Xbox cloud gaming is about to become a very different proposition for heavy users. Starting in November, Game Pass subscribers will face monthly limits on how much time they can spend streaming games, with players able to pay for additional hours once they hit their allowance.
• Cloud gaming will receive monthly playtime limits
• Extra hours will be sold through the Xbox Store
• The change takes effect in November
The new limits will vary depending on the Game Pass tier. Ultimate subscribers will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, while Premium subscribers will get 10 hours and Essential subscribers will be limited to five hours. Xbox says the change is designed to help manage the rising cost of providing cloud gaming as usage increases.
• Ultimate subscribers get 15 hours
• Premium subscribers get 10 hours
• Essential subscribers get five hours
For players who regularly stream games for extended periods, the biggest change comes after those monthly hours run out. Xbox plans to let subscribers purchase additional cloud gaming time through the Xbox Store, although the company has not yet revealed how much those extra hours will cost.
• Additional playtime will be available to buy
• Xbox has not announced pricing yet
• Heavy cloud gaming users will be affected most
Xbox expects the new restrictions to affect around 4% of Game Pass subscribers, indicating that most members are unlikely to hit their monthly allowance. The company also plans to make cloud gaming available to people without a Game Pass subscription, allowing them to purchase streaming time and play supported games they already own.
• Xbox expects 4% of subscribers to be affected
• Non-subscribers will also be able to buy cloud playtime
• Owned games can be streamed on supported devices
The move could also give older hardware a new lease on life. Xbox One owners will be able to use cloud gaming to access eligible Xbox Series X|S titles without immediately buying a newer console. With cloud support continuing to expand, Xbox is betting that paid streaming hours can broaden access while keeping the costs of running its cloud gaming infrastructure under control.
Via: Video Games Chronicle
