Xbox Live Gold Annual Subscription Disappears; Game Console Owners Left Guessing

With the Xbox Series X expected to launch soon, it appears Microsoft is gearing up for some changes. And one service that has been adding some fuel to the fire is the Xbox Live Gold subscription service. Microsoft has mysteriously removed the 12-month option, sending mixed signals to the gaming community.

With most folks confined at home, some are keeping busy playing video games. Many have their purchased ones, while others are signed up to a gaming subscription service where they can get updates and new games.

This offer comes in different packages. Some may want the monthly option where they can cancel at any time. But there are also bulk offers, something that offers lesser cost. But as far as Microsoft is concerned, it appears the company will no longer offer the annual subscription. Only the one- and three-month options are now available.

When True Achievements reached out to the Xbox team, it turns out that it was an official decision. An Xbox representative broadly said that they decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft Online Store, leading to several speculations emerging regarding this move.

One of them is linked to the possible removal of Xbox Live tied to the Xbox Series X launch. Removing the 12-month subscription service would stop users from spending money on a service that they no longer need.

Though most have turned to game subscription, it remains that not all are willing to spend that much. Savings on long-term membership make sense but not during these hard times.

Also, it raises questions on the future of the Xbox Live Gold service. With a new console coming, it remains to be seen if this will continue or be stopped. A clearer picture of that may only be known once the next Xbox event is announced. That could happen either in August or September.

For now, Xbox Live Gold members can still enjoy the service but with the maximum subscription span now down to three months. The next months should also provide better hints at its future. If a new service is indeed coming, this move would lessen the need for refunds and help people save during the COVID-19 pandemic.