Xbox Game Pass Core release date, pricing, games line-up and more

Microsoft is shaking up its subscription model, scrapping Xbox Gold in favour of a brand new tier of Game Pass. Confirming earlier rumours, the Xbox platform holder has announced plans to launch Game Pass Core in September. Xbox Game Pass Core has been given a September 14 release date, and will replace Xbox Gold as the entry-level tier in its popular subscription model.

According to Microsoft, Xbox Game Pass Core will cost the same as Xbox Live Gold, which means UK fans can expect to pay £6.99 a month to become a member, or £17.99 for a 3-month subscription.

Current Xbox Live Gold subscribers will automatically be moved over to the new subscription tier, so no action is required for existing members.

Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers will be able to play online multiplayer in supported games, and have access to the same exclusive deals and discounts on the Xbox Store.

The biggest difference is that instead of monthly freebies, Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers will be able to download and play a library of more than 25 games on Xbox One and Series X/S.

This includes games like Among Us, Fable Anniversary and Halo 5, as well as Forza Horizon 4, Fallout 76 and Doom Eternal.

In a blog post on the Xbox Wire website, Microsoft said that new games will be added to the line-up roughly 2-3 times a year.

It’s also worth noting that any previously redeemed Xbox One games through Gold will remain accessible to users, provided they continue to subscribe to either Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Likewise, all previously redeemed Xbox 360 games will remain in your library, regardless of subscription status.

The Xbox Game Pass Core launch line-up so far (more games will be announced closer to launch)…

• Among Us

• Descenders

• Dishonored 2

• Doom Eternal

• Fable Anniversary

• Fallout 4

• Fallout 76

• Forza Horizon 4

• Gears 5

• Grounded

• Halo 5: Guardians

• Halo Wars 2

• Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

• Human Fall Flat

• Inside

• Ori & The Will of the Wisps

• Psychonauts 2

• State of Decay 2

• The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited