Free-to-play games are one step closer to not needing Xbox Live Gold

Fortnite
Fortnite (Image credit: Epic Games)

What you need to know

  • Xbox Beta Insiders can now play free-to-play multiplayer games without an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
  • Microsoft promised that it would remove the paywall for free-to-play games back in January.
  • Microsoft began testing the removal of the paywall with Xbox Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead rings last week.

Microsoft appears to be working through its testing for free-to-play games not requiring a subscription rather quickly. Just last week, Microsoft started testing the ability to play free-to-play multiplayer games without an Xbox Live Gold subscription with Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead Insiders. Now, the same ability is available for Xbox Beta Insiders.

Without the requirement of an Xbox Live Gold subscription, Xbox Beta Insiders can now play multiplayer free-to-play games and look for Groups and Party Chats.

The Xbox Insider Twitter account announced the news:

Microsoft first announced that Xbox Live Gold wouldn't be required for free-to-play multiplayer games back in January. At the time, Microsoft explained that the change would come "as soon as possible in the coming months."

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.