Microsoft reversed its controversial Xbox Live price hike. The company announced a price increase on Friday that would double the cost of an annual subscription to the service, which is required to play online games on Xbox consoles, to $ 120 for many users. Now, however, Microsoft says the price will remain the same.
In addition, Microsoft has decided to align Xbox Live with online services from Sony and Nintendo, eliminating the requirement for subscription to free games. Free popular titles like Fifteen days can be played on PlayStation consoles and Nintendo Switch without an online subscription, but you still need one for Xbox consoles; Microsoft says it is “working hard to deliver this change as quickly as possible in the coming months”.
Here is the full statement from Microsoft, which was delivered only as an update to a blog post:
We screwed up today and you were right to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of the game and we fail to meet the expectations of the players who rely on it every day. As a result, we decided not to change the price of Xbox Live Gold.
We are turning this moment into an opportunity to bring Xbox Live more in line with how we see the player at the center of their experience. For free games, you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to play on Xbox. We are working hard to deliver this change as quickly as possible in the coming months.
If you are already an Xbox Live Gold member, you maintain the current renewal price. New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold for the same prices they pay today. In the US, $ 9.99 for 1 month, $ 24.99 for 3 months, $ 39.99 for 6 months and $ 59.99 for 12 months retail.
Thanks.
Microsoft’s focus in recent years has been the Xbox Game Pass, which has an Ultimate level that includes access to Xbox Live Gold. Although the Game Pass offers great value to many players, the increases in the price of gold came about as an attempt to trick people into paying for a more expensive service.
It’s not surprising that the initial announcement was so poorly received, but Microsoft’s rollback is good news for Xbox Live Gold subscribers who are not interested in the Xbox Game Pass, and even better news for people who use it Xbox Live Gold just to play for free – play games.