subscription buy cloud playtime hours through the Xbox Store and stream eligible games they own on supported devices. The company says this will offer occasional access to cloud gaming without a recurring Game Pass subscription.