Microsoft has recently announced that Xbox Live Gold, which has been a staple in every gamer’s experience since its debut over 20 years ago, will soon come to an end. With the rise of Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Core, Microsoft has decided to retire its iconic subscription service, which has been the gold standard for online gaming on the Xbox console. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what is happening with Xbox Live Gold, what the new offerings will be, and how it will impact gamers.
To start, it’s worth noting that Xbox Live Gold is not being completely dissolved. Microsoft will still offer the service until September 14th of this year. After that, the Games with Gold program, which is a signature perk of the Xbox Live Gold subscription, will be discontinued. In its place, Microsoft will offer Game Pass Core, which they say will be a new way to enhance your gaming experience.
So what exactly is Game Pass Core? For starters, it’s a new subscription service that will grant you access to a variety of games all in one place, similar to the current Game Pass Ultimate service. What sets Game Pass Core apart, however, is its value proposition. According to Microsoft, Game Pass Core will give gamers access to over 100 games, including critically acclaimed titles like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Age of Empires IV. On top of that, Microsoft has promised that unlike other subscription services, Game Pass Core will include all-new games at launch on day one.
One thing that’s important to note is that Game Pass Core won’t be a complete replacement for Xbox Live Gold. Game Pass Core will, however, include all benefits of Xbox Live Gold, such as access to multiplayer gaming, discounts on games, and free games each month. Essentially, what Microsoft is offering with Game Pass Core is an all-in-one package that combines everything you need to have the ultimate gaming experience.
In addition to Game Pass Core, Microsoft is also rolling out Game Pass Ultimate, which is their premium gaming subscription service. For those not familiar, Game Pass Ultimate includes everything that Game Pass Core does, but also comes with Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, and access to xCloud, which allows you to stream games to your phone or tablet. Game Pass Ultimate is a must-have for dedicated gamers who want to access everything that the Xbox ecosystem has to offer.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to retire Xbox Live Gold may come as a shock to dedicated players who have grown accustomed to the subscription service over the years. However, the company is offering new and exciting services that are sure to revolutionize the way you play games on your Xbox console. With the launch of Game Pass Core and Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft is putting everything a gamer could want all in one place. If you’re a casual player, Game Pass Core offers great value and fantastic access to a wide array of titles. For more dedicated players, Game Pass Ultimate is a must-have, offering everything you need to have the ultimate gaming experience. Regardless of which subscription you choose, one thing is for sure – Microsoft is putting the power of gaming back into your hands.
