To make Xbox Live more aligned with how we see the player at the center of your experience, we’ll remove the Gold requirements for free games.
We are starting to work on this immediately and will have updates in the coming months. Details: https://t.co/tWomNAwmp9
– Xbox (@Xbox) January 23, 2021
Microsoft:
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.