Why does Microsoft make you pay for Xbox Live?

Paying for Xbox Live not only allows Microsoft to maintain servers more easily, but the subscription also includes access to Games and Deals with Gold. Plus, people can get Xbox Live for free with Microsoft Rewards (assuming it's available in their region). Not a Microsoft Employee.
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Why do I need to pay for Xbox Live?

Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) costs $9.99 a month and lets you play multiplayer titles and access a catalog of a few dozen games that you can download and play for no additional cost. You also get access to exclusive deals and discounts.
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Why am I getting charged for Xbox Live?

Reasons for an unauthorized charge

You have an Xbox subscription or trial that was auto-renewed and charged you for additional time. You're sharing your Microsoft account or don't have your account password protected. Someone in your household or Xbox family group made the purchase without your consent.
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Why does Xbox make you pay for online?

The argument for charging for online multiplayer on consoles is primarily due to the cost of game servers, bandwidth, and support that is managed by Sony and Microsoft, which behaves differently compared to how multiplayer is run on PC.
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How to get Xbox Live for free?

This option is near the top of the drop-down menu. Click Services & subscriptions. It's a tab in the blue ribbon at the top of the page. Click Try Xbox Live Gold for free.
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FREE Xbox Game PASS - How to Get Free 12 Months Xbox Game Pass (CODE REDEEM)

Is Xbox Live currently free?

Xbox network service is available as both a free service and a subscription-based service known as Xbox Game Pass Core. In 2021, Microsoft renamed Xbox Live as simply the "Xbox network" to cover all of its services related to Xbox, and began slowly phasing out all "Live" branding until it was fully removed in 2023.
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Is Xbox Live no longer needed for free games?

Xbox players will no longer require Xbox Live Gold membership to play over 50 online multiplayer games. Microsoft is making over 50 games free to play on Xbox without an Xbox Live Gold membership. Now all Xbox players will be able to play these online multiplayer games for free.
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When did Xbox start charging for online?

At E3 2002 Microsoft unveiled its plans to establish an online gaming service for the Xbox called Xbox Live. The membership fee was set at $49.99 a year, which is what it still costs today. Microsoft was adamant about getting users online quickly and easily.
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What happens if you don't pay Xbox?

When this happens, you lose access to the subscription and its benefits. For example, if a renewal charge fails for your Xbox Game Pass Core subscription, you are locked out, and online multiplayer only works in free-to-play games.
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How do I stop Microsoft from charging me for Xbox Live?

To cancel or turn off recurring billing and to check refund eligibility from your mobile or desktop browser:
  1. Go to Services & subscriptions and sign in with the Microsoft account you used to purchase your subscription. ...
  2. Find your subscription and select Manage. ...
  3. Select Cancel subscription and follow the instructions.
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Why did Microsoft randomly charge me?

MICROSOFT SUPPORTHere are the most likely causes for an unrecognized charge: A Microsoft subscription has recurring billing enabled. Someone you know, such as a family member, bought something with your card. You can now investigate this on the Manage your payments page. A previously declined charge was charged again.
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Does Xbox still charge for Xbox Live?

Starting Sept. 14, Xbox Live Gold will become Xbox Game Pass Core. The new service will cost $10 a month or $60 a year, the same price as Xbox Live Gold. Game Pass Core will include member discounts and access to online multiplayer gaming, but unlike Xbox Live Gold, there won't be free monthly games.
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Is Xbox getting rid of Xbox Live?

For years, Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold subscription has been the go-to subscription for many Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One owners. However, that is soon going to change, with Microsoft announcing it will discontinue Xbox Live Gold in favour of a new plan called 'Game Pass Core'.
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What happens if I dont pay my Microsoft subscription?

Admins and users no longer have access to the services or Microsoft 365 apps that came with the subscription. All customer data—from user data to documents and email—is permanently deleted and is unrecoverable.
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What happens when Xbox Live expires?

After 24 months of inactivity, Microsoft will turn off recurring billing for that subscription, which means that after your then-current term has expired, you won't be billed for the next billing cycle and your subscription will terminate.
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Does Microsoft delete inactive Xbox accounts?

If a person doesn't sign into their Microsoft account within 2 years, that account will be closed which should also close the Xbox account and free up the tag. There's ultimately no way to know how inactive an account is though since they are used on multiple services.
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Is the Xbox 360 shutting down?

Game outage alert

The Xbox 360 Store and the Xbox 360 Marketplace (marketplace.xbox.com) will be retired on July 29, 2024.
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How much does Xbox Live cost for a year?

So, How Much Does It Cost? The price for Game Pass Core is $10 a month or $60 a year. This is the same as the retail price for the defunct Xbox Live Gold subscription. Game Pass Core is the cheapest offering from Microsoft that includes online multiplayer access.
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What is the difference between Xbox Live and Game Pass?

Core, previously known as Xbox Live, allows for online multiplayer on Xbox and comes with access to 25 games for free including Doom Eternal, Forza Horizon 5 and Fallout 76. Game Pass Console includes access to more than 100 Xbox games to play but does not include online multiplayer on the console.
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Does Xbox require a subscription?

So yes, if you are going to play an Online game that is not free-to-play ( like Fortnite, Rocket League, etc ) you are going to need a subscription. https://www.xbox.com/xbox-game-pass Happy Holidays! I hope I was able to answer your questions! Please, if you have any other doubts, we are here to help.
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Can you play Xbox gold games without gold?

Do I need a subscription to access Games with Gold titles I previously claimed on my account? Players can continue to access any Xbox One games they previously redeemed through Games with Gold if they remain an Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member.
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What Xbox games don't need Xbox Live?

  • Halo Infinite (Multiplayer only, not campaign co-op)
  • Fortnite.
  • Overwatch 2.
  • Fall Guys.
  • Cod: Warzone 2 (not the standard multiplayer)
  • Rocket League.
  • Warframe.
  • Destiny 2.
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How much does it cost to play live on Xbox?

Xbox Game Pass Core (Xbox Consoles) - $9.99/month

The equivalent to an Xbox Live Gold Membership, Game Pass Core focuses entirely on offering online multiplayer on Xbox consoles. Included in the price is access to Xbox's online multiplayer services and all the discounts and offers made available for members.
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When did Xbox 360 servers shut down?

As of July 29, 2024, you will no longer be able to purchase Xbox 360 games through the console itself or the legacy web store. However, you'll still be able to purchase backwards compatible Xbox 360 games to play on modern Xbox consoles.
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