Microsoft has launched a new subscription service called Xbox Game Pass Core, replacing the current Xbox Live Gold offering.
Xbox Game Pass Core will include online console multiplayer support, deals, discounts, and a curated catalogue of over 25 games, including popular titles like Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, and Psychonauts 2.
Existing Xbox Live Gold members will be automatically transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Core starting September 14th, with no change in pricing. The subscription will continue to cost $9.99 per month (or $59.99 per year), matching the cost of Xbox Live Gold, reported The Verge.
Microsoft will discontinue the Games with Gold perk as part of this transition on September 1st. While previously, Xbox owners could claim free games monthly. This benefit will no longer be available. Previously redeemed Xbox 360 titles will remain in users’ library, but Xbox One titles will require an ongoing subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate.
The Game Pass Core catalogue will offer a limited selection of games compared to the full Xbox Game Pass subscription, with Microsoft promising to add new titles two to three times per year. The company has confirmed 19 titles from the launch list.
Here is a list of the 19 game titles:
- 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
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
The introduction of Xbox Game Pass Core might confuse the online multiplayer features of Game Pass in general. At the same time, Core includes multiplayer support, but the regular Xbox Game Pass subscription does not. Users will require Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access both Game Pass benefits and online multiplayer.
Microsoft’s move to replace Xbox Live Gold with Xbox Game Pass COre aligns with previous indications of transitioning away from the Gold subscription. The company rebranded Xbox Live as Xbox Network in 2021 but retained the Xbox Live Gold name for its basic subscription.
The introduction of the Xbox Game Pass Core follows recent price adjustments to the overall Xbox Game Pass offerings. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate increased from $14.99 to $16.99, while the base Xbox Game Pass for Console subscription increased from $9.99 to $10.99 monthly.
Additionally, Microsoft plans to end its Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan in August. The company has not provided details on whether the plan will be reintroduced in the future.
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