Microsoft launches pay-as-you-go option for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft has announced that starting in November, Xbox Cloud Gaming will become accessible without a Game Pass subscription. Under the new pay-as-you-go model, players will be able to purchase cloud playtime hours through the Xbox Store and stream eligible games they already own on supported devices.

According to the Xbox team, the option is aimed at people who use cloud gaming too infrequently to justify a recurring subscription. It appears primarily targeted at gamers who don't own an Xbox console or who mainly play from a phone.

New limits for Game Pass subscribers

Alongside the pay-as-you-go option, Microsoft is introducing significant restrictions for existing Game Pass subscribers. Ultimate tier subscribers will now be limited to just 15 cloud gaming hours per month, which could push many of them to purchase additional hourly bundles or reduce their cloud gaming use.

Microsoft is also testing a free, ad-supported version of cloud gaming for Xbox Insiders, a move that could further widen access for players without a console.

Part of a broader push for reach

The changes fit into Microsoft's longer-term effort to grow the Xbox ecosystem through cloud and mobile access. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has set a goal of making Xbox one of the few companies reaching more than a billion people daily.

Microsoft previously attempted to launch a dedicated Xbox mobile store that would let users buy a game and immediately stream it within the same app. However, due to Apple's App Store policies, the company had to remove the remote play feature from its iOS app, forcing users to access cloud gaming through a browser instead. Microsoft has said it faced similar restrictions with Google's store policies for Android, and the company continues to pursue legal action aimed at opening up both platforms' app stores.