What Were the Games with Gold for March 2023?
The Games with Gold program for March 2023 offered subscribers three distinct titles: Trüberbrook, Sudden Strike 4 – Complete Collection, and Lamentum. Each game provided a unique gaming experience, catering to different preferences and genres. These were available to claim throughout March and early April 2023, provided you were an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber at the time. However, it’s important to note that Games with Gold has ended and been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core.
A Closer Look at March 2023’s Games with Gold
Let’s delve into the specifics of each game offered in March 2023:
Trüberbrook
- Genre: Adventure, Mystery
- Availability: March 1 to March 31, 2023
- Description: Trüberbrook is a visually stunning, story-driven adventure game set in a remote German village in the 1960s. Players control a young American physicist who finds himself embroiled in a strange and unsettling mystery. The game is known for its distinctive hand-crafted visuals, quirky characters, and intriguing plot. The ERP (Estimated Retail Price) was $29.99, making it a significant value addition for subscribers.
Sudden Strike 4 – Complete Collection
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
- Availability: March 1 to March 31, 2023
- Description: Sudden Strike 4 – Complete Collection is a comprehensive RTS package that includes the base game and all previously released DLC. Players command Allied, Axis, or Soviet forces in historical battles across World War II. The game features detailed unit management, realistic combat mechanics, and a challenging campaign mode. With an ERP of $39.99, it was one of the more valuable offerings in the Games with Gold program.
Lamentum
- Genre: Survival Horror, Adventure
- Availability: March 16 to April 15, 2023
- Description: Lamentum is a pixel-art survival horror game set in 19th-century New England. Players must navigate a decaying mansion, solve puzzles, and combat grotesque creatures to uncover a dark secret. The game emphasizes atmosphere, resource management, and psychological horror. Lamentum, with its lower ERP of $15.99, catered to fans of classic horror experiences.
The End of an Era: Games with Gold Discontinued
It’s essential to remember that Games with Gold no longer exists. Microsoft officially ended the program on September 1, 2023, replacing it with Xbox Game Pass Core. While Games with Gold provided a rotating selection of free games each month, Game Pass Core offers a curated library of over 25 titles available to play at any time, along with online multiplayer access and member discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Games with Gold and its Transition
1. What replaced Games with Gold?
Xbox Game Pass Core replaced Games with Gold. It provides online multiplayer access, a library of over 25 games, and exclusive member deals.
2. Can I still play the Games with Gold I claimed in the past?
Yes, you can continue to access any Xbox One games you previously redeemed through Games with Gold if you are an active Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member. However, Xbox 360 games claimed via Games with Gold remain yours to keep regardless of your subscription status.
3. What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Core includes online multiplayer, a library of over 25 games, and member deals. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all the benefits of Core, plus access to a much larger library of games on console, PC, and cloud, as well as EA Play.
4. Is Xbox Live Gold still available?
No, Xbox Live Gold is no longer available as a standalone subscription. It has been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core.
5. How much does Xbox Game Pass Core cost?
Xbox Game Pass Core costs $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
6. Why did Microsoft discontinue Games with Gold?
Microsoft stated they wanted to reimagine how to include content with the subscription service and believed leveraging select titles from the Xbox Game Pass catalog was a more compelling option.
7. Can I still redeem Xbox Live Gold codes?
Yes, any existing Xbox Live Gold codes can be redeemed and will automatically be converted to Xbox Game Pass Core.
8. Does Xbox Game Pass Core include free games every month?
No, Xbox Game Pass Core does not offer new free games each month like Games with Gold did. Instead, it provides access to a static library of over 25 games.
9. What happens to my Xbox 360 Games with Gold titles?
You retain ownership of any Xbox 360 Games with Gold titles you claimed, regardless of your current subscription status.
10. Can I still play free-to-play games without a subscription?
Yes, you can play free-to-play games on Xbox without an Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Popular examples include Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone.
11. How do I find free games on Xbox?
You can find free games on the Microsoft Store on your Xbox console. Look for the “Free” category or filter your search results by price.
12. Is Xbox Live going away completely?
The name Xbox Live is still sometimes used to refer to the online service, but the specific subscription tier called Xbox Live Gold is no longer available. It has been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core.
13. Will my Xbox Live Gold subscription automatically convert to Game Pass Core?
Yes, any existing Xbox Live Gold subscriptions were automatically converted to Xbox Game Pass Core on September 14, 2023.
14. Where can I learn more about the educational benefits of gaming?
You can explore the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for valuable resources and insights on the educational potential of video games. GamesLearningSociety.org is a fantastic resource!
15. Are there any free trials available for Xbox Game Pass?
Microsoft occasionally offers free trials for Xbox Game Pass. Keep an eye on the Microsoft Store or promotional offers for details.
In conclusion, while the Games with Gold program for March 2023 offered a diverse selection of titles, the program itself has been discontinued and replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core. This new service provides a different approach to gaming subscriptions, focusing on a curated library and online multiplayer access.