Abstract:
Microsoft announced that it will implement new monthly usage limits for the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. This means that the "unlimited cloud streaming" model that has lasted for many years will officially end. Starting from November this year, Game Pass subscribers of different levels will receive corresponding monthly cloud game time quotas, and additional payment will be required to purchase additional time.
According to the new plan announced by Microsoft, Game Pass Essential users can get 5 hours of cloud gaming time per month; Game Pass Premium users can get 10 hours per month; and the highest level Game Pass Ultimate users have 15 hours of cloud gaming time per month. After users have exhausted their quota for the month, if they want to continue playing games through the cloud, they need to purchase additional time through the Xbox Store.
Microsoft says this change is expected to affect only about 4% of subscribers, so most light users may not notice the change significantly. However, for heavy users who use cloud gaming as their main way of playing, the impact of the new policy will be more direct.
So far, Microsoft has not announced a specific pricing plan for additional game time, only saying that it will provide more details before the new policy officially takes effect. However, the company also admitted that for some players, this change actually means higher usage costs.
Compared with competitors, the upper limit set by Microsoft this time is relatively conservative. The report pointed out that Nvidia’s top GeForce Now subscription plan currently has a monthly usage limit of 100 hours, while Xbox Ultimate users will only receive 15 hours of cloud gaming credits per month in the future. There is a clear gap between the two.
Microsoft attributed the restrictions to rising cloud infrastructure operating costs. However, it is generally believed that this move also reflects that the Xbox business is further seeking to improve profitability. Previously, Microsoft's gaming department has experienced a series of layoffs and business adjustments. Controlling operating expenses and improving profit performance has become one of its important goals.
With the implementation of the new policy, the Xbox cloud gaming service will shift from its long-standing unlimited time model to a monthly quota management model. For ordinary users, the changes may be limited, but for players who rely heavily on cloud streaming for gaming, future usage costs and gaming habits may change as a result.
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