After over 20 years Xbox Live Gold will soon be discontinued.
Xbox Live Gold subscription service will finally end after 20 years as planned, much to many’s dismay.
Microsoft recently made headlines when they revealed Xbox Live Gold hasn’t exactly enjoyed an overwhelming reception among its userbase, as users complained of free games not matching up to expectations and simply don’t justify the price tag. Last month, however, they made good on that promise by unveiling plans to raise prices ahead of Starfield being released; specifically in the UK from PS7.99 to PS8.99 while EUR9.99 will become EUR10.99 while for US gamers that means an increase from $8.99 to $10.99 respectively.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will see its subscription prices increase from PS10.99 to PS12.99 in the United Kingdom and from EUR12.99 to EUR14.99 across Europe; as well as increasing from $14.99 to $16.99 within the US market (beginning 13 August; exception being Germany which changes 13 September). Now it appears as though Xbox Live Gold could become an alternative cheaper tier for Game Pass subscription.
ComicBook reported that Xbox Live Gold could end as early as 1 September. Twitter user Wario64 noticed a notice for Xbox Game Pass Core appearing on a Korean website; Wario64 believes Xbox Game Pass Core will replace Xbox Game Pass Standard or Ultimate options and cost approximately $9 for 30 days’ access to game passes.
Existing Xbox Live Gold subscribers should automatically migrate over, with benefits including online multiplayer gaming transferring over without interruption. Games With Gold will end, yet core subscribers should gain access to an initial library of 25 Game Pass titles; to unlock day one releases and other exclusives users must upgrade to Console or Ultimate editions of Game Pass.
Microsoft has yet to verify this report but it seems credible and promising. I expect they won’t take long in clearing up any ambiguities or confusion surrounding this story.
