The foundation of what has now been nearly two generations of online play has been centered around Xbox Live for Microsoft’s gaming platform. While the subscription service has migrated across systems, the same flat fee has remained as what might be the ‘bread & butter’ for Xbox as a business model. And with the push to the next-generation on Xbox – Xbox Series X – it is presumed that Xbox Live would proceed to the next console. However, the future of Xbox Live is put into question following recent events took place today. In that, it was reported from TrueAchievements that the option to pay for 12-month subscription for Xbox Live Gold has been removed entirely. Searching on several Microsoft domains in different regions reveal the option to be delisted. So the latter remains offering players to purchase the 1-month ($9.99) or the 3-month ($24.99) for now. While it is assumed this could simply be a mistake on Microsoft’s end, the firm shared that to not be the case. In response, a spokesperson for Microsoft said this: At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online Store. Customers can still sign up for a one month or three month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store. But despite Microsoft clarifying that the company has pulled the full-year option for Xbox Live, the firm did not leave a reason as for why the decision was executed. It truly is bizarre to witness the act be done especially since Microsoft’s services has spiked tremendously this generation. However, there are some theories. Elaborating on one possibility, Microsoft could be negating the option to pay for base Xbox Live in favor for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate which bundles the subscription and the Netflix-structured service for video games. Xbox Game Pass has proven to be a successful business model and could be redirecting all users to pick up the service which could continue to increase subscriber count. Altogether though, this is simply conjecture with no definite basis to deem as accurate, so take that as you will. In other Xbox Game Pass Ultimate news, Microsoft shared that the service will be receiving a new addition: Project xCloud. Starting this September, subscribers will have the ability to play on their mobile devices a plethora of titles supported to the cloud-based service if their phone or tablet is compatible to use. You can read the full report by heading here. What do you think is the reasoning for Microsoft to remove the 12-month option for Xbox Live? Source: TrueAchievements Share Everywhere!