Microsoft Movies & Tv / Microsoft Films & Tv
On November 6, 2006, Microsoft announced Microsoft Movies & TV , an exclusive video store accessible through the console. Launched in the United States on November 22, 2006, the first anniversary of the Xbox 360’s launch, the service allows users in the United States to download high-definition and standard-definition television shows for purchase and movies for rental onto an Xbox 360 console for viewing. With the exception of short clips, content is not currently available for streaming, and must be downloaded. Movies are available for rental from the Video Marketplace. They expire in 14 days after download or at the end of the first 24 hours after the movie has begun playing, whichever comes first. Television episodes can be purchased to own, and are transferable to an unlimited number of consoles. Downloaded files use 5.1 surround audio and are encoded using VC-1 for video at 720p, with a bitrate of 6.8 Mbit/s. Television content is offered from MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Turner Broadcasting and CBS and movie content is Warner Bros., Paramount and Disney, along with other publishers.
The “Game with Fame” initiative has been Microsoft’s way to connect Xbox Live members with celebrities and game developers. Notable participants of “Game with Fame” include Shia LaBeouf, Jack Black, Rihanna, Velvet Revolver, Victoria Justice, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Scissor Sisters, Paramore, Korn, OK Go, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Dream Theater, Linkin Park, Green Day and Insane Clown Posse.
How Much Is An Xbox Network Subscription
The basic Xbox Network subscription is free. Anyone can sign up for an Xbox Network account. If you want more perks and features, you’ll need to purchase a Gold account subscription.
Accessing the Xbox Network on the original Xbox console is no longer available. To use the Xbox Network, you must have an Xbox 360 or Xbox One as well as a broadband internet service provider.
What’s Changing With Xbox Live Gold
Microsoft has shaken up its Xbox online services this year, with some of the most extensive changes to date for Xbox Live. It skews the value proposition of its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles, making online multiplayer more accessible and better positioning its services against the competition. That all stems from an ongoing effort to reshape its subscription portfolio, changing up the value of Xbox Live Gold as Xbox Game Pass takes the spotlight.
The new changes for Xbox Live Gold impact its online multiplayer, the subscription’s primary draw since its inception. Microsoft has lifted the requirement for Xbox Live Gold to play free-to-play titles online, making these true no-cost experiences on the platform. That mimics a similar policy seen on PlayStation consoles, with no PlayStation Plus requirement for free-to-play games.
This massive policy shift impacts a considerable slice of Xbox owners, with free-to-play titles among the top games played today. Experiences include Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends, all drawing millions with no upfront cost. Microsoft has now rolled out these Xbox Live Gold changes, and multiplayer automatically works across these titles, subscription-free.
Microsoft has also dropped the Xbox Live branding, steadily adopting the Xbox network branding moving forward. However, the Xbox Live Gold name will remain as is a move designed to help better distinguish the underlying service from the paid subscription.
Recommended Reading: Xfinity Wifi On Xbox One
Xbox Live Gold Subscriptions On Xbox 360 Vs Xbox One
Your Xbox Network account will work on your Xbox 360 and Xbox One. You’ll sign in with the same Gamertag on both systems. The Xbox One has a unique feature in that one Xbox Live Gold subscription applies to all of the profiles on the system, whereas Xbox 360 requires each profile to have a separate Gold subscription to play online.
Is Xbox Live Gold Worth It In 2021
These latest changes to Xbox Live Gold represent its biggest evolution since its launch on the original Xbox, leaving some to question whether they need the subscription in 2021. It’s fair to say there’s less reason to purchase the membership after these changes, with previous member-only benefits now freely available on the consoles. But Xbox Live Gold still plays a crucial role, underpinning the online multiplayer for all other titles on the platform.
For those who exclusively play Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, or other free-to-play games on Xbox, these changes could net some savings on that monthly cost. These top titles can all be played subscription-free, coupled with free Party Chat access to communicate with friends. But straying beyond the small pool of free games, Xbox Live Gold is essential for online multiplayer. That’s a decision unique to you but worth consideration following the switch-up.
Xbox Live Gold
Xbox Live Gold remains Microsoft’s go-to subscription for multiplayer gaming on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Upcoming changes allow you to play free-to-play games online without a subscription, but with the requirement still in place for other titles.
You May Like: How To Set As Home Xbox
Signup For Free Xbox Live 1 Month Trial
Please note that if you try to apply this to an existing gamertag with Xbox live gold already active, you will be denied. Make sure your account is currently a Silver member. Alternatively, you can create and utilize a new gamertag to get your free month.
Its also best to be aware that this is where Microsoft tries to lure you in for good. You will be required to have billing information on record before you can accept the free trial. A way to get around this limitation and to make the trial actually free is supplied below:
The gig for Microsoft is to just get your information and your foot in the door. From that point onward they hope that you will not remember to cancel auto renewal. Another thing to know is that a $1 temporary charge may appear on your card but should disappear within 72 hours.
Just head on over to the following link and set auto-renewal to OFF. Cancel Auto Renewal Xbox LIVE Youll be saved from renewal at $10 for the following month. Now its as free as it can get.
This promotion applies to EVERYONE so get in on this while its still active. Microsoft in the past has disabled the link but only recently have they put it back up again. So signup quickly while the offer is still valid. If this sounds like too much of a burden or if you simply cannot get the free trial method to work, then please continue reading below.
Xbox Live Drops Subscription Requirement For Free
You can now play online games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends without an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
As promised earlier this year, Xbox players no longer need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to access free-to-play multiplayer games, bringing the service closer to what Sony offers with PlayStation Plus. More than 50 games that were previously locked behind the subscription’s paywall are now available to all Xbox players. They include a few unexpected games that we don’t usually think of when we hear “free-to-play.”
Free-to-play now means free-to-play.Starting now, all Xbox players can access these free-to-play games with or without an Xbox Live Gold subscription:
Xbox
The game list includes a huge number of games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, , and Warframe. Some unexpected games like Resident Evil Revelations 2 and Too Human–the latter of which was previously removed from sale after a court ruling–are also included in the list.
Now Playing: COD Warzone Nuke Event: The End of Verdansk
The change came about following players’ displeasure at Microsoft’s plan to raise the price of Xbox Live Gold, though the change wasn’t going to affect those who already had recurring payments turned on. Following the backlash, however, Microsoft decided not to increase the price for anyone and announced that free-to-play games would no longer require Xbox Live Gold.
Read Also: Social Xbox Change Gamertag
Xbox Free Games With Gold For November 2021 List
- Moving Out
- Kingdom Two Crowns
- Rocket Knight
- LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
It will be interesting to see how Xbox Live Gold subscribers react to the latest lineup of games. There’s nothing here that really stands out, though LEGO Batman 2 will undoubtedly have its fans, and Moving Out may catch the eye of co-op minded gamers. Right now the likes/dislikes ratio on the announcement video are split pretty even, but that could change in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, there is still time for Xbox Live Gold subscribers to claim the free Games with Gold for October 2021. And in usual Games with Gold fashion, one of the October 2021 free games will actually remain free until the middle of November. Xbox One game Hover will remain available for Xbox Live Gold subscribers to claim until November 15, while Aaero and Resident Evil Code: Veronica X will be free to claim until October 31.
What Comes With A Free Xbox Network Account
When you register your Xbox Network account, you’ll choose a nickname , which is how you will be known to other people in any games you play. You can have friends lists to keep in touch with real-life friends or new people you meet online you like to play with.
The free Xbox Network service gives you access to voice chat as well as the Xbox Marketplace. You can’t play most Xbox games online without a Gold subscription, but online multiplayer is available for free-to-play games. You can use all of the various video apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Amazon Prime as well.
That said, you don’t need an Xbox game console to take advantage of the Xbox Network. Since Microsoft also makes Windows, your Xbox Network account will automatically integrate with many PC games. That way, you can share your achievements and utilize other social features to interact with fellow gamers.
Don’t Miss: Genshin Impact Xbox 360
Xbox Series X And Series S
Note If you cant locate Store, scroll down to Add more on the Home screen and select the Store tile. Then select Add to Home.
Signing Up For Xbox Live
You May Like: Can You Get Apple Tv On Xbox
Free Games Every Month With Xbox Live Gold
Free games every month mean you always have something new to play. Twice a month, Xbox Live Gold members get exclusive access to a hand-selected collection of free games. Because our members are the heart of the Xbox community – and they deserve it.
Connect to Xbox Live for free. Get more with Xbox Live Gold.
*Free Games Offer: For paid Gold members only. On Xbox One, active Gold membership required to play free games you’ve redeemed. Requirements and available features vary across consoles Multiplayer between Xbox One and Xbox 360 supported for select titles. Download required.
Which Multiplayer Games Will Be Free
Microsoft made a sweeping change across the Xbox platform, unlocking multiplayer across all free-to-play content on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. That includes many of today’s best Xbox games, including Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends. Other highlights include Destiny 2, Hyper Scape, ROBLOX, SMITE, Warframe, and World of Tanks, to name a few. Future titles that launch for free on Xbox consoles will come with the same exemption from Xbox Live Gold restrictions. Here’s the full list of free-to-play titles that don’t require Xbox Live Gold on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S:
- 3on3 FreeStyle
- Dead or Alive 5 Last Round: Core Fighters
- Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters
- Defiance 2050
- The Four Kings Casino and Slots
- Too Human
Read Also: How To Change Xbox Profile Pic On Iphone
How To Purchase An Xbox Live Gold Subscription
You don’t necessarily need a credit card to sign up for an Xbox Live Gold subscription. You can use one, but you can also buy Xbox Gift Cards or Gold subscription cards at retailers. Purchase a Gold subscription card at a retailer and then enter the code on your Xbox. You can also purchase an Xbox Live Gold subscription from the official Xbox Network website and through your Xbox 360 or Xbox One console.
For security protection, it’s better to buy Xbox Gift Cards and Gold Subscription cards at retailers instead of using a credit card online.
Using A Free Trial Code On Xbox 360
Don’t Miss: How Do I Change My Name On Xbox One
How Do I Use Xboxcom Coupons
To use a Xbox.com coupon, copy the related promo code to your clipboard and apply it while checking out. Some Xbox.com coupons only apply to specific products, so make sure all the items in your cart qualify before submitting your order. If there’s a brick-and-mortar store in your area, you may be able to use a printable coupon there as well. Get Xbox.com coupons.
Microsoft Will Discontinue Xbox Live Gold And Make Multiplayer Free Its Claimed
I heard between 19 million and 23 million before E3, but theyre at least approaching 23 million, he said, and as we get close to Halo I bet they easily hit 23-25 million by the end of this year, and once theyre at 30 million theyll probably reassess what theyre doing with Xbox Live Gold.
probably still wont go away until its probably closer to something like 40-50 million active users for Game Pass, but all that stuff seems within their grasp right now as long as they keep up the marketing side and promotional side along with all these games that are getting announced.
Well see how it goes with Halo. If Halo is a big lightning rod for adoption for Game Pass then theyll know: Oh, and when Starfield comes thats going to be our next major lightning rod, and everything in between is going to be sort of connective tissue.
And as we get these big games coming out on a faster cadence and by 2023 they should be hitting a pretty fast cadence in terms of releasing games Game Pass should at that point really hit its stride and they should be well on their way to getting rid of Xbox Live Gold.
But the point is, for now, Xbox Live Gold is still sticking around, but its still on the roadmap to go away for good.
In January, Microsoft reversed plans to increase the price of a six-month Xbox Live Gold subscription by 50% to $60.
Recommended Reading: Cross Platform Fortnite Settings