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The Value of Xbox Live Gold
The answer to that question will differ between the individual preferences of players. However,looking at the overall value Xbox Live Gold offers, it is obvious that it is no longer the most attractive video game subscription service in the market today. Setting aside the monthly free games players get, the only benefit that could persuade players to keep their subscriptions is access to online multiplayer games.
However, it is worth noting that Microsoft has since announced that free-to-play online multiplayer games, such asFortniteandApex Legends,no longer require Xbox Live Gold. However, paid online multiplayer games such asRainbow Six Siegewould still require an Xbox Live subscription, so players should consider which online games they play the most to gauge whether they should retain their subscription first. As far as the roster of free games is concerned, Microsoft’s recent offerings proved that Games with Gold no longer excite players, further decreasing the value of an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
In February 2021,many were impressed with the list of free games Microsoft offered, given that it included an Xbox Series X optimized game and several triple-A titles that attracted more players. Unfortunately, March’s roster was announced, and the company reverted to its usual tendencies. It remains unclear why Microsoft stepped up in February, only to let players down again the next month. This could also be the company’s way to make up for the Xbox Live Gold subscription price fiasco that Microsoft had to take back after receiving backlash from fans.
Why Xbox Game Pass Brings More Value to Players
The question now is, what about those players who want access to both the Xbox Game Pass library and paid online multiplayer games? This is where theXbox Game Pass Ultimatesubscription comes into the picture. For a slightly more expensive monthly fee of $14.99, players will have access to both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass. Of course, having the Xbox Game Pass library which includes hundreds of triple-A titles, would more than make up for whatever games Xbox Live Gold offers players.
In the end, it is clear that the Xbox Game Pass is the service geared towards the future. AlthoughMicrosoft still doesn’t have plans to phase out Xbox Live Gold, it is apparent that the company is putting in more effort in enticing players to dump Xbox Live Gold in favor of Xbox Game Pass.
