After initially being available for Xbox Insiders, the Xbox Live Gold paywall for free-to-play titles on Xbox has been removed for all players starting today. Xbox Wire notes that more than 50 free-to-play titles can now be enjoyed without needing the subscription service installed. This includes Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, Fortnite, Path of Exile and Phantasy Star Online 2 among other games.
Microsoft first announced plans to drop Xbox Live Gold for free-to-play titles back in January. This is when it raised the price on the service, prompting swift backlash from consumers. Following this, plans for the price hike were swiftly abandoned. Of course, for paid multiplayer titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, you’ll still need Xbox Live Gold in order to play with other people.
While rumors circulated about Microsoft dropping this requirement, the company has yet to confirm whether it will happen. Nevertheless, with so many free-to-play titles dominating the space, the paywall’s removal should be beneficial for the majority. Stay tuned for more details on other potential changes for Xbox Live in the coming months.