RELATED:First Xbox Free Games with Gold for August 2021 Are Available a Day Early
August’s Xbox Free Games with Gold Garnered a Slightly Better Reception
In typical Xbox Games with Gold fashion,this month’s roster of free games consists of two Xbox One titles and two Xbox 360 games. For the entire month of August, players will have access toDarksiders 3for the Xbox One, followed byYooka-Layleefrom August 16-15. On the other hand, the Xbox 360 games includeLost Planet 3from August 1-15, followed byGarou: Mark of the Wolvesfrom August 16-31. As previously mentioned, August’s roster still doesn’t include any Xbox Series X/S games, which could indicate that Microsoft has no intentions of adding titles from its latest consoles to Games with Gold, at least for the time being.
Is This Indicative of Microsoft Changing Xbox Games with Gold for the Better?
Unfortunately, the months that followed saw Microsoft revert to its old pattern of releasing niche games for Xbox Games with Gold and nothing for next-gen consoles. Many believe that the only reason the company stepped up its roster for February is to appease disgruntled fans afterMicrosoft attempted to increase the subscription price of Xbox Live Gold. At the moment, it remains to be seen whether the pattern established this month will be carried over throughout the year. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if next month’s roster once again disappoints, especially since Microsoft isn’t particularly hiding the fact that its priority is Xbox Game Pass and not Xbox Live.
In the end, while Microsoft is pouring its resources into Xbox Game Pass, that shouldn’t mean the abandonment of Xbox Live Gold altogether. On the contrary, by offering older yet popular Games with Gold, the company has the opportunityto differentiate the value of Xbox Live Gold with Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Live Gold could be the venue for players to re-experience old classics for free, while Xbox Game Pass could be the service offering the biggest and newest Xbox games.
MORE:How Long It Takes to Beat Every Xbox Games with Gold Offering for 2021 So Far
