Demo versions won’t require Gold for any multiplayer they support, but it is still necessary for demos that either require a pre-order or purchase to access, plus early access games, “$0 sale offers,” and other time-limited trial versions of premium products.Ĭompetitors Sony and Nintendo have also made exceptions for free-to-play games in the past. A highly rated game, available via both Xbox One and Xbox Series XS, is now free via Xbox Live Gold, courtesy of Games With Gold. There still are some exceptions: free-to-play weekend promotions, where a premium game is available to everyone free on a trial basis, will still require Xbox Live Gold membership to access their online multiplayer. Additionally, a game’s listing page in the Microsoft Store will indicate whether it is free to play online or requires Xbox Live Gold. The new policy applies to a list of 70 titles available for Xbox platforms. Microsoft offered more information in an FAQ posted Wednesday.

Furthermore, a system update this month will open up the Looking for Group option to all users, and party chat used while playing free-to-play games will also no longer require an Xbox Live Gold subscription. The change was made official after Microsoft started lifting the restriction in its Xbox Insiders beta testing program.

Many free-to-play games on Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and Xbox One consoles will no longer require an Xbox Live Gold membership, Microsoft announced on Wednesday.

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