According to the Xbox team, the new model will allow players to purchase specific hourly bundles to stream eligible games they already own on supported devices.
This shift reflects a strategy to manage the high costs of cloud computing infrastructure while expanding the Xbox ecosystem beyond traditional console owners.
By imposing a cap on its premium tier, Microsoft may be attempting to balance server demand, as heavy users may now need to pay for additional time.
Conversely, the pay-as-you-go option lowers the entry barrier for occasional players and mobile users who prefer not to commit to a monthly Game Pass fee.
To further broaden its reach, Microsoft is also testing a free, ad-supported version of the service with Xbox Insiders, which are members of its early-access testing program.
These changes are part of a larger business goal to attract one billion daily users by making the platform accessible on any screen.
Moving forward, all cloud playtime purchases and game streaming will be handled directly through the Xbox Store.