In a surprising announcement, Microsoft revealed that it will be discontinuing Xbox Live Gold, its long-standing online multiplayer service, on September 14, 2023. The move comes as Microsoft seeks to streamline its offerings and place greater emphasis on the all-encompassing Xbox Game Pass service. Replacing Xbox Live Gold is the new Xbox Game Pass Core, which will combine the features of its predecessor with the gaming library of Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass Core will maintain the same pricing as Xbox Live Gold, offering a monthly subscription of $9.99 or an annual fee of $59.99. Subscribers will gain access to online multiplayer capabilities and an extensive catalog of over 25 games, encompassing Microsoft’s first-party titles, third-party games, and independent releases.
Expanding beyond Xbox Game Pass Core, Microsoft is introducing two additional tiers: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass for PC. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, priced at $14.99 per month, will include all the features of Xbox Game Pass Core along with access to Xbox Game Pass for PC and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Xbox Game Pass for PC, available at $9.99 per month, will offer the same benefits as Xbox Game Pass Core but will be exclusively accessible on PC.
The decision to discontinue Xbox Live Gold represents a significant turning point for the Xbox platform. Having been an integral part of the Xbox experience for over two decades, Xbox Live Gold has played a crucial role in online multiplayer gaming. However, the emergence and popularity of Xbox Game Pass have diminished the necessity of Xbox Live Gold. Offering a broader range of advantages, Xbox Game Pass has emerged as a far more comprehensive service.
Microsoft’s move away from Xbox Live Gold underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to Xbox Game Pass. Clearly, Microsoft is banking on the notion that Xbox Game Pass represents the future of gaming on the Xbox platform. The company is making substantial investments in the service and regularly expanding the game library to provide a more extensive selection for subscribers.
The impact of Xbox Live Gold’s discontinuation on the Xbox community remains to be seen. Some gamers may express disappointment at losing the ability to acquire free games through Xbox Live Gold. However, others may welcome the transition, recognizing that Xbox Game Pass is becoming the standard way to enjoy games on Xbox.
Only time will reveal the true repercussions of the end of Xbox Live Gold. Yet one thing is certain: Xbox Game Pass stands as the defining force shaping the future of gaming on the Xbox platform. With its growing prominence, Microsoft’s gaming subscription service is poised to reshape the way gamers access and enjoy their favorite titles.
