RELATED:The Xbox Games with Gold for March 2021 Are a Huge Step Backward
A Better Lineup for Games with Gold
Before the big changes were introduced last February, an Xbox Live subscription is mandatory for Xbox players to access all online multiplayer games. However, Microsoft announced last month thatfree-to-play online games likeFortniteandApex Legendswould no longer need an Xbox Live subscription. This resulted in some players opting out of the service, especially since the roster of free games that Microsoft offers does not always equal the value of the monthly subscription fee.
Unsurprisingly,Xbox players aired their disappointment online, and the announcement video of March 2021’s Xbox Games with Gold garnered more dislikes than likes. Of course, now that an Xbox Live subscription is no longer required to access free-to-play online games, the service’s value is now heavily dependent on the monthly free games players receive. If Microsoft continues to offer lackluster Games with Gold, it wouldn’t be surprising if Xbox players opt out of the service, switch to the Xbox Game Pass, or worse, abandon the Xbox completely and enter the PlayStation family of consoles instead.
Xbox Series X/S Games
Of course, both of the latest-generation Xbox consoles can play Xbox One games via backward compatibility. However, without access to next-gen games,Xbox Series X/S players will likely not see the value of retaining their subscription to Xbox Live Gold. Microsoft should make an effort to include players who own new-generation Xbox consoles, especially if it wants Xbox Live Gold to remain relevant and strive in this new-era of console gaming.
