What Happened to Xbox Yearly Subscription?
Xbox Live Gold, a paid subscription service offered by Microsoft, has undergone significant changes in recent years. As of September 14th, 2021, Xbox Live Gold will cease to exist, and Xbox Game Pass Core will take its place. This change has left many users wondering what happened to their yearly subscription option. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this change and explore how it affects Xbox users worldwide.
Reasons behind the change
Microsoft cited several reasons for discontinuing the yearly subscription option, including:
• Redundancy: With Xbox Game Pass Core, there’s no need for separate yearly subscriptions for Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass, as the two services now overlap.
• Simplicity: By introducing a single, more straightforward subscription model, Microsoft aimed to simplify the user experience and reduce confusion.
• Focus on Game Pass: The company is focused on expanding and improving the Game Pass ecosystem, so it’s no surprise they’re phasing out duplicate services.
What are the implications?
Before we dive into the benefits of Xbox Game Pass Core, let’s summarize the effects of this change:
- No more yearly Xbox Live Gold subscriptions: Going forward, Xbox users won’t be able to sign up for yearly subscriptions under the Xbox Live Gold plan.
- Xbox Game Pass Core replaces Xbox Live Gold: Xbox Game Pass Core combines the online multiplayer features of Xbox Live Gold with access to over 25 games for the Xbox Series X and S, as well as the Xbox One.
- New subscription tiers: Game Pass Core will be offered in two subscription tiers:
- $10/month: This tier will provide access to online multiplayer gaming and member discounts.
- $60/year: This tier will give users the same benefits as the monthly plan, as well as the option to play games offline.
Benefits of Xbox Game Pass Core
By consolidating Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass into a single, more comprehensive subscription service, Microsoft aims to:
• Enhance the overall gaming experience: With more games and features available within a single subscription, players will have greater access to a wider range of Xbox content.
• Make it easier for new gamers to join the Xbox family: By removing the confusing array of subscription options, new gamers can more easily understand and start playing games on Xbox.
New features and improvements
The introduction of Xbox Game Pass Core brings several new benefits, including:
• Access to a growing game library: Game Pass Core will continue to expand the library of games available through the service.
• Offline play: With a Game Pass Core subscription, users will be able to play games offline, so they can enjoy their gaming experience even without an internet connection.
• Enhanced multiplayer features: Xbox Live Gold’s multiplayer features have been integrated into Game Pass Core, ensuring a smooth and seamless gaming experience online.
How to maintain your Xbox Live Gold benefits
If you’re a current Xbox Live Gold subscriber, you’ll need to take action to maintain access to your benefits:
- Converting existing subscriptions: Xbox Live Gold subscribers will have the opportunity to convert their existing yearly subscriptions to Game Pass Core.
- Renewal options: When an Xbox Live Gold subscription approaches its expiration date, you’ll be offered the opportunity to renew as a Game Pass Core subscriber.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of Xbox Live Gold yearlies is a strategic move by Microsoft to simplify their subscription offerings and focus on the growth and development of Xbox Game Pass Core. While this change may pose some challenges for users adjusting to the new subscription model, the benefits and features introduced by Game Pass Core more than make up for any inconvenience. As the Xbox ecosystem continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about what the future might hold for gamers worldwide!