What you need to know
- Recently, Microsoft removed the 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription from the Microsoft Store.
- Customers can still subscribe to the one-month and three-month membership.
- This may be due to a focus on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
- Microsoft didn't clarify as to why it removed the 12-month option from Xbox One.
A few days ago, a number of Xbox One users noticed that you couldn't buy a 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription from the Microsoft Store for the console. While many thought this was an error, it turns out that the company purposely removed the stock-keeping unit (SKU) from the website. Microsoft issued the following statement to TrueAchievements, confirming the purposeful removal.
At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online Store. Customers can still sign up for a one month or three month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.
It's unclear why the company would do this, but it may be related to the fact that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the company's new focus according to recent earnings calls. It includes Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox Live Gold, better editions of first-party games, and even Project xCloud game streaming from September.
After the $1 upgrade and trial period ends, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $5 more for the month-to-month plan than Xbox Live Gold.
Keep in mind all of this is speculation since Microsoft didn't clarify the reason behind the removal. What do you think? Why did Microsoft remove the 12-month option? Let us know.
It'll last you a couple of months
Xbox Game Pass gives you access to over 200 games for one monthly fee. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also adds Xbox Live Gold to the package so you can play online with your friends.
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