Microsoft Teams announced changes to Game Pass subscriptions that will take effect in November. They are related to access to Xbox cloud games. You can now play via the cloud for up to 15 hours per month for the Ultimate level, 10 hours for the Premium level, and 5 hours for the Essential level. We are also currently testing the option to access cloud games for free by watching ads.
On the official blog Xbox line The Microsoft team explained why they decided to make the change. According to her, this is due to the increased cost of accessing server infrastructure:
We introduced this model because the cost of providing cloud gaming services is rising as more people use cloud gaming services and play for longer periods of time. Adjusting to a monthly limit allows us to continue to provide this service while investing in its reliability and performance. We know that for some participants this will translate into higher costs in practice.
In the same statement, the Xbox team noted that the changes will affect 4% of Game Pass subscribers. That said, only 4% of players who subscribe to a console-level service that allows them to access cloud games exceed these limits.
