Josh Goldman / CNET
That Xbox Live Gold price increase that shocked you? That does not seem to be the case – Microsoft has changed its mind.
“We messed up today and it was right to let us know,” Microsoft said late Friday in an update to the blog post announcing the higher prices for the online gaming service. “Connecting and playing with friends is an important part of the game, and we did not succeed in meeting the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we decided to increase the price of Xbox Live Gold not to change. “
The current price increase has increased subscription rates: in the US, Xbox Live Gold rose $ 11 a month to $ 11 a month; three months, five dollars rose, to $ 30; and six months jumped $ 20 to $ 60. The one-year subscriber option was also abandoned. But it’s all a thing of the past.
“If you’m already an Xbox Live Gold member, stay tuned for the current price for renewal,” Microsoft said in its blog update. “New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold for the same prices they pay today. In the US, $ 9.99 for 1 month, $ 24.99 for 3 months, $ 39.99 for 6 months and $ 59.99 for 12 months in retail. “
The company also said that you do not need a subscription to launch free games on Xbox.
“You no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those games on Xbox,” he said. “We are working hard to deliver this change as soon as possible in the coming months.”
The newly created price reform was apparently intended to get users to upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft’s best game subscription service, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold, access to cloud games to play games on an Android phone or tablet, and the ability to play more than 100 games on your Xbox, phone, or computer. It also includes new Xbox Game Studio titles, including the upcoming Halo Infinite.
At $ 15 a month, Game Pass Ultimate is $ 180 a month. That compares to the $ 120 you would have to shell out for two six-month Xbox Live Gold subscriptions below the prices now canceled.
CNET’s Eli Blumenthal contributed to this report.