Over the weekend, there were rumors circulating that XBL Gold was going away. I hesitated to make a post, since there was no confirmation of this . However, this morning, this was confirmed by Microsoft
Today, we’re continuing 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 over 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.
Introducing Xbox Game Pass Core, Coming This September – Xbox Wire
What does this mean for current Xbox Live Gold members?
- On September 14, you will automatically become an Game Pass Core member
- Game Pass Core will include member deals and discounts
- Games with gold will come to a (merciful) end on September 1.
- If you currently HAVE GWG licenses for Xbox One or later games, you will continue to have those licenses as long as you maintain your Game Pass Core membership (no change)
- If you currently HAVE GWG licenses for 360 games, you’ve got those indefinitely (no change)
So, what are the 25 games that are a part of ‘core’, you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked. Here they are! This is just the first batch, as they said these will be added to 2-3 times a year
- 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
It looks like this was just changed, in order to compete with products from competitors more effectively. The only major difference is that we’re not going to be getting 2 free games every month now, which is fine to most of us who’ve been members for years.