Xbox Live Gold Is Not Being Changed, Microsoft Insists

Despite persistent rumors suggesting the contrary, Microsoft has stated that it has no plans to discontinue Xbox Live Gold soon. This should be good news if you just purchased a new subscription, despite certain options being discontinued on the Microsoft store.

The statement comes in response to a change in the Microsoft Services Agreement, with references to Xbox Live Gold now reading as "Xbox online service." The change seemed to confirm reports that Xbox Live Gold was about to be discontinued in favor of a free online service, but Microsoft has refuted that categorically.

"The update to 'Xbox online service' in the Microsoft Services Agreement refers to the underlying Xbox service that includes features like cross-saves and friend requests," a Microsoft spokesperson told GameSpot. "This language update is intended to distinguish that underlying service, and the paid Xbox Live Gold subscription. There are no changes being made to the experience of the service or Xbox Live Gold."

Although the statement makes it clear that Xbox Live Gold isn't going anywhere, it doesn't rule out potential changes to the service. One change could be a shift to exclude free multiplayer titles from requiring Xbox Live Gold to play, which would work perfect with the recently announced Halo Infinite multiplayer that will be free-to-play. Without this change, Microsoft would in effect be charging players on Xbox for a service that is free to their PC player base.

In contrast, Sony already omits many free-to-play shooters, such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, from its PlayStation Plus program. Microsoft is reportedly set to host another stream this month focusing on more Xbox Series X titles and the rumored Lockhart Xbox console, so we might hear more about these plans then.