Rumors are circulating about potential playtime restrictions for Fortnite players using Microsoft's xCloud service without a Game Pass subscription.  Leaked datamined code hints at a cap on playtime per session and prioritized queue access for Game Pass subscribers.

Microsoft's xCloud, launched in September 2020, allows gamers to stream games to various devices, including mobile phones, VR headsets, and select streaming devices. While primarily associated with the Game Pass subscription service, xCloud also offers access to Fortnite without a subscription.

A recent leak from the Twitter account associated with Better xCloud, a third-party open-source tool designed to enhance the xCloud experience, suggests potential changes for non-subscribers. The leaked code includes upsell messages promoting Game Pass Ultimate and references "minutes of playtime per session" and "Priority queue access, longer session length."

This implies that free-to-play Fortnite users on xCloud may face shorter play sessions and extended wait times to join matches.  This has sparked speculation among players, with some attributing the potential restrictions to the high bandwidth usage of Fortnite's substantial player base, estimated at over 110 million active players.

Others believe the increased strain on xCloud servers may be primarily due to mobile gamers. Since Fortnite's removal from the App Store and Google Play in 2020 due to legal disputes, many mobile players have resorted to alternative methods to access the game, including xCloud and GeForce Now.

Currently, Microsoft has not officially confirmed or denied these claims.  However, if implemented, these changes could significantly impact how non-subscribers experience Fortnite on xCloud.

While the leaked information does not indicate complete exclusion for non-paying users,  the potential limitations might encourage players to consider a Game Pass subscription for unrestricted access.  The full implications of these potential changes remain to be seen.