{
  "id": 16052176,
  "title": "Xbox Officially Confirms Cloud Gaming’s New Pay-As-You-Go Prices",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/xbox-officially-confirms-cloud-gamings-new-pay-as-you-go-prices",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-22T13:30:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Polygon",
    "slug": "polygon",
    "url": "https://www.polygon.com/xbox-cloud-gaming-playtime-pack-prices/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is undergoing a major restructuring, leading to the departure of nearly 2,000 employees and more layoffs set to occur between October and January. Alongside workforce reductions, Xbox Cloud Gaming has introduced a pay-as-you-go pricing model. This policy will commence in November, with prices now disclosed. Unlimited cloud gaming, previously a benefit for all Game Pass subscribers, will soon be limited to monthly time restrictions per tier. Ultimate members receive 15 hours, Premium members get 10, and Essential members have 5 hours. After the allotted time expires, users must buy cloud playtime packs for continued access. These ad-free options cater to both subscribers and non-subscribers, with the least expensive pack costing $3.99 for 10 hours, the middle-priced pack at $7.99 for 25 hours, and the most expensive at $11.99 for 50 hours. While it's unclear if Xbox Cloud Gaming time included with Game Pass is cumulative, purchased playtime remains linked to individual accounts and can be utilized anytime. Although ads-free cloud gaming is in the works, it remains exclusive to Xbox Insiders for now.",
  "summary": "In November, Xbox will sell playtime packs that unlock ad-free streaming on Xbox Cloud Gaming beyond Game Pass' time limits.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Verge",
        "title": "Xbox Cloud Gaming’s pay-as-you-go option starts at $3.99 for 10 hours",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/xbox-cloud-gamings-pay-as-you-go-option-starts-at-3-99-for-10-hours",
        "published": "2026-10-21T18:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Google",
        "title": "Xbox Cloud Gaming’s added playtime costs start at around 40¢ per hour",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/xbox-cloud-gamings-added-playtime-costs-start-at-around-40-per-hour",
        "published": "2026-10-21T18:40:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Eurogamer",
        "title": "Xbox cloud gaming prices revealed, with 50 hours of ad-free game-time priced $11.99",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/xbox-cloud-gaming-prices-revealed-with-50-hours-of-ad-free-game-time",
        "published": "2026-10-22T09:10:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "GamesIndustry",
        "title": "Xbox reveals pricing for cloud gaming limits, starting at $3.99 for 10 hours",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/xbox-reveals-pricing-for-cloud-gaming-limits-starting-at-3-99-for-10",
        "published": "2026-10-22T09:14:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}