Xbox Live Gold price increase reversed, Gold no longer required for free to play games

That has to be a record, right?

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What you need to know

Earlier today, Microsoftannouncedthe price of Xbox Live Gold was being increased, with a six month subscription going for $60. This led to a large outcry, includingscathing commentaryfrom our own Xbox lead Jez Corden, who called it “the worst deal in gaming.”

Microsoft hasjust announcedthat the price hike is being cancelled. Additionally, Xbox Live Gold will no longer be required for free-to-play games, such as Fortnite or Call of Duty: Warzone. This latter change is being worked on but will be coming sometime “as soon as possible in the coming months.”

Xbox Game Pass andXbox Game Pass Ultimateare staying unchanged, meaning they’ll deliver the same benefits as before.

This change was sudden and brings Xbox Live Gold closer in line with PlayStation Plus, which has not been required for playing free-to-play online games.Halo Infiniteis set to release sometime in Fall 2021 and when it does, the multiplayer will be free-to-play. Now, players will no longer need to pick up Xbox Live Gold in order to enjoy it, making ittrulyfree.

Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold in one

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. You also get access to EA Play.

Xbox Series X/S

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Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Xbox and PC gaming on Windows Central. You can find him on Twitter@SamuelTolbert.