Microsoft reverses course on Xbox Live Gold price hike

Xbox Live Gold

In a quick about-face, Microsoft has reversed its decision to double the price of new Xbox Live Gold memberships.

As we reported yesterday, Microsoft announced that they were hiking the price of Xbox Live Gold for new members. The price increase doubled what you’d pay for an annual subscription. After a tremendous backlash on Twitter and Reddit, Microsoft is rescinding the price hike.

Here is a statement from the company via Xbox Wire:

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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.

We’re turning this moment into an opportunity to bring Xbox Live more in line with how we see the player at the center of their experience. For free-to-play games, you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those games on Xbox. We are working hard to deliver this change as soon as possible in the coming months.

If you are an Xbox Live Gold member already, you stay at your current price for renewal. New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold for the same prices they pay today. In the US, $9.99 for 1-month, $24.99 for 3-months, $39.99 for 6-months and $59.99 for retail 12-months.


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My Take

It’s obvious why Microsoft announced the price hike in the first place. They wanted to nudge new customers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. But doubling the price of a year of Xbox Live Gold isn’t a nudge; it’s a push. The company is smart to respond quickly to their fans’ displeasure.

Deals

Try three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1. Need to renew? Get three months for $39 (normally $45).

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