Microsoft has removed the Xbox Live Gold requirement for free-to-play multiplayer on Xbox One and Series X|S consoles, allowing games such as Apex Legends, Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone to be played online without the paid subscription.
What changed and who benefits
Previously, even free-to-play multiplayer titles required an Xbox Live Gold subscription—or an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership that included the same benefit—to access online multiplayer. The change means players no longer need to pay that fee to join online matches in qualifying free games.
Refund option for affected subscribers
Microsoft is offering a one-time refund option for users who purchased Xbox Live Gold solely to play free-to-play online games. Players seeking details about eligibility and the refund process are directed to the Xbox FAQ.
Additional social features made free
As part of the update, Microsoft also made Party Chat and Looking For Groups (LFG) free. Those features help players find teammates and communicate with others who share similar goals and interests on Xbox Live.
List of free-to-play titles now playable without Live Gold
The official list on the Xbox site will be updated as new free games are released. Microsoft published a list that includes more than 50 titles; notable entries are:
- 3on3 FreeStyle
- Aegis Wing
- APB Reloaded
- Apex Legends
- Armored Warfare
- Battle Ages
- Battle Islands
- Battle Islands: Commanders
- Bless Unleashed
- Brawlhalla
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Crackdown
- Crackdown 2
- Crimson Alliance
- Crossout
- CRSED: F.O.A.D.
- Darwin Project
- Dauntless
- DC Universe Online
- Dead or Alive 5 Last Round: Core Fighters
- Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters
- Defiance 2050
- Destiny 2
- Doritos Crash Course
- Dungeon Defenders II
- Enlisted
- Eternal Card Game
- Family Game Night
- Fishing Planet
- Fortnite
- Galaxy Control: Arena
- Gems of War
- Happy Wars
- Harm’s Way
- Hawken
- Hyper Scape
- Killer Instinct
- Korgan
- Minion Masters
- Neverwinter
- Outriders (Demo)
- Paladins
- Path of Exile
- Phantasy Star Online 2
- Phantom Dust
- Pinball FX2
- Prominence Poker
- Realm Royale
- Rec Room
- Resident Evil Revelations 2
- ROBLOX
- Rocket League
- Rogue Company
- Skyforge
- SMITE
- Spacelords
- Spellbreak
- Star Trek Online
- Techwars Global Conflict
- TERA
- The Four Kings Casino and Slots
- Too Human
- Trove
- Vigor
- War Thunder
- Warface
- Warframe
- World of Tanks
- World of Warships: Legends
- Yaris
Scope of the free access
The removal of the Live Gold requirement applies only to access to the free-to-play titles themselves. In-game purchases, premium items and season passes remain paid content and are not included in this change.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
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