Microsoft backs off the Xbox Live Gold price hike

Microsoft reversed its controversial price increase on Xbox Live. The company Advertise Friday’s price hike would double the cost of the annual subscription to the service, which is needed to play online games on Xbox, to $ 120 for many users. Now, though, Microsoft says the price will remain the same.

Moreover, Microsoft decided to make Xbox Live compatible with Sony and Nintendo online services by canceling the subscription requirement for free games. Popular titles free to play like It is an electronic game It can be played on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles without online subscription, but you still need one for Xbox consoles; Microsoft says it is “working hard to deliver this change as soon as possible in the coming months.”

Here’s Microsoft’s full statement, just delivered as a file update Blog post:

We got it wrong today and you were right to tell us that. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of gaming and we fail to meet the expectations of the players who depend on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change the Xbox Live Gold pricing.

We are turning this moment into an opportunity to make Xbox Live more in tune with the way we see the gamer at the heart of their experience. For free games, you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those games on Xbox. We are working hard to introduce this change as soon as possible in the coming months.

If you are already an Xbox Live Gold member, you will remain at the current renewal rate. New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold at the same rates 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 for retail.

Thank you.

Microsoft’s focus in recent years has been the Xbox Game Pass, which contains an Ultimate tier that includes access to Xbox Live Gold. While Game Pass provides great value to many players, the price of gold is rising It came as an attempt to get people to pay for the more expensive service.

Not surprisingly, the initial announcement was so bad, but Microsoft’s reversal is good news for Xbox Live Gold subscribers uninterested in Xbox Game Pass, and even better news for people who only use Xbox Live Gold to play for free-to-play games.