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Following an outcry from players, Microsoft has reversed a planned price increase for Xbox Live Gold subscriptions.

In a statement posed to Xbox Wire, Microsoft says:

“We messed up today and you were right to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of gaming and we failed to meet the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change Xbox Live Gold pricing.”

Additionally, free-to-play games will no longer need a Gold subscription to be played online via Xbox. Microsoft says the change will roll out in the coming months.

Original Story – January 22, 2021

In the US, a one-month Xbox Live Gold membership is rising by $1 and a three-month membership by $5. There’s no change to the price of six-month or 12-month plans if renewed, but a new six-month subscription will now cost $59.99.

In a blog post announcing the price change, Microsoft says:

“Periodically, we assess the value and pricing of our services to reflect changes in regional marketplaces and to continue to invest in the Xbox community; we’ll be making price adjustments for Xbox Live Gold in select markets. In many markets, the price of Xbox Live Gold has not changed for years and in some markets, it hasn’t changed for over 10 years.”

The value of Xbox Live Gold has been disputed for some time now, with Microsoft’s focus firmly set on in increasing subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass.

To that end, Xbox Live Gold members have the opportunity to upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no additional cost for the remainder of the subscription. The eventual renewal price of Game Pass Ultimate will be higher, of course, but it is undeniably better value. Game Pass currently includes a library of over 100 games, with new titles added every month.

Here’s a breakdown of the price changes for the UK and US. The cost is increasing by an equivalent amount in other regions.

Planned Xbox Live Gold Price Increase

UK

  • 1 month – £7.99
  • 3 months – £21.99
  • 6 months – £42.99
  • 12 months – £85.98 (2 x 6 month subscription)

US

  • 1 month – $10.99
  • 3 months – $29.99
  • 6 months – $59.99
  • 12 months – £119.98 (2 x 6 month subscription)

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