Xbox Set To Introduce Cloud-Only Subscription Plan, Teases Update

Expert Verified By

Could Be Added As New Tier For Game Pass!

Story Highlight
  • A backend Xbox update teases several new changes to cloud gaming.
  • Microsoft may be gearing up to introduce new cloud-only subscription tiers to further expand this part of the business.
  • Games like GTA 5, Genshin Impact, and more could be included in this push.

Microsoft’s push for cloud gaming has yielded some interesting results. The gaming giant boasts tens of millions of cloud users on the platform today, suggesting that the service is growing dramatically with each passing day.

Amid the growth, a series of backend updates also suggests that something more is being worked on to promote Xbox cloud gaming. It appears Microsoft may be working on a new subscription plan for cloud gaming.

Why it matters: As gaming expands beyond the living room and proprietary hardware devices, cloud functionality is poised to become increasingly important.

Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Improving With Each Passing Year

Over on Bluesky, redphx pointed out that various Game Pass titles have been added to unknown programs within the xCloud files.

These programs are denoted Callisto, Dia, Europa, and Ferdinand, with games like Doom 64 and Genshin Impact being included in all four. On the other hand, a title like GTA 5 is only included in Callisto and Dia, suggesting that Microsoft is preparing new updates for xCloud.

Redphx believes these updates point to incoming streaming-only plans from Xbox. Interestingly, reliable insider Jez Corden previously suggested Microsoft was working on new cloud-only tiers for Xbox Game Pass.

As such, this backend update could be an indication that Microsoft is finally putting these plans into motion. Perhaps an official announcement is also on the way.

Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft Build Conference Reveals Xbox Cloud Gaming Progress

For the unaware, Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available as part of the Ultimate Game Pass tier. This update would make Xbox’s cloud component more accessible to the masses, but it could also lead to further segmentation of an already somewhat confusing subscription service.

What do you think about a cloud-only subscription from Xbox? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Was our article helpful? 👨‍💻

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔

Gear Up For Latest News

Get exclusive gaming & tech news before it drops. Sign up today!

Join Our Community

Still having issues? Join the Tech4Gamers Forum for expert help and community support!

Latest News

Join Our Community

104,000FansLike
32,122FollowersFollow

Trending

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Remaster Reportedly Launching on Current-Gen Consoles In February 2026

According to insider Bertik 11, a remaster of the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance is coming to current-gen consoles in February 2026.

Phantom Blade Zero Crosses One Million Wishlists In Just Two Weeks

Phantom Blade Zero announced on X that in just 15 days, the action RPG has been wishlisted by over 1 million players.

Arc Raiders Has Retained 86% of Its Player Base Since Hitting Peak Player Count

Since hitting peak player count, Arc Raiders has retained 86% of its player base, an impressive feat for a multiplayer title.

Konami Aims To Launch One Silent Hill Title Every Year, Says Series Producer

Silent Hill producer says they want to release one title in the series every year and maintain the high quality that they want to deliver.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Has The Highest Completion Rate For A Game Released In 2025

Game completion tracker HowLongToBeat has ranked Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as the most completed title released this year.