Given that a subscription to Microsoft’s Xbox Live Gold is required to play online games on the console, it’s safe to say that Microsoft is earning a pretty decent amount. This is why it does come across as tempting to increase the price, where even a $1 increase could mean millions in revenue generated every month.However, it seems that Microsoft’s decision to do that has backfired as the company has received a lot of backlash, so much so that they have walked back on their decision to increase the subscription prices of Xbox Live Gold. According to the company, “We messed up today and you were right to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of gaming and we failed to meet the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change Xbox Live Gold pricing.”
For those who are hearing about this for the first time, the current Xbox Live Gold subscription prices are at $10 for one month, $25 for three months, and $40 for six months. Microsoft had initially planned to increase those prices to $11 a month, $30 for three months, and $60 for six months. That’s a huge jump, especially for those who purchase subscriptions in six month blocks.
This is why it doesn’t come as a surprise that many gamers weren’t too thrilled by the news, but thankfully Microsoft has listened to its gamers and for now, the prices will remain the same.
Filed in . Read more about Microsoft and Xbox. Source: polygon