What Will Game Pass Core Do?
Game Pass Core is Microsoft’s new entry-level subscription service that replaces the aging Xbox Live Gold. Its primary function is to provide access to online console multiplayer gaming, a curated library of approximately 25+ high-quality games to download and play, and exclusive member deals. Essentially, it bundles the core functionality of Xbox Live Gold with a selection of compelling titles, offering better value than its predecessor. It maintains the ability to play online with friends, and access a rotating selection of games, but at a slightly reduced price point compared to standard Game Pass.
The Evolution From Xbox Live Gold
Why the Change?
For years, Xbox Live Gold has been the standard bearer for online multiplayer on Xbox consoles. However, with the growing popularity of Game Pass and the evolving landscape of gaming subscriptions, Microsoft recognized the need for a more streamlined and value-packed offering. Game Pass Core aims to bridge the gap between Xbox Live Gold and the full Game Pass experience, providing a more compelling entry point for gamers. It allows them to enjoy the benefits of online play while also dipping their toes into the world of game libraries and subscription services. The transition is driven by a desire to simplify the Xbox subscription ecosystem and offer more options to players with varying needs and budgets.
What Does Game Pass Core Offer That Gold Didn’t?
While Xbox Live Gold primarily focused on online multiplayer, Games with Gold, and exclusive deals, Game Pass Core takes a different approach. Instead of offering a couple of temporary free games each month that are linked to your subscription, it provides access to a permanent library of games as long as you remain a subscriber. This library, unlike the rotating titles in Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate, features a smaller, more curated selection of titles known for their high quality and broad appeal. This provides better long-term value and lets players build a library of games they can keep coming back to. The other significant change is that Games with Gold is now discontinued.
Deeper Dive into the Key Features
Online Multiplayer Access
The heart of Game Pass Core remains the ability to play online with friends and compete with players around the world. This essential feature allows gamers to participate in online multiplayer modes of their favorite titles, fostering a vibrant and engaging gaming community. Without a subscription like Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate, playing online multiplayer games on Xbox consoles is generally not possible (free-to-play games are exceptions).
The Game Pass Core Library
One of the most attractive aspects of Game Pass Core is the curated library of 25+ games. These are not just any games; they are chosen for their quality, popularity, and replayability. The library is set to evolve over time, with new titles being added periodically to keep the experience fresh and exciting. While the specifics of the library may change, Microsoft has indicated a focus on including popular titles across various genres. Some of the initial titles included in the Core launch library are 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, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, Steep, and The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
Exclusive Member Deals
Game Pass Core subscribers also get access to exclusive deals and discounts on select games and add-ons in the Microsoft Store. These deals can help players save money on new releases, popular titles, and downloadable content, further enhancing the value of the subscription. These discounts often mirror those previously available to Xbox Live Gold members.
Comparing Game Pass Core with Other Subscriptions
Game Pass Core vs. Xbox Live Gold
Game Pass Core is essentially the successor to Xbox Live Gold, offering a similar price point but with added value in the form of a game library. While Xbox Live Gold focused on online multiplayer and temporary “free” games, Game Pass Core provides a persistent library of curated titles. In terms of value, Game Pass Core offers a more compelling proposition for gamers looking to access both online multiplayer and a selection of games.
Game Pass Core vs. Game Pass (Console/PC)
Game Pass (Console/PC) offers a much larger and more diverse library of games than Game Pass Core, with hundreds of titles available to download and play. However, Game Pass Core is significantly cheaper. Game Pass (Console/PC) also includes day-one access to many new releases, a feature not offered by Core. Essentially, Game Pass (Console/PC) is for gamers who want a vast library of games to choose from, while Game Pass Core is for those who prioritize online multiplayer and a smaller, curated selection of high-quality titles.
Game Pass Core vs. Game Pass Ultimate
Game Pass Ultimate is the premium tier of Xbox subscriptions, combining all the benefits of Game Pass (Console/PC), Game Pass Core (including online multiplayer), and EA Play. It also includes Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing you to stream games to various devices. Game Pass Ultimate is the most comprehensive option, offering the best value for gamers who want access to everything Xbox has to offer. Game Pass Core is a more affordable entry-level option that focuses on the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does Game Pass Core cost?
The price is generally around $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year, though pricing can vary based on region. It is designed to be similar to the price point of Xbox Live Gold before it was replaced.
2. Can I still play my old Xbox 360 games online with Game Pass Core?
Yes, backward compatibility is maintained. As long as the Xbox 360 game supports online multiplayer and you are playing it on an Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S console with a Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can play online.
3. Will the Game Pass Core game library change over time?
Yes, Microsoft plans to update the library periodically, adding and potentially removing games to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
4. What happens to my Games with Gold titles?
You will be able to continue to access any Xbox 360 titles you claimed through Games with Gold as long as you have an active subscription, regardless of Game Pass Core or Ultimate. However, Games with Gold is no longer available.
5. Do I need Game Pass Core to play free-to-play games online?
No, you do not need Game Pass Core (or any other Xbox subscription) to play free-to-play games online, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warzone.
6. Can I upgrade from Game Pass Core to Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate?
Yes, you can upgrade to Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate at any time. The remaining value of your Game Pass Core subscription will be converted towards the cost of the upgrade.
7. Is Game Pass Core available on PC?
No, Game Pass Core is specifically for Xbox consoles. PC gamers can subscribe to Game Pass for PC or Game Pass Ultimate.
8. Does Game Pass Core include cloud gaming?
No, cloud gaming is only available with Game Pass Ultimate.
9. Can I share my Game Pass Core subscription with family members?
Yes, you can use Xbox Home settings to share some Game Pass Core benefits with other users on your home console.
10. What happens if a game leaves the Game Pass Core library?
If a game leaves the Game Pass Core library, you will no longer be able to play it through the subscription unless you purchase it separately.
11. Do I need Game Pass Core to access the Microsoft Store on my Xbox?
No, you do not need Game Pass Core to access the Microsoft Store.
12. Can I buy Game Pass Core codes from retailers?
Yes, Game Pass Core is available for purchase through the Microsoft Store and from various retailers as digital codes or physical cards.
13. Will Game Pass Core offer any exclusive in-game content or perks?
While the specific details may vary, expect exclusive member deals and discounts.
14. Is there a trial period for Game Pass Core?
Microsoft may offer trial periods for Game Pass Core as part of promotions or special offers, but there is no guarantee of a permanent trial offering. Check the Microsoft Store for details.
15. What happens to my existing Xbox Live Gold subscription when Game Pass Core launches?
Your Xbox Live Gold subscription will automatically convert to Game Pass Core. You will then have access to the Game Pass Core library and its other benefits.