With Xbox Game Pass Core, prepare for a new age of subscription gaming! The way you play games on Xbox is about to change thanks to the new changes and improvements in the eagerly awaited service.
Microsoft, a dominant force in the gaming industry, has recently made a significant announcement regarding its subscription services.
The IT behemoth is gradually discontinuing Xbox Live Gold in favor of a new service dubbed Xbox Game Pass Core. This action heralds a new era in subscription gaming and reflects Microsoft’s ambition to provide players with a more simplified and value-packed experience.
Contents
What is Xbox Game Pass Core?
Microsoft’s decision to introduce Xbox Game Pass Core comes on the heels of its announcement to discontinue the long-running Games with Gold program on September 1, 2023.
Games with Gold, a program that has provided Xbox Live Gold members with free games every month for the past decade, will be retired. While Xbox 360 titles redeemed through Games with Gold will remain accessible to users, Xbox One titles will require an active subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate.
This strategic move by Microsoft aims to leverage the strength of its Game Pass catalog and demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering a compelling and value-driven gaming experience. However, it is essential to note that this change may create some confusion around the online multiplayer aspects of Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass Core has multiplayer, however standard Xbox Game Pass does not. Users will still need to purchase an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in order to access online multiplayer.
CHECK OUT: Larry ‘Major Nelson’ Hryb, long-term spokesperson for Microsoft is leaving Xbox
Xbox Game Pass Core: Launch Date and Pricing
The eagerly anticipated Xbox Game Pass Core is set to launch on September 14, 2023, and will replace the existing Xbox Live Gold membership. Current Xbox Live Gold members will be seamlessly transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Core on the launch day, with no additional cost.
Xbox Game Pass Core will be available at a monthly subscription price of $9.99 or an annual cost of $59.99.
Xbox Game Pass Core: Games Collection
Coinciding with the release of Xbox Game Pass Core, Microsoft will offer a brand new launch collection of games exclusively for subscribers. This collection will include over 25 titles from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and other content partners, providing members with a wide variety of games to enjoy from day one.
Some of the confirmed games for the launch collection are
- 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.
It is important to note that any Xbox One games redeemed through the Games with Gold service will still be accessible to players as long as they remain members of Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate. Similarly, Xbox 360 games will continue to be available in players’ libraries.
CHECK OUT: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate July 2023: Free Games to Claim this Month
Xbox Game Pass Core: Subscription Tiers
With the launch of Xbox Game Pass Core, several subscription tiers will be available to cater to different gaming preferences. Here’s a breakdown of each tier:
Core ($9.99 per month):
- Online console multiplayer
- Catalog of over 25+ select Xbox games
- Exclusive member deals and discounts
Console ($10.99 per month):
- Complete access to the hundreds of games in the Xbox Game Pass library
- New games available on day one
- Exclusive member deals and discounts
PC ($9.99 per month):
- Complete access to the hundreds of games in the Xbox Game Pass library
- New games available on day one
- Exclusive member deals and discounts
- EA Play membership
Ultimate ($16.99 per month):
- Complete access to the hundreds of games in the Xbox Game Pass library
- New games available on day one
- Exclusive member deals, discounts, and perks
- EA Play membership
- Online console multiplayer
CHECK OUT: Upcoming Xbox Games for July 2023
Well, Microsoft’s introduction of Xbox Game Pass Core marks a significant shift in its subscription services, retiring Xbox Live Gold and embracing a more comprehensive and value-driven approach to gaming. With a wide range of subscription tiers, an impressive launch collection of games, and a focus on enhancing the gaming experience, Microsoft is poised to captivate gamers with its new offering.
As the launch date approaches, anticipation builds for the exciting future of the Game Pass Core and the enhanced gaming experiences it promises to deliver.
For constant updates, keep following Gamevro.