After nearly two decades, Xbox Live Gold will die on September 14, Kotaku reported. In its place is Xbox Game Pass Core, a cheaper version of the Game Pass service that’ll allow gamers to play online together, as well as offer a curated selection of games to play. And, yes, that also means Games with Gold is going away too. You’ll still have access to those games you downloaded via the program, but there are some things to consider.
According to Kotaku, you will be able to access games you’ve downloaded via the Games with Gold program, but here’s the catch: For Xbox One games, you’ll need to remain a Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscriber to keep your Games with Gold games.
Kotaku also reported that if you are an existing Xbox Live Gold subscriber, you’ll automatically convert to Game Pass Core on September 14. Microsoft provided the following list of games that will be available on September 14 via the new service, with more to be added ahead of the services launch:
* 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 & The Will of the Wisps
* Psychonauts 2
* State of Decay 2
* The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
Xbox posted an announcement titled: “Introducing Xbox Game Pass Core, Coming This September” From the announcement:
Today we’re announcing our commitment to give players more choice and value by introducing Xbox Game Pass Core, launching on September 14. Game Pass Core is the evolution of Xbox Live Gold. Game Pass Core will give players access to our advanced multiplayer network, a select collection of 25 games to play with friends around the world, and exclusive member deals, all for $9.99 USD per month or $59.99 USD per year…
For current Xbox Live Gold members:
On September 14, Xbox Live Gold members will automatically become Game Pass Core members, with no change in pricing, and have immediate access to a new library of over 24 high-quality games.
Member deals & discounts will also be part of Xbox Game Pass Core.
Games with Gold will come to an end on September 1.
Players can continue to access any Xbox One games they previously redeemed through Games with Gold if they remain a Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate member.
Regardless of subscription status, any Xbox 360 titles redeemed via Games with Gold in the past will be kept in a player’s library.
Engadget reported that Microsoft has signaled its intent to change Live Gold for a while. It stopped offering year-long subscriptions in 2020, and ditched Xbox 360 games in 2022. The company planned to raise Gold prices in 2021 before quickly reversing the decision.
According to Engadget, the change might be disappointing if you liked Games with Gold’s more frequent catalog expansions. While you do get some hits, it’s a not-so-subtle way to steer you toward an Ultimate subscription with a much larger selection (including some day-one titles), cloud gaming and an EA Play membership. In that sense, PlayStation Plus Essential (which still offers bonus games every month) may be more appealing if you’re open to Sony hardware.
Personally, I think I will give the new Xbox Game Pass Core a try. I’m already paying for Game Pass Ultimate. Ever since I purchased Diablo IV, I’ve spent a lot of time on Xbox.