Jul 17, 2023 at 1:45 PM Microsoft launches Xbox Game Pass Core, replaces Xbox Live Gold: What subscribers need to know
Microsoft has launched a new subscription service, Xbox Game Pass Core, which will replace Xbox Live Gold. The new subscription is one of the four types of Game Pass subscriptions, and will offer online console multiplayer support, deals, discounts, and access to over 25 games such as Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, and Psychonauts 2. Current Xbox Live Gold members will be automatically switched to Xbox Game Pass Core on September 14th, with no increase in fees - $9.99 monthly or $59.99 annually. However, the Games with Gold program, which provided free monthly games, will be discontinued from September 1st. Xbox 360 titles redeemed earlier will stay in the library, but Xbox One titles will need an ongoing subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate.
Microsoft plans to add new games to Game Pass Core two to three times annually. The initial launch list includes Among Us, Dishonored 2, Doom Eternal, Fallout 4, Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5, Halo 5: Guardians, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Psychonauts 2. While Xbox Game Pass Core includes multiplayer, the standard Xbox Game Pass subscription does not, requiring Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Game Pass benefits and online multiplayer (really weird move here, imo).
The renaming of Xbox Live Gold to Xbox network in 2021 and now to Xbox Game Pass Core might create confusion about multiplayer features and the need for multiple subscriptions. Microsoft reversed an earlier decision to increase the cost of an annual Xbox Live Gold subscription following fan backlash, removed the paywall for free-to-play multiplayer games, and unlocked some features for non-subscribers. The prices of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass for Console have recently been raised, while the PC Game Pass pricing remains the same. It is also worth mentioning that recently it was announced that The Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family plan will end in August, with no plans for its return mentioned.
- Freemium • Proprietary
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External links
- Introducing Xbox Game Pass Core, Coming This September
- Xbox Game Pass Core is replacing Xbox Live Gold. Here's why.
- End of an Era as Microsoft Replaces Xbox Live Gold With Game Pass Core
- Xbox Game Pass Core to replace Xbox Live Gold on September 14
- Microsoft’s new Xbox Game Pass Core will replace Xbox Live Gold in September