Microsoft has announced a significant change to its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, stating that starting in November, users will have the option to access the platform without requiring a subscription to Xbox Game Pass. This move towards a pay-as-you-go model is part of a broader set of updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming aimed at catering to individuals who do not utilize cloud access frequently enough to justify a monthly subscription.

The Xbox team has revealed that users will now have the ability to purchase cloud playtime hours directly through the Xbox Store, enabling them to stream eligible games they own on supported devices. This new option is designed to offer flexibility to those who only require occasional access to cloud gaming or prefer not to commit to a recurring Game Pass subscription.

Alongside the introduction of the pay-as-you-go model, Microsoft has also implemented limitations on cloud gaming for Game Pass subscribers. Ultimate subscribers, for instance, will now be restricted to a maximum of 15 hours per month. This restriction may prompt many Game Pass subscribers to opt for hourly bundles or reduce their usage of cloud gaming.

The pay-as-you-go feature appears to be particularly targeted at gamers who do not own an Xbox console or primarily engage in gaming on mobile devices. Additionally, Microsoft is currently testing free, ad-supported cloud gaming for Xbox Insiders, a move that could further expand access to cloud gaming for individuals without an Xbox.

Microsoft has been actively working to attract more players to its Xbox ecosystem through cloud and mobile platforms over the years. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has set a bold goal of making Xbox one of the leading entertainment companies, aiming to entertain over a billion people daily.

In previous efforts to enhance the mobile gaming experience, Microsoft had attempted to launch an Xbox mobile store that allowed users to purchase games and instantly stream them to their devices. However, due to restrictions imposed by Apple’s App Store policies, the company had to remove the remote play option from its Xbox mobile app. As a result, iOS users are currently required to access cloud gaming through the Xbox Cloud Gaming mobile website via a browser.

Microsoft has encountered challenges with both Apple and Google’s store policies in its efforts to establish an Xbox mobile store. Despite facing legal battles, Xbox chief Asha Sharma remains optimistic about the possibility of launching an Xbox mobile store in the future, emphasizing that the idea is still alive and being pursued.