Microsoft has confirmed you won’t have to pay for online multiplayer via Xbox Live on Windows 10 devices.
With Xbox Live coming to Windows PCs and phones in the near future, Xbox Live gaming is going to change in a big way.
That’s especially true when it comes to online multiplayer, as this will be the first time your Xbox Live account will be integrated.
The company has now confirmed that online multiplayer gaming will be free via Xbox Live on Windows 10 Phones and PCs.
That’s despite the fact that Microsoft currently charges Xbox One gamers to use online multiplayer gaming services.
“Not charging. Xbox Live Gold will not be required for online multiplayer gaming using our service on Windows 10 PCs and Phones,” explained Larry Hryb on Twitter.
Related: Windows 10 Features – What’s new?
PC gamers will be pleased to hear of Microsoft’s plans for Xbox Live, and many of them won’t be surprised to hear of the free access.
Microsoft will be up against Steam, Origin, GOG and other free services that take advantage of the more open PC platform.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has tried to launch its own PC gaming store or platform. PC gamers will remember Games for Windows Live being a particularly sore point in Microsoft’s career thanks to its horrendously expensive subscription cost.
Gamers also had to attempt to endure various bugs that affect game authentication and features using the Games for Windows Live service.
Xbox Live for Windows 10 will arrive through a brand new Xbox app that will include social features, game DVR clips and fantastically the ability to stream Xbox One games to a Windows 10 PC or phone.
There’s no confirmed release date for Windows 10 or the new Xbox Live features for PC.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
