Xbox Live Gold, a service that has been the backbone of Xbox’s multiplayer and free games offerings for nearly two decades, will be replaced by Game Pass Core. This new service will maintain the same price point, approximately $9.99 per month, but will offer even more value to subscribers.
Game Pass Core will provide subscribers with access to a rotating selection of 25 games, including titles from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and other partners. The initial lineup will feature popular games such as Doom Eternal, Forza Horizon 4, Ori & The Will of the Wisps, Psychonauts 2, and State of Decay 2. However, unlike the previous Games with Gold, new games will only be added to the Core catalog two or three times a year.
In addition to the game library, Game Pass Core subscribers will also have access to multiplayer gaming, a feature that was a key part of Xbox Live Gold. Existing Gold subscriptions will be automatically converted to Game Pass Core, ensuring a seamless transition for current members.
Microsoft’s decision to replace Xbox Live Gold with Game Pass Core is a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing gaming landscape. The new service aims to offer a more enticing catalog of games and to integrate online gameplay with the Game Pass in a single, convenient package. The official release date for the Xbox Game Pass Core has been confirmed, and it’s September 14, 2023. If you’re already an Xbox Live Gold member, rest assured that your subscription will be automatically converted to the new service without any additional steps required.
However, it’s important to note that Game Pass Core is just one of several subscription options offered by Microsoft. For gamers seeking access to a larger library of games and additional features like Cloud Gaming, options like the standard Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate are available at slightly higher price points.
