Microsoft has been making some significant changes ahead of the launch of Xbox Series X, and as we prepare to move ahead into the next console generation, there’s been talk of more changes still to come. Recently, for instance, there have been reports that have suggested that Microsoft will be discontinuing Xbox Live Gold and dropping paid multiplayer as a thing altogether. Just earlier today, in fact, we reported on an update to the Xbox Services Agreement that seemingly pointed to that same thing.
Now, however, Microsoft have come forward and poured cold water on the hopes of multiplayer paywalls on Xbox going away. In a statement to VGC regarding the aforementioned change and the rumours regarding Xbox Live Gold going away, a Microsoft spokesperson said that currently, no changes are being planned for the subscription service.
“The update to ‘Xbox online service’ in the Microsoft Services Agreement refers to the underlying Xbox service that includes features like cross-saves and friend requests,” the Microsoft spokesperson said. “This language update is intended to distinguish that underlying service, and the paid Xbox Live Gold subscription. There are no changes being made to the experience of the service or Xbox Live Gold.”
Microsoft might still end up making the changes to Xbox Live Gold that recent rumours have suggested they will make, but as far this change to the service agreement is concerned, the two seem to be unrelated. That said, the language here – which says there are “no changes being made” – doesn’t instill a lot of confidence.
