Free-to-play games no longer need Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer – refunds available for those who no longer need Gold

Stefan L 21/04/21 Comments Closed

Starting today, free-to-play games no longer an Xbox Live Gold subscription to enable online multiplayer, fulfilling a pledge that Microsoft made back in January to change course. There’s now over 50 free-to-play games that truly are free to play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, including Fortnite, Destiny 2, Call of Duty: Warzone, Rocket League and so much more. Party chat and ‘looking for group’ is also available without a subscription.

The policy shift from Microsoft came after a botched attempt to change the pricing structure of Xbox Live Gold. After a fierce backlash, Microsoft quickly U-turned and then went on to announce that they would be removing the subscription requirement for free-to-play games. This meant that Microsoft would finally be matching Sony, who kept free-to-play games outside the PS Plus requirement when that was introduced at the start of the PlayStation 4 era, and Nintendo, who similarly kept free-to-play games outside of Nintendo Switch Online.

Just like the European Super League getting killed off by real people complaining really loudly, Microsoft head its users and decided better of it.

Because of the change of service, Microsoft is also offering those who no longer need an Xbox Live Gold subscription a one-time ability to request a refund. You must have bought the subscription prior to 21st April, or for those who bought an Xbox Live Gold, it must be redeemed by 5th May. Refund request must be submitted by 1st June. See Microsoft’s FAQ for details on how to make a claim.

The full list of free-to-play games is as follows: