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Friday, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) announced a series of price hikes for its Xbox Live Gold online gaming service, then reversed hours later after a wave of criticism.
The IT giant initially announced that Gold would cost $ 1 more for a one-month subscription, bringing its cost to $ 10.99. A three-month subscription was pegged at $ 29.99 (previously $ 24.99). The longest term currently available, six months, would have increased to $ 59.99 (previously $ 39.99). Microsoft no longer offers a one-year option.
There would be no immediate price change for Gold subscribers with existing six or 12 month subscriptions.
In its initial announcement on the price hikes, Microsoft pointed out that in many of its markets, these rates had not changed for years.
Image source: Getty Images.
There was a lot of speculation that Microsoft’s move was an attempt to convince subscribers to take online gaming to the next level, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This grants access to over 100 games, provides exclusive discounts and offers other perks, in addition to the benefits of Gold membership. Microsoft was to keep Ultimate’s price unchanged at $ 14.99 per month.
The outcry over rising prices was swift and at times noisy. In response, shortly before midnight (ET) on Friday, Microsoft reversed the decision in an edit to its original ad, writing that “We screwed up today and you were right to let us know. Connect and play with friends is a vital part of the game and we have failed to meet the expectations of the players who rely on it every day. “
In addition to leaving the Gold prices unchanged at the end, Microsoft said free titles will be available on Xbox without a Gold subscription, as previously required. He said he hoped to implement this change in the coming months.
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