Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon / Bloomberg
Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon / Bloomberg
Microsoft Corp. is increasing the price of subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold, its paid online gaming platform, doubling the cost of an annual ticket and provoking rapid user outrage.
The price increase raises the cost of a six-month subscription to $ 60. Last year, Microsoft removed the annual subscription option at that price from the online store. The cost of a monthly subscription has also increased, jumping 10% to $ 11.
The move pushes the price of Xbox Live Gold closer to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a more expensive subscription that also gives you access to games and other benefits. Costing $ 15 a month, or $ 180 a year, Game Pass Ultimate is now just $ 60 more expensive than a year of Xbox Live Gold.
The Game Pass has become central to Microsoft’s strategy to attract loyalty with the recent launch of the Xbox series X console. But gamers were outraged that Microsoft raised the cost of a subscription so dramatically, especially during the pandemic, when people spent more time on screen than usual and unemployment increased. Users expressed frustration online, often comparing the cost of subscription to Sony Corp.’s PlayStation Plus, which costs $ 60 a year.
On Twitter, where the topic was one of the main trending topics on Friday, a player named Zay said: “Xbox users need to sell their Xbox just so they can get gold from Xbox Live. “
One user said that Microsoft is out of touch with its community and the economic reality.
By justifying the change, Microsoft said the price of Xbox Live Gold “hasn’t changed for years and in some markets hasn’t changed for more than 10 years.”
There is no price change for Xbox Live Gold members for six or 12 months.