Is Xbox Gold Going Away? Understanding the Evolution of Xbox Subscriptions
Yes, Xbox Live Gold is no longer available as a standalone subscription. It was replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core on September 14, 2023. This marks a significant shift in how Microsoft offers online multiplayer access and other benefits to Xbox gamers. Let’s delve into what this change means for you.
The End of an Era: Xbox Live Gold’s Transition
For over two decades, Xbox Live Gold was the quintessential subscription for Xbox owners. It provided access to online multiplayer gaming, a few free games each month through Games with Gold, and exclusive discounts. However, as the Game Pass ecosystem expanded, Microsoft saw an opportunity to streamline its offerings.
The decision to sunset Xbox Live Gold wasn’t sudden. It reflected a broader strategy of consolidating services under the Game Pass umbrella. This move aimed to provide more value and flexibility to subscribers, aligning with the evolving needs of the gaming community.
What is Xbox Game Pass Core?
Xbox Game Pass Core is the successor to Xbox Live Gold. It maintains the same price point of $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year, but introduces some key changes.
Key Features of Xbox Game Pass Core
- Online Multiplayer: Just like Xbox Live Gold, Game Pass Core provides access to online multiplayer gaming for most titles. This remains a core benefit for those who enjoy playing with friends and other gamers online.
- Select Game Pass Titles: Instead of the rotating selection of Games with Gold, Game Pass Core offers a curated library of over 36 games from the Xbox Game Pass catalog. These games are available to play as long as you maintain your subscription. Microsoft plans to add more titles to this library periodically.
- Exclusive Deals: Subscribers continue to receive exclusive discounts on select games and add-ons in the Microsoft Store.
What Happened to Games with Gold?
Games with Gold officially ended on September 1, 2023. This change occurred when Game Pass Core was launched. While previous Games with Gold titles claimed during an active Gold subscription remain accessible to the account that claimed them, no new titles are being added.
Why the Change?
Microsoft’s decision to replace Xbox Live Gold with Game Pass Core stemmed from several factors:
- Streamlining Services: Consolidating services under the Game Pass banner simplifies the subscription offerings for consumers.
- Enhanced Value: Game Pass Core offers more immediate access to a selection of games, compared to the limited monthly selection of Games with Gold.
- Alignment with Game Pass Ecosystem: This move better aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of building a comprehensive Game Pass ecosystem.
Transitioning from Xbox Live Gold
If you were an Xbox Live Gold subscriber, your subscription automatically converted to Xbox Game Pass Core on September 14, 2023. Any remaining time on your Xbox Live Gold subscription was transferred to Game Pass Core.
What to Do with Existing Xbox Live Gold Codes
Any Xbox Live Gold codes you still have can be redeemed and will convert directly to Xbox Game Pass Core. To maximize value, consider using these codes before upgrading to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as Ultimate subscriptions handle conversions differently.
Future of Xbox Subscriptions
The introduction of Game Pass Core is likely just one step in Microsoft’s ongoing evolution of its gaming services. With cloud gaming becoming increasingly prominent, and offerings like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate providing access to a vast library of games across multiple devices, the future of Xbox subscriptions seems geared towards greater flexibility and choice for gamers. Learning and education can be found in unexpected places, even in video games, for example, through the work of the Games Learning Society.
Is Xbox Getting Closed?
There is no indication of Xbox getting closed down. The discontinuation of Xbox Live Gold and the shutdown of the Xbox 360 marketplace are strategic decisions made by Microsoft to transition to newer services and technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on the transition from Xbox Live Gold to Xbox Game Pass Core and related Xbox services.
1. Can I still play online multiplayer games?
Yes, with Xbox Game Pass Core, you can still access online multiplayer gaming for most titles.
2. What happens to the games I claimed with Games with Gold?
You retain access to all Games with Gold titles you claimed while you had an active Xbox Live Gold subscription.
3. How much does Xbox Game Pass Core cost?
Xbox Game Pass Core costs $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
4. What games are included with Xbox Game Pass Core?
Xbox Game Pass Core includes a curated library of over 36 games from the Xbox Game Pass catalog, with plans to add more over time.
5. Can I still upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Yes, you can upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at any time. Doing so unlocks a larger library of games, cloud gaming, and other benefits.
6. What happens to my Xbox Live Gold membership if I do nothing?
Your Xbox Live Gold membership automatically converted to Xbox Game Pass Core on September 14, 2023.
7. Are Xbox 360 games still playable online?
Yes, you can still play games and connect with friends through multiplayer on the games you purchased, as long as the publisher still supports the online servers.
8. Why did Microsoft get rid of Xbox Live Gold?
Microsoft replaced Xbox Live Gold to streamline its subscription offerings and provide more value to subscribers with Game Pass Core.
9. Will there be a new Xbox console in the future?
Microsoft executives expected in spring 2022 to launch the next Xbox console in 2028, and were considering a more flexible approach to its gaming hardware.
10. Can I get Xbox Live Gold for free?
New Xbox accounts are sometimes given a free Xbox Live Gold trial when they first log in to an Xbox Series X or Xbox One console.
11. Is the Xbox 360 Marketplace shutting down?
Yes, the Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace will be shut down on July 29, 2024.
12. Can I still use Xbox Live Gold codes?
Yes, any Xbox Live Gold codes you have can be redeemed and will convert directly to Xbox Game Pass Core.
13. Is there going to be a new Xbox One game?
Almost three years into the Xbox Series X/S lifecycle, Microsoft says it is no longer making games for the Xbox One.
14. Why can’t I play live on Xbox?
To live stream your games, your account needs to be in good standing. If you’ve been suspended from Xbox, you won’t be able to stream and you’ll see an error letting you know.
15. How long will the Xbox One console last?
The Xbox One lasts generally for about 4-7 years. However, Microsoft says that, with proper maintenance, the console should last up to 10 years.
This transition from Xbox Live Gold to Xbox Game Pass Core represents a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy for its Xbox ecosystem. While Xbox Live Gold served as a cornerstone for online multiplayer gaming for many years, Game Pass Core aims to provide a more comprehensive and valuable experience for Xbox gamers.