// PC GAMER — GAMING
Microsoft announces cap on Xbox Cloud Gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers, admits most aren't using it much anyway
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As Microsoft continues to flail for a remedy to the reputational damage it's incurred as a result of its repeated mass layoffs, bungled industry consolidation strategies, and partnership with Israeli surveillance agencies, its gaming division is returning to a favorite page from its playbook in recent years: Hiking service costs.
Today, Xbox announced that it will implement a monthly cap on Xbox Cloud Gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers. Previously, eligible Game Pass users could use the game streaming service without a time limit; Beginning in November, however, they'll need to purchase additional cloud playtime through the Xbox Store once they expend their allotted cloud gaming hours.
The Cloud Gaming hourly limits will be determined by Game Pass subscription tier:
Xbox acknowledged that the rollout of a monthly time limit on cloud gaming hours is "a meaningful change, particularly for players who regularly spend more time gaming through the cloud." But the company offered an estimate of the policy change's impact that suggests most Game Pass subscribers already aren't using cloud gaming much.
"We expect this upcoming change to impact 4% of Game Pass subscribers," Xbox said.
While it'll be rolling out the monthly cloud gaming cap for Game Pass subscribers, Microsoft will also be opening the service for players without Game Pass in November. Any users will be able to stream eligible games to supported devices after purchasing cloud gaming playtime through the Xbox Store.
Xbox didn't confirm how much cloud playtime will cost, but said it will provide "more information about pricing, purchasing additional hours, eligible games, market availability, and how players can check their remaining time" in November.
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The changes to cloud gaming access, Xbox says, are a cost saving measure.