What is xbox live

Microsoft quickly backtracked and offered to remove the paywall for free-to-play multiplayer games. Xbox Live Gold also provides monthly free games to subscribers and discounts for the Microsoft Store, but most of its core features are now free to all modern Xbox owners. Microsoft is dropping Xbox Live branding , referring to the set of software and services as simply the Xbox network now.

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Cybersecurity Mobile Policy Privacy Scooters. Phones Laptops Headphones Cameras. But where Xbox has a distinct advantage is its Game Pass subscription option, which lets Xbox owners play more than games for single flat fee billed monthly, quarterly, annually or even as part of the Xbox hardware purchase price.

It's a great deal, but the only problem is that Microsoft has some confusing messaging around the available Game Pass options: There are three versions of the subscription, along with a separate Xbox subscription called "Xbox Live Gold. Xbox Live Gold is the online subscription service that started in for the original Xbox, and it allowed players to play multiplayer games online with voice chat.

Since then it has offered more benefits such as special discounts and four free games monthly. Adding to the nomenclature confusion: The online network has heretofore been known as Xbox Live, but will soon be changing its name to " Xbox network. For now, you need Xbox Live Gold to play any online multiplayer games.

But recently, it appears Microsoft might change the rules to allow Xbox gamers to play free-to-play games online such as Fortnite and Apex Legends.

But here's the important takeaway: Xbox Game Pass see below includes Xbox Live Gold, and adds access to dozens of games, too. Anyone interested in Gold should check out Game Pass first. Game Pass is Xbox's "all you can eat" gaming subscription, where one monthly fee gets you full access to dozens of games. It started in June with a limited catalog, which were a mix of titles published by Microsoft aka first-party and other publishers third-party.

Xbox Live Gold is the paid version of Xbox Live, which gives some extra features like playing live online Multiplayer games and more free games every month. If you have one Xbox One or Xbox , then you must go for the Gold membership. The Gold memberships require some amount month, and except for the multiplayer games and extra free games every month, they also provide some members-only content.

In multiplayer games, you can use live voice chat to interact with friends or teammates in the game. In the previous versions, the fee for Netflix or Hulu was included, and you had to pay for the gaming and streaming altogether. But now, Microsoft has changed the policies, and you have to pay the charges for Netflix or any other available streaming channels available.

If you have an Xbox console, the Xbox Gold membership is very much recommended due to all the benefits discussed. You can connect with like-minded people around the world and play games together. Learn more. Eligible products purchased between now and December 31, can be returned through January 31, If you find we offer a lower price on a product purchased at Microsoft Store between now and January 2, , we'll refund you the difference.

Just make sure the item is discounted and in stock at the time of your request. Some exclusions may apply. Items can be returned by contacting online Customer Service by chat or phone at Available with consumer purchases only. Not available for purchases made by any business, commercial, or reseller customers.

The Microsoft Store standard return policy applies to extended holiday returns. Please see the Microsoft Terms of Sale for more information. For Surface purchases, you may be entitled to additional benefits under the Microsoft Store Promise for Surface. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Other exclusions and limitations may apply. Excludes certified refurbished devices, Surface for Business devices, and all digital services and products.