On July 17, 2023, Microsoft announced that Xbox Live’s near 21-year tenure ends this September. Taking its place is Xbox Game Pass Core. This new tier of Microsoft’s online system makes its way to Xbox platforms on September 14, 2023. Along with a new name, the service gains additional features and offerings for $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year.
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Xbox Live launched on November 15, 2002, for the original Xbox console and helped cement online gaming and Microsoft’s Xbox in the console space. Since then, the system has seen slight changes, but ultimately kept the same core model. Xbox Game Pass Core is the first major change to this model in over 20 years.
Xbox Game Pass Core
As described by Microsoft in their new Xbox Wire post, Xbox Game Pass Core is the evolution of Xbox Live Gold. It grants subscribers access to online console multiplayer, a catalog of over 25 high-quality games, and member-exclusive deals and discounts.
The launch collection for Xbox Game Pass Core includes the following titles. The Xbox Game Pass Core catalog will see new titles via updates 2-3 times a year.
- Among Us
- 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
On September 14, all Xbox Live Gold members will automatically join the Game Pass Core members and gain access to these titles immediately. No added costs or purchases are necessary.
While Xbox Game Pass Core brings a strong starting lineup, it has some drawbacks. Xbox Games with Gold, Microsoft’s free game reward service for Xbox Live members, ends. Fortunately, Xbox One games previously redeemed via Games with Gold remain available to Game Pass Core and Ultimate members. Xbox 360 titles stay in user libraries permanently, regardless of subscription status.
While the new offerings are impressive, it’s sad to say goodbye to the system that introduced this writer to online gaming back in 2009.
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