After 18 years, Microsoft is replacing Xbox Live Gold, its long-standing subscription service that allows access to online multiplayer, with a new plan called Game Pass Core. Xbox Live Gold will officially retire on September 14, 2023.
What is Game Pass Core?
Game Pass Core is a low-cost version of the overall Game Pass service that will offer online multiplayer in addition to a curated pool of games to partake in. The end of Xbox Live Gold also spells the end of Games with Gold. However, you will have access to the game you downloaded via that program.
History of Xbox Live
Shortly after Microsoft’s first flagship video game console was released, Xbox Live was introduced to players in 2002. It outshined every single competing alternative that existed at this point in time and was greatly improved with the advent of the Xbox 360. Live introduced cross-game messaging, voice chat, and tons of other networking capabilities.
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In 2013, those who subscribed to the premium plan, Xbox Live Gold, started getting free games each month. Just a few years later, Microsoft created Xbox Game Pass, letting players have instant access to hundreds of games for a small monthly fee.
Where Things Stand Now
These services will all combine into one package beginning September 14 with Xbox Game Pass Core. It is planned to cost $10 per month, or $60 per year, offering up to 25 games complete with online multiplayer.
Game Pass will allow you to keep your Games with Gold games, but Xbox One titles will require a constant subscription for access. Interestingly, Xbox 360 games are exempt from this rule, according to the announcement page.
Existing Xbox Live Gold subscribers will have their plans automatically convert to Game Pass Core when it releases. The following list of games included with the new service has been provided by Microsoft. More titles will come ahead of the launch.
- Among Us
- Descenders
- Dishonored 2
- Doom Eternal
- Fable Anniversary
- Fallout 4
- Fallout 76
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gears 5
- Grounded
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo Wars 2
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Human Fall Flat
- Inside
- Ori & The Will of the Wisps
- Psychonauts 2
- State of Decay 2
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
Microsoft is promising to add new titles to the Game Pass Core subscription up to three times per year, in addition to discounts and exclusive deals.