Back in 2002, Microsoft completely changed how we played online with the launch of Xbox Live. For over two decades, Xbox gamers have paid a subscription fee to enjoy online multiplayer. However, a new report hints that this long-standing tradition might be coming to an end with the highly anticipated next-generation Xbox console.
According to Windows Central, internal plans for the upcoming Xbox console currently indicate that online multiplayer will no longer require a separate subscription. This is a massive shift, as players typically need at least an Xbox Game Pass Essential membership for online play. Interestingly, Microsoft already allows free-to-play titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone to be played online without a subscription, a policy that might now extend to all multiplayer games.
A related video discusses the ROG Xbox Ally X and its performance, highlighting both its strengths and challenges.
This potential policy change is also linked to another exciting rumor: Windows Central suggests the next-gen Xbox could seamlessly blend a traditional console experience with a full Windows PC interface. This means players might have access to popular PC storefronts like Steam and Battle.net, much like on portable devices such as the ROG Xbox Ally. The prevailing theory is that if Microsoft continued to charge for online multiplayer, many users might simply choose to bypass the Xbox Store and play their games via PC platforms on the same hardware.
Xbox president Sarah Bond recently described the upcoming Xbox as offering “a very premium, very high-end curated experience.” She also reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to new console hardware, dispelling earlier rumors that the company might be considering an exit from the console market altogether.
In other news, Microsoft is reportedly experimenting with a free, ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming. This service would allow users to access a selection of games, or perhaps titles they already own, after viewing a few minutes of video advertisements. And in a surprising move, iconic Halo games are set to launch on PlayStation platforms, beginning with Halo: Campaign Evolved.
A gallery showcasing ‘The Best Xbox Series X Games In 2025’ was also featured, highlighting top titles for the console.