Microsoft decided to raise the price of Xbox Live Gold, its payment service that allows other players to connect to enjoy what for many is one of the best online experiences. But this decision was not without controversy and millions of players complained. Consequence? Microsoft takes a step back and cancels the price increase.
Now yes, now no
It is curious that Microsoft makes a decision and in a matter of hours reverses, but that is what has happened with the price increase that was announced a few hours ago and that affected the Xbox Live Gold service.
The company had made the decision to raise the monthly payment that all users of Xbox consoles who wanted to play online would have to do. The reason? Well, it could be from a simple review of the conditions of a service that is periodically reviewed or, as it could be more feasible, subtly push users who still only pay for Xbox Live Gold to jump to Xbox Game Pass. Although there are also those who think that everything has been a strategy to make noise and leave the message of "players, we listen to you."
We always try to do our best for users and we have failed.
We hear you, and we're rolling back our Xbox Live Gold price updates. https://t.co/WBph15FXax
- Xbox Spain (@Xbox_Spain) January 23, 2021
However, be that as it may, the truth is that there will be no rise. The company updated its blog where they communicated the first intention to increase the price.
We made a mistake today and you did well to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of the game and we fall short of the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change the prices of Xbox Live Gold.
We're turning this moment into an opportunity to bring Xbox Live more in line with how we see the player at the center of the experience. So for free games, you no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those free to play games on Xbox. We are working hard to implement this change as soon as possible in the coming months.
If you're already a member of Xbox Live Gold, it stays at your current price for renewal. New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold for the same prices they pay today.
Thank you.
The User Revolution
Whether or not it is a measured action, which we really do not believe, the truth is that it is very clear that the user continues to be the most important factor for any company that wants its product and/or service to end up being used by the greatest number of people. possible.
Increasing the price of Xbox Live Gold without any kind of incentive was somewhat difficult to understand, even though it works really well. And yes, trying to make it have more value for Game Pass that way could have been interesting. But if they really want more players to switch to him, they should promote him more and better or continue giving him more options as they have done in recent months.
Anyway, right now the most important thing if you are an Xbox user and you play online usually, is that there will be no price increase. Not even for new players who get hold of a new console and register. And that the free to play games will not require a subscription to be able to be played online.