After about a two week conversation regarding what could be the potential future for Microsoft’s Xbox Live subscription service, the firm has finally squandered the lingering rumors surrounding the discussion. Last month, users online discovered that both Xbox Live 12-Month and 24-Month payment tiers were both delisted from the Microsoft Store – which elevated to the conversation of potentially bringing the service to be free.

In that, fans discussed that perhaps the claim could come to fruition as part of Microsoft’s continued ambition to align its platform with PC. Given that the firm has and furthered its support for mouse & keyboard players, the suspicion did seem somewhat tangible to see become a reality.

And even more with the recent update to the Service Agreement on its website, labeling the service as “Xbox Online Service”, only fueled presumptions on the possibility. But in the end, Microsoft denounced the claims when speaking with The Verge, one Microsoft spokesperson discloses.

The update to “Xbox online service” in the Microsoft Services Agreement refers to the underlying Xbox service that includes features like cross-saves and friend requests. This language update is intended to distinguish that underlying service, and the paid Xbox Live Gold subscription. There are no changes being made to the experience of the service or Xbox Live Gold.

In addition to the statement, Microsoft also emphasizes the future Xbox Live Gold still has to offer in future reference for the name-sharing platform in coming years. “We have no plans to discontinue Xbox Live Gold at this time. It is an important part of gaming on Xbox today, and will continue to be in the future.”

Elsewhere which perpetuated the chances of seeing Xbox Live going free prior to the recent statement, developer 343 Industries announced that Halo Infinite would be free-to-play. The firm told that users would not be required to own the game to experience the multiplayer portion of the Xbox Series X launch title. Alongside the announcement, fans also learned Halo Infinite would perform with 120 frames per second online.

Moreover, fans are still suspicious on what will come next for Xbox Live since there has been some favoritism among its services. In that, the lineup of titles on Xbox Game Pass overshadows those featured on Xbox Live Games with Gold. You can read our full editorial on the matters by heading here.

What is your thoughts now that Microsoft has clarified on the matters?

Source: The Verge