Earlier today, Xbox made a massive mistake by announcing that they would be raising the price of Xbox Live Gold 1-month membership to $10.99 / 3-month memberships to $29.99 / 6-month memberships to $59.99. As you’d imagine, this did not sit well with the gaming community, and rightfully so. I’m not going to get into why I felt this was a bad move as there are already enough articles and videos out there that do just that. However, I’m pleased to report that Xbox has reverted this chance, not more than a few moments ago.
In the same article that announced the price hike, Xbox has owned up to their mistake and will also deliver on a rumor for the longest time. First, Xbox Live Gold WILL NOT see the previously announced price game. That’s gone with the wind, and I’m glad to see it happen.
We messed up today and you were right to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of gaming and we failed to meet the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change Xbox Live Gold pricing.
If you are an Xbox Live Gold member already, you stay at your current price for renewal. 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 retail 12-months.
I repeat, no price hike, it’s been reverted. We’ll continue to pay the same amount we were paying previously. For some even better news, Xbox will finally make a free-to-play game that is are truly free to play on the platform. While it isn’t currently live, the company is working on a way to make F2P games no longer require Xbox Live Gold. Which has been something that Xbox gamers have been asking about for years.
We’re turning this moment into an opportunity to bring Xbox Live more in line with how we see the player at the center of their experience. Free-to-play games will truly be free and you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those games on Xbox. We are working hard to deliver this change as soon as possible in the coming months.
I’m happy to see that Xbox saw the error of their ways and not only walked it back but also capitalized on this mistake. Just don’t make another boneheaded decision like this again, Xbox, ok?
Source: Xbox Blog
