Xbox test update removes Xbox Live Gold requirement for F2P games

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No news on when the change goes live for the general public

Xbox Live
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Some Xbox testers no longer need a subscription to Xbox Live Gold for free-to-play multiplayer games.

Back in January, Microsoft announced, and then quickly reversed, an Xbox Live price hike that would've seen subscription costs increase at every tier. In explaining its decision, the company also said in no uncertain terms that "you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play [free-to-play] games on Xbox." Today, Xbox testers can see that change in effect. Microsoft suggested in January that the general public can expect the update to launch "in the coming months."

Of course, we also just learned that Xbox Live is being renamed Xbox Network, though we've yet to see just what that means for subscription prices. It seems unlikely for Microsoft to stick with the current pricing structure with so many ongoing changes, despite its earlier walking back of price increases.

If you’re an Xbox gamer who wants to stay up to date on the newest releases, head over to our upcoming Xbox Series X games guide for more information on all things Xbox, including Halo Infinite.

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.