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Microsoft just launched Xbox Game Pass Core, its newest subscription taking the place of Xbox Live Gold. This means the Xbox Live service many console owners used throughout their childhood for online play no longer exists. (Be right back, pouring out an ice-cold Monster energy drink.)
Curious how this switch up will impact Xbox owners? Here’s everything you need to know about what Game Pass Core offers, how much it costs to subscribe, and what happens to all the gamers who used to have an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
What is Xbox Game Pass Core?
With Game Pass Core, Microsoft replicated the core offering from Xbox Live Gold—online multiplayer access—with a few tweaks to how subscribers receive their included games. Previously, Xbox Live Gold included a perk called Games with Gold where subscribers could download and keep a couple of curated games every month.
Now, subscribers get access to a pared-down version of the titles offered through Xbox Game Pass proper. While Game Pass Core offers at least 25 rotating titles to try out, players who value the ability to download and retain access to their games may be disappointed by the switch. Smaller benefits, like discounts on some purchases, are expected to remain the same.
So, How Much Does It Cost?
The price for Game Pass Core is $10 a month or $60 a year. This is the same as the retail price for the defunct Xbox Live Gold subscription. Game Pass Core is the cheapest offering from Microsoft that includes online multiplayer access.
For $17 a month, subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate also receive online multiplayer as well as access to a catalog with over 100 video games. Don’t care about playing games with your online friends? Access just the library of games on PC for $10 a month and on console for $11 a month.
What Happens to My Xbox Live Gold Subscription?
Wait, what if you already had Xbox Live Gold? What then? Well, if you had an active subscription, then it’ll automatically transfer over to Game Pass Core. No fidgeting necessary, unless you’d like to cancel it.
There is one caveat, though. Gamers who were previously loyal subscribers to Xbox Live Gold will only be allowed to keep the older Xbox 360 titles downloaded through Games with Gold. In order to retain access to any Xbox One games redeemed with the sunsetted service, you must pay for one of Microsoft's subscription options, like Game Pass Core.
What Games Are Included at Launch?
Microsoft announced the following games will be available at the launch of Game Pass Core, with more titles still to be added. This is not a fixed list; new games will be added to the library and some titles will eventually be removed.
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