Microsoft is preparing for the launch of its next-generation console hardware by making a number of changes to its existing lineup. The Xbox One X and Xbox One S Digital Edition have already ceased production, and now Microsoft will stop offering 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscriptions.

Microsoft removed its 12-month Xbox Live Gold memberships online back in July 2020. You also have the opportunity to upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes Xbox Live Gold and access to hundreds of games on Xbox consoles, PC, and Android devices, for $15 a month.

“At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online store,” a Microsoft spokesperson says. “Customers can still sign up for a one-month or three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.”

Xbox Live Gold is no longer required for more than 50 free-to-play online games. In a follow-up FAQ, Microsoft confirms that “effective April 21, 2021, all Xbox players can access online multiplayer for free-to-play games on their console at no charge. For these games, an Xbox Live Gold membership is no longer needed.

“At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online store,” reads the statement. “Customers can still sign up for a one month or three month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.” No reason has been offered for the yearly sub removal.

You should use both after 14 days.

According to a reputable industry insider, Microsoft has plans to eventually get rid of its Xbox Live Gold subscription service.

Effective April 21, 2021, all Xbox players can access online multiplayer for free-to-play games on their console at no charge. For these games, an Xbox Live Gold subscription is no longer needed. You’ll be able to download and play online entirely for free on your Xbox console.

It’ll come as no surprise to learn that the vast majority of Xbox Live codes from back in the day have since expired, but you might be shocked to hear that some of them actually do still work – even on Xbox Series X! You might find that you’ve got a working code from 15 years ago…

You can purchase an Xbox Live Gold subscription in several ways. If you’d like to subscribe right from your Xbox, press the Xbox button and scroll to the Settings tab. Select All Settings, then Account > Subscriptions. Here, choose Learn about Gold membership and you can proceed to purchase a subscription.

In 2020, Microsoft stopped offering new 12-month Xbox Live Gold memberships, which had been priced at $59.99 per year. The upshot of all the above was that, for new members, Microsoft had planned to double the cost of a 12-month membership to just under $120.

Xbox Live Gold is a paid subscription service for the Xbox community. Signing up to Xbox Live is free, but, with the exception of the Windows 10 version, in order to play online and access some core services, a recurring subscription fee is required.

A day later, Microsoft responded to the backlash by canceling the price increase and allowing gamers access free-to-play titles. Xbox Live costs $9.99 for one month, $24.99 for three months, $39.99 for six months, and $59.99 for 12 months. A visitor uses Microsoft’s Xbox controller at a flagship store of SK Telecom in Seoul on November 10, 2020.