“Microsoft has set a 15-hour monthly limit for XGP cloud gaming, aiming to reach the break-even point”
In September 2026, Microsoft implemented a limit of 15 hours per month for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming service, aiming to reach break-even. This measure was based on internal calculations; exceeding this limit would result in business losses, primarily due to Azure server resources being allocated more to AI services, thereby reducing resources available for game streaming. This move is part of Xbox’s ongoing strategy to reduce costs, and it was carried out simultaneously with recent layoffs and project cancellations. Data shows that players in the US and UK have reached or exceeded 15 hours of gaming per month on average, and heavy users are particularly affected.