Fortnite xCloud Players Without Game Pass May Face Playtime Limits – Leaked Data Sparks Concerns!

Fortnite players who access the game through Microsoft’s xCloud service without a Game Pass subscription may soon face playtime restrictions, according to newly leaked data. While access to the game won’t be entirely blocked, users could experience limitations on session length.

Microsoft first announced xCloud in October 2018, launching a preview version just over a year later. The full version was released in September 2020 and is primarily linked to the Game Pass subscription service for Xbox and PC. However, players can also use xCloud on other devices, including smartphones, Meta Quest headsets, and some Amazon Fire TV devices.

Currently, players can access Fortnite for free via xCloud without requiring a Game Pass subscription. However, a recent leak from the Twitter account Better xCloud, which is associated with a third-party open-source tool designed to improve streaming performance and control customization in xCloud, suggests that free users may soon face restrictions. The leaked code includes phrases such as "Less waiting, more playing" and "Join Game Pass Ultimate." Additionally, some highlighted code sections mention "minutes of playtime per session" and "Priority queue access, longer session length," indicating that unpaid xCloud users may have to wait longer to enter Fortnite matches and could have a restricted session duration.

Microsoft has yet to confirm or deny these claims. However, many players believe the rumors could be true, given Fortnite’s massive active player base of over 110 million users. Some speculate that this large audience is placing significant strain on xCloud’s servers, particularly from non-paying users.

Another possible factor contributing to server strain is mobile players. Fortnite was removed from the App Store in 2020 due to legal disputes over in-game purchases of V-Bucks. Despite this, iOS and Android players can still download the game from alternative sources, such as the Epic Games App, and use cloud gaming services like xCloud or GeForce Now to access online gameplay.