Xbox to limit free cloud gaming hours starting in November

Xbox has announced that beginning in November Xbox Cloud Gaming will no longer provide access for Game Pass subscribers. Instead, every Game Pass plan will feature a fixed number of cloud gaming hours each month.

Under the system Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will get 15 hours of cloud gaming each month. Game Pass Premium subscribers will get 10 hours. Game Pass Essential subscribers will get five hours. Now most subscribers can stream games through the cloud with no time limits at all.

Xbox says this change will affect four percent of Game Pass users, mainly those who play a lot through cloud gaming. When the monthly hours run out subscribers can buy extra cloud gaming time from the Xbox Store. Prices and options may differ by country. More details will be released closer to the launch date.

Subscription Tier Allocated Time

Game Pass Ultimate 15 hours (per month)

Game Pass Premium 10 hours (per month)

Game Pass Essential 5 hours (per month)

New option for non-subscribers

Alongside this update Xbox is also bringing a way to play cloud games without having to buy a Game Pass subscription. Starting in November every person will be able to buy cloud gaming hours from the Xbox Store and use those hours to stream games they already have as long as those games are compatible with cloud gaming.

This new choice is for people who want to play cloud games and then, not for those who want to sign up for a monthly plan. It might also let Xbox One users play games made for Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S without buying new equipment. Xbox says this might be very helpful, in places where game consoles are hard to get or too costly to buy.

Why is this change happening?

Xbox has explained that the cost of running cloud gaming rises when more people use cloud gaming, for periods. By introducing limits Xbox says that Xbox will be able to keep the service reliable and keep improving the service. Xbox has acknowledged that for some players this will mean that players will likely have to pay more to keep playing the way players currently play. Details regarding pricing, the purchase of additional hours, compatible games, and market availability will be announced in November, as the date the changes take effect approaches. Xbox also indicated that it will monitor player feedback both before and after the update and may make further adjustments based on their reactions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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