Xbox Reportedly To Replace Xbox Live Gold With New Game Pass Tier

One of Xbox’s most popular subscription tiers, Xbox Live Gold, has gradually become one of the most popular subscription services for PC games, and Microsoft may be rebranding it soon. The move will mark the end of the “Xbox Live” branding since it was launched on 15 November 2002.

A link to the news was initially posted on Windows Central, but it was removed soon after. Reportedly, the gaming subscription service is being replaced with a new subscription called “Xbox Game Pass Core“. It is said that the switchover will take place on 1 September 2023 and cost $9.99 per month. Users will be able to play over 25 curated video games through this new service, including online multiplayer functionality.

According to the leak, Microsoft claimed that the gaming collection would grow over the next few months, including DOOM Eternal, Dishonored 2, Fallout 4, Forza Horizon 4, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Wars 2, State of Decay 2, and more. Moreover, existing Xbox Live Gold members will be converted automatically to Game Pass Core subscribers, and free games previously acquired by Live Gold members will remain in their accounts.

It doesn’t stop there. A yearly Xbox Live Gold subscription will automatically convert to Game Pass Core in September if an active subscription is currently in place. The discount offered to Xbox Live Gold subscribers for purchasing games will also be extended to Core subscribers.

Although Microsoft has yet to confirm any of the leaked information, considering the nature of the leak, we are likely to hear more about the new Game Pass tier very soon.