Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Are Losing a Big Perk This November
Citing rising costs, Microsoft is changing its cloud gaming service options.
Starting in November, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will lose a significant perk as Microsoft introduces monthly limits on cloud gaming hours, according to a company announcement on Thursday. The service will now be capped based on the subscription tier, with cloud gaming hours limited to Microsoft's post. The company explained that these changes are necessary due to the rising costs associated with cloud gaming, allowing them to maintain the service's reliability and performance.
However, this decision may impact around 4% of Xbox Game Pass subscribers, who will have the option to purchase additional cloud gaming time. This change also affects Xbox One owners, enabling them to play Xbox Series X and S games without buying a new console – a move driven by the rising hardware costs due to component shortages.
Microsoft's decision to limit cloud gaming hours is part of a broader effort to reduce costs, following a series of setbacks for the Xbox division, including price hikes for consoles and Game Pass subscriptions, as well as layoffs and studio closures. The limited cloud gaming hours will primarily affect a small portion of subscribers, but the option to purchase extra time will be available for those who need it.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
