Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer shared a new positive metric on LinkedIn: cloud gaming hours among Game Pass subscribers have increased 45% year-over-year. His statement came in response to Xbox’s official announcement that cloud gaming is launching in India and expanding server support in Brazil and Argentina.
Spencer noted:
"We measure progress through player engagement, and the momentum is encouraging: Game Pass cloud gaming hours are up 45% year-over-year, console players' game-streaming hours via console are up 45%, and game-streaming hours on other devices are up 24%."
Although the numbers look positive, the initial user base and original usage hours remain unknown. Spencer emphasized that “the real progress is in giving players the freedom of choice—playing the games they love, wherever and whenever they want. That continues to be our driving force.”
Importantly, cloud gaming is now available to more tiers of Game Pass subscribers. Previously restricted to Ultimate users, the service is now accessible to Premium and Standard subscribers as well—though with reduced image quality and slightly longer wait times. Microsoft is also developing an ad-supported free cloud gaming tier, though details have yet to be announced.