Microsoft tests Cloud Playtime hourly cloud gaming without Game Pass
The Xbox Insider trial offers packages of 10, 25 and 50 hours, priced from $3.99, and moves to wider availability in November.
Microsoft began a trial of Cloud Playtime, a service that lets users buy cloud gaming hours without an Xbox Game Pass subscription, on October 21 US time, according to japan.cnet.com.
Prices in the trial are $3.99 for 10 hours, $7.99 for 25 hours and $11.99 for 50 hours. Purchased hours carry no expiration date and are used up only as they are played, and no ads are shown during play.
The trial is limited to Xbox Insider participants who do not have an active Game Pass subscription. Hours do not include games: users must own a cloud-play-supported title or play certain free-to-play games.
Microsoft plans to expand the program's availability in November. The company has not disclosed when or at what yen price Cloud Playtime will be offered in Japan, or whether Japan is among the test regions.
Earlier changes to cloud limits
In September, Microsoft announced on its Japanese official site that from November it will cap monthly cloud hours at 15 for Game Pass Ultimate, 10 for Game Pass Premium and 5 for Game Pass Essential, with extra hours purchasable beyond the cap. The company cited growth in cloud gaming users and play time and rising service costs, and estimated that about 4% of Game Pass subscribers will be affected.
Quick answers
How much does Cloud Playtime cost?
In the trial, 10 hours cost $3.99, 25 hours cost $7.99 and 50 hours cost $11.99.
Can anyone try Cloud Playtime?
No. The trial is limited to Xbox Insider participants who do not have an active Game Pass subscription.
Does Cloud Playtime include games?
No. Users must own a cloud-play-supported title or use certain free-to-play games.