UPDATE 1/23: When Microsoft announced Xbox Live Gold subscription prices were set to increase yesterday, the news was met with a lot of criticism and anger. Microsoft was listening, and in a surprise move has decided to cancel the price hike as well as remove the need for a Gold subscription for free-to-play games.
A new statement posted on yesterday's Xbox Wire post explains:
"We messed up today and you were right to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of gaming and we failed to meet the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change Xbox Live Gold pricing.
Original Story 1/22:In July last year, Microsoft stopped selling 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, now the price of all remaining subscriptions options is increasing.
Posting on Xbox Wire, the Xbox Live Gold Team explains how the price of Gold hasn't increased for years in many markets, but that changes today. However, there's good news for existing subscribers on six-month and 12-month subscriptions: the price isn't changing for you and you can renew your membership at the current price.
For new subscribers, or those of you using the shorter subscription terms, a one-month subscription is now $10.99, a three-month subscription is $29.99, and a six-month subscription is $59.99. Microsoft is sending an email and message center notification to existing Gold members about this price change so it's clear what's happening, but is also promising to not increase the price until 45 days after the message has been received.
What Microsoft would really like is for Gold members to switch over to an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. With that in mind, Microsoft is offering to convert remaining Gold time to Ultimate if you choose to upgrade. It will honor that offer up to a maximum of 36 months.
An Xbox Live Gold subscription unlocks access to online multiplayer, game discounts, and two free games every month. On the other hand, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all the features of Gold, but adds access to over 100 games to play each month. However, it is more expensive at $14.99 per month.