Amazon and Microsoft diverge on cloud gaming subscription models

The cloud gaming market is seeing divergent strategies from major providers. Amazon has announced the introduction of ‘Remote Play’ for Amazon Luna, a feature allowing up to seven invited guests to join a gaming session regardless of their own subscription status, provided they have an Amazon account and compatible device. This update is accompanied by the addition of Ubisoft titles ‘Star Wars: Outlaws’ and ‘Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora’ to the Luna Standard catalog.

In contrast, Microsoft is implementing usage restrictions for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. New subscribers will be limited to 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, with the option to purchase additional hours through the Microsoft Store. Microsoft has notified players in Brazil, Poland, Australia, and Germany that these changes will only apply to new subscriptions or those that have been canceled and subsequently renewed, rather than existing auto-renewing plans. The specific communication to these regions suggests potential local legislative considerations regarding subscription practices.