Xbox Live Gold transitions to Xbox Game Pass Core

Microsoft announces the end of an era as it discontinues Xbox Live Gold after 18 years, introducing the all-encompassing Game Pass Core as the future of Xbox gaming subscriptions.

Xbox Live Gold transitions to Xbox Game Pass Core
Xbox Live Gold transitions to Xbox Game Pass Core. (Image: Pexels)

A major transformation is on the horizon for Xbox gaming subscriptions as Microsoft announces the imminent demise of Xbox Live Gold after nearly two decades, with September 14 marking its final day. Taking its place is the introduction of Xbox Game Pass Core, a more affordable version of the Game Pass service that not only enables online multiplayer gameplay but also grants access to a meticulously curated library of games. As a consequence, the beloved Games with Gold program will also bid farewell. While existing Games with Gold downloads will remain accessible, it is crucial to bear in mind certain considerations surrounding this transition.

Xbox Live Gold transitions to Xbox Game Pass Core

After its launch in 2002 alongside the original Xbox, Xbox Live quickly became the go-to platform for online gaming on consoles, evolving over the years with features like cross-game voice chat and messaging. In 2013, Xbox Live Gold introduced the Games with Gold program, offering free monthly games. Nevertheless, with the introduction of Xbox Game Pass in 2017, which allowed users to download a vast library of games for a monthly fee, Microsoft is now merging the services.

Xbox game pass core
Xbox Live Gold transitions to Xbox Game Pass Core. (Image: Xbox)

On September 14, Xbox Live Gold will be phased out, while Games with Gold will end on September 1. The new offering, Xbox Game Pass Core, priced at $10 per month or $60 per year, will grant subscribers access to a curated selection of 25 games and online multiplayer functionality.

What's about existing Xbox Live Gold subscribers?

Players will indeed retain access to the games they have downloaded through the Games with Gold program. However, there is an important caveat: Xbox One games obtained through Games with Gold will only remain accessible if the individual remains a subscriber to either Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate.

Xbox Live Gold transitions to Xbox Game Pass Core
Xbox Live Gold transitions to Xbox Game Pass Core. (Image: Xbox)

On the other hand, Xbox 360 games are exempt from this requirement, as stated in the Game Pass Core announcement. Existing Xbox Live Gold subscribers will be automatically converted to Game Pass Core on September 14.

Microsoft has also cleared that they will regularly expand the Game Pass Core library by adding new games approximately two to three times per year. Furthermore, subscribers can anticipate exclusive membership perks, including special deals and discounts on selected titles.

Source

Xbox