starting in November.
A monthly cap on cloud gaming hours will be included in Game Pass plans:
15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate
Ten hours with Game Pass Premium
Five hours are required for Game Pass.
These monthly hour restrictions are no longer applicable to qualified Game Pass customers. We understand that setting restrictions is a significant adjustment, especially for players who frequently use the cloud to play games. We anticipate that 4% of Game Pass subscribers will be affected by this impending change.
Subscribers will be able to buy more cloud playtime through the XBOX Store after using their allotted hours. Cloud gaming features, purchase options, and available hours may differ depending on the market. Before the changes take effect, we will provide prices and further information.
Playing in the Cloud Without a Game Pass Subscription
A new method of using XBOX cloud gaming without a Game Pass subscription will also be available to players starting in November.
Through the XBOX Store, players will be able to buy cloud playtime hours and stream compatible games on their devices. For those who do not want a recurrent Game Pass membership or who only sometimes want access to cloud gaming, this will offer an alternative.
Additionally, cloud gaming allows XBOX One players to play compatible games made for the XBOX Series X|S without having to change their hardware right away. In markets where consoles are less accessible or reasonably priced, this capability may be especially helpful. Throughout the year, we will keep adding cloud support for new games.
Why We are Changing Things
Because cloud gaming becomes more expensive as more people use it and play for longer periods of time, we are proposing this strategy. We can continue to provide the service and make investments in its performance and dependability by switching to monthly limitations. We recognize that a greater fee is the realistic outcome for certain gamers.
More details regarding pricing, buying extra hours, games that qualify, market availability, and how players may check their remaining time will be available in November.
Before and after the change goes into force, we will pay close attention to player comments and share any changes we make.
