Microsoft removes 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription from store

Lots of changes.

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What you need to know

What you need to know

A few days ago, a number ofXbox Oneusers noticed that you couldn’t buy a 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription from the Microsoft Store for the console. While many thought this was an error, it turns out that the company purposely removed the stock-keeping unit (SKU) from the website. Microsoft issued the following statement toTrueAchievements, confirming the purposeful removal.

At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online Store. Customers can still sign up for a one month or three month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.

It’s unclear why the company would do this, but it may be related to the fact thatXbox Game Pass Ultimateis the company’s new focus according to recent earnings calls. It includes Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox Live Gold, better editions of first-party games, and even Project xCloud game streaming from September.

After the $1 upgrade and trial period ends, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $5 more for the month-to-month plan than Xbox Live Gold.

Keep in mind all of this is speculation since Microsoft didn’t clarify the reason behind the removal. What do you think? Why did Microsoft remove the 12-month option? Let us know.

It’ll last you a couple of months

Xbox Game Pass gives you access to over 200 games for one monthly fee. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also adds Xbox Live Gold to the package so you can play online with your friends.

Xbox

Xbox

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Asher Madan handles gaming news for Windows Central. Before joining Windows Central in 2017, Asher worked for a number of different gaming outlets. He has a background in medical science and is passionate about all forms of entertainment, cooking, and antiquing.