Microsoft plans to remove Xbox 360 games from its monthly gaming offering with Gold in October. The software manufacturer has begun sending an email to Xbox Live Gold subscribers warning them of the change, stating that the company has “maxed out our ability to bring Xbox 360 games into the catalog.”
Games with Gold is a monthly benefit for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Microsoft Hand selects free games every month, and all Xbox 360 games can be played on the latest Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles.
Microsoft’s Xbox backward compatibility program briefly returned with 76 new games last year, but the company clarified that it “has maxed out our ability to bring new games into the catalog from the past due to licensing, legal, and technical limitations.” That would explain why it’s now maxed out on new Xbox 360 titles for games with gold.
If you’ve already downloaded or redeemed Xbox 360 games through Games with Gold, this change will not affect those titles. It just means that as of October 1, Microsoft won’t be adding any additional Xbox 360 games to the Gold Offer.
Although Xbox Game Pass has become the indispensable subscription for Xbox owners, Xbox Live Gold is still very popular. Microsoft attempted to double the cost of an annual subscription to the service last year, but after a backlash, the company reversed course and even scrapped the Xbox Live Gold requirement for free games.
Xbox Live Gold also offers monthly discounts for the Microsoft Store, but most basic subscription features are now free for all modern Xbox owners. However, you’ll still need an Xbox Live Gold subscription for the Xbox 360. For the future of Xbox Live Gold, Microsoft started moving away from the Xbox Live branding last year, now referring to the suite of software and services as the Xbox Network.
Here’s the full email from Microsoft for Xbox Live Gold subscribers:
Starting October 1, 2022, monthly games offered to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Live Gold members via Games with Gold will no longer include Xbox 360 titles.
We’ve maxed out our ability to bring Xbox 360 games into the catalog; However, Games with Gold will continue to include exciting Xbox One titles and exclusive savings every month.
This will not affect any Xbox 360 games you downloaded prior to October 2022. Any Xbox 360 games you redeem via Games with Gold before that time are yours to keep in your Xbox account, regardless of whether or not you continue your subscription.
Thank you for being a loyal member.
Xbox Team
