Microsoft is planning to drop the subscription requirement to play free-to-play titles in the near future.
This would mean that the likes of the immensely popular Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Rocket League,and Apex Legends will no longer require an active Xbox Network subscription to play online.
The option of playing free-to-play online games without a subscription is available on rival platforms, so it’s great to see that Microsoft will soon be offering the same service.
Microsoft has previously stated that it plans on dropping the subscription requirement to play free-to-play titles, but just this week it took a step closer to becoming a reality.
Microsoft will also be making it so that you won’t need an active Xbox Network account for 4-people Groups and Party Chat, which is a solid move.
“Multiplayer in Free-to-play games, Looking 4 Groups and Party Chat on Xbox no longer requires an Xbox Live Gold membership as we flight and test these service changes ahead of general availability,” said a post on Xbox Wire.
The removal of an Xbox Network account to play free-to-play titles, as well as access to Party Chat, will play a huge part in future titles, especially with the multiplayer of Halo Infinite which will also be free-to-play.
In case you’re wondering why I keep referring to Xbox Live as “Xbox Network”, it’s because Microsoft officially rebranded the online subscription service this week.
In related Xbox news, Microsoft recently made an unexpected u-turn on a price hike for the Xbox Network subscription service following a big backlash from fans.
While there’s no confirmed date as to when the change will roll out for everyone, it seems that Microsoft is becoming more consumer-friendly by the day!
Are you happy that you’ll no longer need an Xbox Network subscription to play free-to-play titles? Let us know across our social media channels.
Featured Image Credit: Microsoft