Microsoft Xbox to Cap Game Pass Cloud Gaming Hours from November
Microsoft's Xbox division announced monthly caps on cloud gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers, ending unlimited access. Starting November, Ultimate members get 15 hours, Premium 10 hours, and Essential 5 hours per month, with additional time purchasable. Microsoft cited rising costs and noted only 4% of subscribers exceed the limits. The move aligns with usage-based pricing models seen in AI products and follows broader business reviews under new CEO Asha Sharma.
Microsoft's Xbox division announced on Thursday that it will impose monthly limits on cloud gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers, ending the service's previous unlimited access. The new restrictions take effect in November, and players may pay extra to purchase additional time beyond the caps.
Under the new structure, Game Pass Ultimate (US$22.99 per month) includes 15 hours of cloud gaming, Game Pass Premium (US$14.99 per month) includes 10 hours, and Game Pass Essential (US$9.99 per month) includes 5 hours. Microsoft said only 4% of Game Pass subscribers exceed these monthly cloud gaming limits.
In a blog post, Microsoft said cloud gaming costs rise with usage, and the monthly caps help sustain the service while allowing continued investment in reliability and performance. Company executives are designing usage-based pricing to reflect higher costs, similar to the pricing models for AI products such as GitHub Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Additionally, Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma is evaluating business model changes to drive growth and profitability. In July, Xbox announced it would test advertising-supported game streaming. Non-Game Pass subscribers can also purchase cloud gaming time to stream games they already own.