This is an opinion.
- The 12-month Xbox Live Gold offering has disappeared from the Microsoft store.
- Could Xbox Live Gold disappear come Xbox Series X launch?
- Such a move certainly fits Microsoft’s accessibility vision.
Microsoft has gotten rid of the 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription option, and nobody is sure why. Speculating, one can assume that they’re bundling the online play part of their offering into Xbox Game Pass and its upcoming xCloud service–all to take place alongside the Xbox Series X launch.
Could this be yet another step toward Microsoft’s unified, accessible vision for gaming?
Xbox Series X and Unification
Microsoft has announced that Xbox Series X is a part of its All Access offering. This includes an Xbox console, Game Pass Ultimate, and Xbox Live Gold (for now). It has put on a line of credit so that anyone can play with simple monthly payments.
In September, Microsoft will introduce xCloud free with the Game Pass package. With all of these offers, could paying for an online service be a thing of the past?
True Achievements reached out to Microsoft, where a spokesperson responded:
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.
Microsoft still offers the one-month and three-month Xbox Live pass, but we’re still a few months out from the Xbox Series X launch. These tiers might disappear as we edge closer to the holidays.
Accessibility is Core to Xbox
Ever since Phil Spencer became head of Xbox, the platform has moved towards accessibility. Game Pass, xCloud, and the eventual ongoing support for the Xbox One family are proof. Rumor is Microsoft will release two lower-priced next-gen models as well.
Removing Xbox Live Gold, which is yet another barrier of entry, seems in line with Microsoft’s vision. We’re likely to find out this July 23 at Xbox’s reveal event.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.