Traditionally, gamers have been able to purchase one-month, three-month, or year-long subscription packages for Microsoft’s premium online multiplayer service, Xbox Live Gold, but things are changing. In a statement to TrueAchievements, Microsoft confirmed that it has ended 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscriptions.
“At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online Store,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. “Customers can still sign up for a one month or three month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.”
Why is Microsoft doing this? We have no idea, but it might have something to do with the advent and increasing popularity of its newer, Netflix-like subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, which grants gamers a huge library of titles to play for just $9.99 a month.
There is speculation that Xbox Live Gold could be phased out entirely, with its remnants being rolled into Game Pass. For the time being, one-month ($9.99) and three-month ($24.99) Xbox Live Gold subscriptions are still available for purchase.