In a surprise move, Microsoft has chosen to backtrack on its original decision and it won’t. boost Xbox Live The cost of gold after a major backlash from players.
Below is Microsoft’s full blog post regarding the decision (not that the prices below are in USD):
Today we made a mistake and you did well to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of the game and we do not meet the expectations of the players who rely on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change the Xbox Live Gold prices.
We’re turning this moment into an opportunity for Xbox Live to be more in line with how we see the gamer at the center of their experience. For free games, you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those games on Xbox. We are working hard to implement this change as soon as possible in the coming months.
If you are already an Xbox Live Gold member, it remains at your current price for renewal. New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold for the same prices they pay today. In the US, $ 9.99 for 1 month, $ 24.99 for 3 months, $ 39.99 for 6 months, and $ 59.99 for retail 12 months.
Thank you.
In Canada, 1-month Gold subscriptions were set to go up to $ 12.99 from $ 11.99, 3 months would have cost $ 34.99 from $ 29.99, and 6 months would have cost $ 69.99 from $ 44.99 . Microsoft did not reveal it. price with respect to 12-month subscriptions, although its current cost is $ 69.99, the same price as the new 6-month subscription if the change goes into effect.
The company also says that free games like Apex legends and Fortnite It will no longer require an Xbox Live Gold membership. Infinite Halo, one of the biggest upcoming titles on the Xbox platform, is also set to feature free multiplayer.
This brings Microsoft’s approach to online gaming with Xbox online with Sony’s PlayStation consoles and Nintendo’s Switch, given that both platforms do not require a subscription to play free titles online. Microsoft says it is “working hard to implement this change as soon as possible in the next few months.”
Overall, this is a big move from Microsoft given that the price hike made it look like the tech giant was pushing gamers to subscribe to its $ 16.99 per month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service, more expensive than includes Xbox Live Gold, access to all current and future Microsoft first. – Party game releases (as well as numerous third-party titles) via Game Pass on Xbox and PC, EA’s video game subscription service EA Play, and Xbox cloud games on Android (formerly xCloud).
Source: Xbox
