Clouds are getting more expensive: Xbox to introduce cloud gaming limits in Game Pass and start selling additional hours

The change will allegedly affect only 4% of subscribers.

Microsoft is preparing a change for Game Pass subscribers: starting in November, users will receive a limited number of cloud gaming hours per month.

Xbox explained the decision by the rising cost of cloud infrastructure. According to the company, the costs of providing cloud gaming are increasing as more users play through the cloud and spend more time in it.

Starting in November, limits will be distributed as follows:

• Game Pass Ultimate — 15 hours per month
• Game Pass Premium — 10 hours per month
• Game Pass Essential — 5 hours per month

Xbox claims that the change will affect approximately 4% of all Game Pass subscribers.

After the available time runs out, subscribers will be able to purchase additional hours through the Xbox Store. Microsoft has not yet disclosed the cost of additional playtime — details are promised to be announced later.

At the same time, Xbox plans to make cloud gaming available even without a Game Pass subscription. Users will be able to separately purchase cloud gaming hours and launch supported projects they own on compatible devices.

Microsoft believes that this model will be convenient for those who only occasionally use cloud gaming and do not want to sign up for a permanent subscription.