Microsoft starts testing its Xbox Live Gold replacement

Microsoft is currently conducting tests on Xbox Game Pass Core, a replacement for Xbox Live Gold. This week, Xbox testers in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead rings who are existing Xbox Live Gold members will have the opportunity to preview Xbox Game Pass Core.

The full Xbox Game Pass Core subscription will provide the usual multiplayer support for Xbox online consoles, along with deals, discounts, and a new collection of over 25 games. Initially, Xbox Insiders will have access to Psychonauts 2, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, State of Decay 2, and Doom Eternal as part of the Game Pass Core library testing.

Lily Wang, a senior product manager at Xbox, explains, “The full library will become accessible at launch on September 14. You will also start to see Xbox Live Gold branding updated to Game Pass Core.” Microsoft encourages testers to provide feedback if they notice any references to Xbox Live Gold on the Xbox dashboard in the coming weeks.

Xbox Game Pass Core will be launched next month following the price increase in July for Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has been raised from $14.99 per month to $16.99 (€14.99 / £12.99). The base pricing for Xbox Game Pass for Console has also been increased from $9.99 a month to $10.99 (€10.99 / £8.99). Microsoft is discontinuing its Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family plan on August 15th, and there is no information about whether this “preview program” will return in the future.