Microsoft Imposes Game Pass Limits, Ends Unlimited Access

Microsoft announced that, starting in November, Xbox Cloud Gaming will introduce monthly hour limits for Game Pass subscribers. The measure comes as a response to the rising costs of offering cloud games.

Why Microsoft is Limiting Game Pass

According to an official Xbox statement, the cost of providing cloud gaming grows as more users utilize the service for longer periods. By introducing a usage-based billing model, the company aims to continue offering the service without compromising its profitability.

How the New Plan Limits Work

The Game Pass Ultimate plan, priced at US$22.99 per month, will now include 15 hours of cloud gaming per month. Game Pass Premium, at US$14.99 monthly, will offer 10 hours, and Game Pass Essential, for US$9.99, will limit access to 5 hours. Additional hours can be purchased, though Microsoft has not yet disclosed the pricing.

Impact on Brazilian Players

Internal data indicates that only 4% of Game Pass subscribers currently use more time than the new monthly hour limit. Thus, the restriction is expected to affect a small portion of the user base in Brazil, but for players who game frequently, the number of hours might be insufficient.

What Changes for Non-Game Pass Subscribers

Users who are not yet subscribers will be able to purchase standalone cloud gaming time to stream titles they already own, expanding access to the service without requiring a monthly subscription.

Perspectives on the Usage-Based Billing Strategy

The adoption of monthly limits aligns with other Microsoft initiatives, such as usage-based billing for artificial intelligence products, including GitHub Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot. This measure reflects an internal move to seek business models that better reflect the increasing cost of computational capacity.

With information from Exame, Eurogamer.pt.