New XBOX Game Pass cloud gaming caps will be introduced by Microsoft, starting in November, where users subscribed to any Game Pass tier will have their cloud gaming privileges limited each month.
Another day, another change to Game Pass. Recently, XBOX Game Pass ad-based cloud gaming tiers began insider testing. Now, it’s time for cloud gaming allotments, which means you only have a certain number of hours each month, but you can buy extra cloud hours.
Game Pass Will Cap Cloud Gaming Moving Forward
Here’s the full statement from the XBOX Wire post:
“Beginning in November, we’re changing how cloud gaming is included with XBOX Game Pass.
Game Pass plans will include a set number of cloud gaming hours each month:
- Game Pass Ultimate: 15 hours
- Game Pass Premium: 10 hours
- Game Pass Essential: 5 hours
Today, eligible Game Pass subscribers can stream without these monthly hour limits. We recognize that introducing limits is a meaningful change, particularly for players who regularly spend more time gaming through the cloud. We expect this upcoming change to impact 4% of Game Pass subscribers.
Once subscribers use their included hours, they will be able to purchase additional cloud playtime through the XBOX Store. Available hours, purchasing options, and cloud gaming features may vary by market. We’ll share pricing and further details before the changes take effect.”
Additionally, XBOX will ‘listen closely to player feedback before and after the change takes effect and share any adjustments we make.’
- More Insider Gaming: GTA 6 Limited Edition Controllers Buying Guide
The post explains the need for these changes:
“We’re introducing this model because the cost of providing cloud gaming grows as more people use it and play for longer. Moving to monthly limits allows us to keep offering the service while continuing to invest in its reliability and performance. We understand that for some players the practical result is a higher cost.”
So, if you don’t have Game Pass, but the idea of cloud gaming has intrigued you to access certain titles, you’ll be able to ‘purchase cloud playtime hours through the XBOX Store and stream eligible games they own on supported devices.’
It also states that Xbox One owners will be able to play Xbox Series X|S-specific titles without necessarily needing to upgrade, if you don’t want to.
- More Insider Gaming: Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Will Have Two Paid Story DLCs
4% of Game Pass subscribers may not seem like a lot, but those affected could easily be hundreds of thousands, if not millions. Those players will have a big decision to make: Pay more money or be mindful of cloud gaming hours.
What do you think about this move from Microsoft? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server.
For more, read ‘The Witcher Remake on Hold, Confirms CD Projekt Red,’ and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
More from Andrew Highton
Comments