Subscribing to Xbox Live Gold unlocks a number of benefits, but Microsoft has decided to relax the rules a bit when it comes to multiplayer gaming and chat features currently locked behind a Gold subscription.

A tweet from the official Xbox Insider account confirms that an Xbox Live Gold subscription isn't going to be a requirement for free-to-play multiplayer games, Looking 4 Groups, and Party Chat for much longer. Right now, Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip Ahead and Alpha bands can enjoy the loosening of restrictions, but eventually all Xbox games should benefit.

The change will be most welcome for multiplayer gaming in free-to-play titles such as Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone. That's not to say Microsoft should expect Live Gold subscriptions to be cancelled. The two key benefits of subscribing remain in the form of two free games every month and regular discounts of up to 50% on selected titles.

At the same time, Microsoft is eager to remind Xbox owners that Xbox Live Gold forms a part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate along with the other benefits Game Pass offers. Xbox Live Gold costs $9.99 for one month, $24.99 for three months, and $39.99 for six months. On the other hand, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $14.99 per month. Microsoft decided to increase the price of Xbox Live Gold back in January, but quickly reversed course when gamers reacted angrily. Pricing therefore remained the same, but the decision made in July last year to stop selling 12-month subscriptions remains.