Microsoft recently announced that it will be replacing its Xbox Live Gold with a new Game Pass Core tier on September 14th. The Game Pass Core subscription will cost $60 per year or $10 per month and will be necessary for playing most online multiplayer games on Xbox consoles. This change not only marks the end of an era for Xbox Live Gold but also represents a shift in how Microsoft offers bonus games to its subscribers.
One of the notable changes is the discontinuation of Games with Gold, which used to provide a steady stream of free games for Xbox Live Gold subscribers. Instead, Game Pass Core members will have access to a base collection of over 25 games, with new additions coming two to three times per year. These games primarily consist of first-party titles such as “Doom Eternal,” “Forza Horizon 4,” and “Halo 5,” but there will also be occasional third-party games like “Among Us” and “Human Fall Flat.”
Existing Xbox Live Gold members will automatically be switched to the new Game Pass Core subscription when it becomes available. However, Games with Gold will officially end on September 1st. It’s worth noting that if you’ve claimed any Xbox One games through Games with Gold, you will still have access to them as long as you’re a Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate member. Additionally, any Xbox 360 games that you’ve redeemed will remain in your library even if your subscription lapses.
Microsoft has been hinting at changes to Xbox Live Gold for some time now. In 2020, the company stopped offering year-long subscriptions, and in 2022, it removed Xbox 360 games from the service. There was also a failed attempt to increase Gold prices in 2021, which Microsoft quickly reversed due to backlash from users.
While this shift may disappoint fans who enjoyed the frequent additions to Games with Gold, it appears to be a strategic move to encourage users to upgrade to the Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Game Pass Ultimate offers a much larger selection of games, including some day-one releases, cloud gaming capabilities, and access to EA Play membership. Alternatively, if you’re open to Sony hardware, PlayStation Plus Essential still offers monthly bonus games and may be a more appealing option compared to the new Xbox Game Pass Core.
It’s also worth noting that Sony recently discontinued its PlayStation Plus Collection, which offered free access to some of the best PS4 games. Microsoft’s move may not mirror Sony’s strategy exactly, as it focuses more on showcasing first-party releases. However, Game Pass Core provides a similar value proposition by offering subscribers an instant library of games.
In conclusion, the upcoming transition from Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Core signifies Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to adapt its subscription services. While the change may disappoint some fans, it also presents an opportunity for users to explore the broader offerings of the Game Pass ecosystem. Additionally, this shift brings Microsoft more in line with Sony’s PlayStation Plus offering, providing players with a curated selection of games to enjoy.
