Microsoft's Xbox Live service will be making some changes to its functionality in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and a record number of users attempting to access it online. According to earlier reports from the past weekend, Microsoft has seen a staggering 775% jump in demand for its cloud services, which has placed a strain on other online offerings like Xbox Live as well.

With so many people forced to stay at home for the foreseeable future, companies like Microsoft and Sony have begun to explore options that will reduce the strain its online services are being put under. The World Health Organization recently recommended that people who are social distancing pick up video games as a hobby, as it's easy to connect to people - whether they be friends or strangers - in multiplayer games. With consumers who were already interested in online gaming now being joined by many who are exploring the option for the first time, the amount of people attempting to access online services like Xbox Live is unprecedented.

In fact, according to GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft reported on the Xbox support site that record numbers of people have been attempting to use Xbox Live, as well as Xbox Game Pass and Mixer. That increased demand has led to Microsoft making some changes to Xbox Live in an attempt to combat what will be a constant struggle to make sure servers are functioning as intended. The biggest change will be the temporary removal of functions like uploading custom gamerpics, club pics, or club backgrounds to Xbox Live.


The company has also indicated that it will be limiting how Xbox Live attempts to deliver game updates, which will now only be accessible during off-peak hours. It's a move that mirrors what Sony has done with the PlayStation Network, throttling download speeds in the United States and Europe in order to try to improve server stability. It's unlikely that any drastic measures will need to be taken in the coming months, but it's clear that companies are experimenting with much less intrusive ones first in the hopes that they'll pre-emptively address any major disruptions in service.

With so many people limited to the confines of their home, video games are set to take on an even bigger role in our day-to-day lives than normal. It's heartening to see companies like Xbox and PlayStation attempt to make sure the maximum number of people can access online services as a result, as any disruptions will be felt more than normal by fans looking for escape. Hopefully small measures like the ones taken by Xbox Live here will be enough, but if not, it will be interesting to see how online gaming evolves and adjusts to increased demand.