What you need to know
- Microsoft is ending the Xbox Live Gold branding and replacing it with Xbox Game Pass "Core."
- Xbox Game Pass Core is needed to access Xbox Network multiplayer on the console, but it brings new benefits.
- Xbox Game Pass Core costs the same as Xbox Live Gold, and all current users will be converted to the new service.
- This new service also offers a small library of curated Xbox Game Pass titles, including Forza Horizon 4, DOOM Eternal, and more.
- Xbox's Games with Gold service shuts down on September 1st.
After over 20 years, the iconic "Xbox Live" branding is finally going away.
It was perhaps only a matter of time. Microsoft rebranded Xbox Live to the Xbox network a few years ago and has led with its Xbox Game Pass branding as its primary subscription offering. Currently, Xbox Game Pass is split between Xbox Game Pass Console, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There's also an Xbox Game Pass Family Plan tentatively in the works.
Now, we have another member of the Xbox Game Pass range to say hi to.
Microsoft's new Xbox Game Pass Core is now the baseline subscription service for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles to gain access to multiplayer games. It will cost the same as Xbox Live Gold, making it $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
However, Xbox Game Pass Core has many extra benefits over Xbox Live Gold, including access to a smaller curated pool of 25 "high-quality" Xbox games. The list we have right now is as follows: Among Us, Descenders, Dishonored 2, DOOM Eternal, Fable Anniversary, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5, Grounded, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Wars 2, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, Human Fall Flat, INSIDE, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Psychonauts 2, State of Decay 2, and Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
Microsoft says this games list will expand in the "coming months."
For users of Xbox Game Pass Console and Xbox Live Gold, increasingly, it makes more sense to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Paying for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Console as separate subscriptions nets you only a small saving if you're paying in 12-month installments. Twelve months of Xbox Game Pass Core for multiplayer and Xbox Game Pass for Console for the library costs $191.87, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate over 12 months costs $203.88.
However, if you were to pay for Core and Console monthly, that cost would come to $251.76. For only a little extra, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate nets you access to cloud games, perks, and PC Game Pass. It's pretty clear which service Microsoft wants you to subscribe to, ultimately (ha, pun).
- Xbox-ABK deal set to close soon
- Xbox's Major Nelson leaves Microsoft
- 7 amazing indie games coming to Xbox Game Pass
Either way, it's good that Microsoft has left the Xbox Game Pass Core option at $59.99 per year. A few years ago, Microsoft ignited an uproar by announcing that it would no longer support 12 monthly subscriptions of Xbox Live Gold — which Xbox Game Pass currently doesn't offer in its other tiers. Those who want Xbox online gameplay will not only keep that service, but they'll also now get access to discounts and deals on Xbox Game Pass and a library of 25 or more games from Microsoft's back catalog.
Xbox Live's "Games with Gold" service will go away on September 1st, although any of the games you redeemed as part of that program will remain active on your account.
Xbox Game Pass Core will launch this Fall and automatically convert all existing Xbox Live Gold members to the new service. That will massively inflate Xbox Game Pass' overall subscriber base to tens of millions and give newcomers a taste of what subscription-based content libraries look like for gaming.
Analysis: Xbox Game Pass goes turbo mode
The end of Xbox Live Gold is a watershed moment in Xbox's history, punctuating an era of huge change within the brand. Microsoft is on the verge of grabbing Activision-Blizzard-King, massively expanding its PC gaming catalog and mobile gaming footprint. I suspect many of the publisher's back catalog of games will hit Xbox Game Pass very shortly after the deal closes.
With Xbox Game Pass now functionally doubling in size (or more) with tens of millions of new subscribers when this change goes over, its undoubtedly and well and truly a core part of the Xbox strategy. When games like Call of Duty, Diablo, and other heavy-hitters from Activision-Blizzard hit the service, it could truly change how we consume video games forever. Up until now, Xbox Game Pass has arguably lacked true "mega blockbuster" day-one additions, but we're now looking at a world where the service will have Netflix-like legitimacy when it comes to exclusive content.
It'll be interesting to see where it all goes from here.
