In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced a $1 per month raise in prices for the 1-month and 3-month subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold — the subscription-only ‘premium’ tier of its multiplayer console gaming platform Xbox Live.
Backlash from the Xbox community, which is already reeling from supply shortages of next-gen Xbox consoles, was swift and painful,
Striking out plans to increase subscription prices from the original blog post, Microsoft added the following update:
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.
To further sweeten the pot and salve the wound it had just dealt to its user base, Microsoft also announced in the update that free-to-play games will no longer require an Xbox Live Gold membership to be played online. The change will take effect sometime in the next few months.
In Canada, Xbox Live Gold prices are now sticking to $11.99 CAD for a 1-month subscription and $29.99 CAD for a 3-month subscription as per its website.
Xbox Game Pass has some pretty sweet titles on offer throughout January, and Xbox Live Gold members will be able to bag an amazing collection with the Games with Gold service next month.
