If you see that you can't buy another annual installment of Xbox Live, you may think you've been banned or that your internet is giving you a hard time. However, neither is the case. Without any warning, in mid-July, Microsoft opted out of making the 12-month Xbox Live subscription available for purchase. However, the one and three month plans are still available for those who need a temporary fix.
What will happen entirely to Xbox Live?
Do not worry. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed with True Accomplishments that the delisting was intentional, with "Xbox [deciding] to remove the 12-month Xbox Live Gold SKU." With shorter subscriptions yet to be purchased, many have speculated that Xbox Live may be phased out soon, meaning that multiplayer access may be completely free in the future. Xbox chief Phil Spencer has mentioned that Xbox will be doing a number of presentations for the Xbox Series X this summer, so it is possible that their plans for the online service will be outlined very soon.
On an episode of the Crossfire podcast, VentureBeat Games reporter Jeff Grubb disputed that he had heard that end of service was likely. “I think I pretty much heard that. You know I'm not going 100%, but I think it feels very close to being a sure thing, ”Grubb said. Another possibility is the idea of Xbox pushing gamers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a plan that gives gamers access to both Gold and Xbox Game Pass. Currently, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is available for $ 14,99 / month.
The next Xbox press conference, Xbox Games Showcase, will be broadcast live on July 23 at 9 a.m. PT or 12 p.m. ET. If any major changes are announced for the online service, chances are they will also be reported in the Xbox One home menu.
