Microsoft found themselves in some hot water on Friday when they proposed to double the price of their yearly XBOX Live Gold service.
Microsoft updates Xbox Live Gold Pricing:
•6-months – $59.99
•3-months – $29.99
•1-month – $10.99https://t.co/9X7HmywJ6h pic.twitter.com/1yCsboJ5tN— Wario64 (@Wario64) January 22, 2021
Immediately after the price hike, gamers voiced their displeasure on social media.
Every few months, Xbox needs to do something to remind people it's not actually that in touch with gamers or reality. $120 for a year of Xbox Live Gold (to bully people onto Game Pass) is the latest example.
— Jeff Grubb (@JeffGrubb) January 22, 2021
Things got so bad that Microsoft conceded and decided to backtrack on their proposed price changes.
Via XBOX
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.
We’re turning this moment into an opportunity to bring Xbox Live more in line with how we see the player at the center of their experience. For free-to-play games, you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those games on Xbox. We are working hard to deliver this change as soon as possible in the coming months.
If you are an Xbox Live Gold member already, you stay at your current price for renewal. New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold for the same prices they pay today. In the US, $9.99 for 1-month, $24.99 for 3-months, $39.99 for 6-months and $59.99 for retail 12-months.
Pretty cool of Microsoft to own up to their mistake but still a bad look overall.