Microsoft has revealed its plans to introduce the new Xbox Game Pass Core subscription, which will gradually replace the existing Xbox Live Gold and Games with Gold services. The company has even updated the Game Pass tier and subscription options, so here’s a detailed breakdown of all the upcoming changes.
Xbox Game Pass Core: What’s New?
Microsoft has stated that nothing is really changing except the name, with Xbox Live Gold now being replaced with Game Pass Core. Meanwhile, the Game with Gold service, which offered special access to Gold subscribers, will soon be removed entirely. Xbox Game Pass Core will now include this service by offering over 25 select Xbox Games, apart from letting users play online. However, the Game Pass Core members won’t have access to the wider library of games available on the regular Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass Core will replace the Xbox Live Gold and Games with Gold service on 14th September 2023. The 25 games on launch have already been teased and include major titles like Halo 5: Guardians, Dishonored 2, Fallout 4, Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5, The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, and more. It is worth noting that players will still be able to access any Xbox One games that were redeemed through Games with Gold as long as they remain a Core or Game Pass Ultimate member. Any Xbox 360 games redeemed from Games with Gold will also remain in the player’s library.
Xbox Game Pass Core: Pricing & Tiers
Microsoft has announced new tiers in the Xbox Game Pass alongside the new Core subscription. The most expensive is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers access to the entire Game Pass, day one access to new games, special discounts, Online multiplayer for console, and EA Play for a monthly fee of $16.99.
The base $9.99 Xbox Game Pass Core subscription only offers online console multiplayer, 25 select Xbox Games, and certain deals and discounts. The Xbox PC Game Pass is also for $9.99 for the entire Game Pass library access, new games on day one, discounts, and EA Play. Lastly, the Xbox Game Pass for Console sells for $10.99 and brings Game Pass access, day one access to new games, and discounts.
