Microsoft has announced its previous promise to ditch Xbox Live Gold subscription requirements for free-to-play multiplayer titles on its consoles will come into effect today.
Previously, Microsoft was the only one of the big-three consoles makers still insisting a paid subscription was necessary in order to access online multiplayer features in free-to-play games.
Nintendo and Sony also charge players to participate in online multiplayer on their platforms – through their Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus subscription services respectively – but only for premium titles, with free-to-play offerings having remained exempt.
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However, Microsoft announced it would be changing its stance on free-to-play multiplayer, bringing its policy inline with other consoles, back in January following a significant backlash against its decision to hike Xbox Live Gold prices during the pandemic – a move it rapidly reversed after a less-than-positive response from consumers.