Last week Microsoft quietly removed 1 year subscriptions from Xbox Live and the Windows Store leaving users to wonder if it was done in error or as a deliberate tactic. Microsoft followed up a few days later saying that the removal was intentional and that changes would be coming to the Xbox Live service. This has left many to wonder if Xbox Game Pass Ultimate would become the new standard option for getting Xbox Live. Instead of paying $9.99 a month for the current 1 month Gold option players will instead pay out an extra $5 but gain access to over 100 Game Pass titles on Xbox and PC. Come September the service will also include Project xCloud integration making it a fantastic deal.
While this route seems the most likely, a rumor has begun spreading around the web suggesting that rather than force users into Game Pass, Microsoft will instead make playing all online multiplayer games available to be played for free. This is an approach that has never been done before by Microsoft outside of play free weekends that have occurred every so often since 2005. While the fall of the paywall would be a pretty significant one it leaves me worried about the integrity of the service. PS3 offered free online multiplayer for the entirety of its life cycle and it was the worst online experience I ever had. On the reverse side, no online paywall would draw attention from the casual crowds swaying them back to Xbox over PlayStation if they get to save $60 a year. Having free access also might incentivize users to try out Game Pass more willingly.
Honestly, it is an interesting rumor and with the Xbox Games Showcase only 2 days away perhaps we will be treated to this monumental surprise. I don’t personally think it will happen and the swap over to Game Pass Ultimate seems far more likely. But, what do you all think, could Microsoft surprise us all and drop the paywall?
