Month after month, Microsoft reveals its selection of Xbox Games with Gold, but it never quite lands with fans. There have been good months, such as when Gears 5 was added, but by and large, the service does not deliver on this front. It's worth knowing that Microsoft is currently working on removing its Xbox Live requirement from free-to-play games (which is what provides these games). When that happens, it'll have just two primary purposes: playing co-op/multiplayer on premium games and Games with Gold.
Given this, maybe think that Games with Gold is a relic of a bygone era, and it really is. It can seem that the games get worse every month, but that's because it seems Microsoft doesn't want Games with Gold subscribers. It seems very clear, based on the Games with Gold April 2021 selection, Microsoft wants players to buy Game Pass. Indeed, that's worth its price point and leaves many other services, including GwG, in the dust. The sheer contrast is obvious, and it's so strange how Microsoft seems to be holding onto it.
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Perhaps what makes this extra disappointing is the rumors that circulated before the release of the Xbox Series X. Of course, that's not Microsoft's fault, but many believe that Microsoft would eliminate the Xbox Live Gold requirement to play games online. Not only would this be a power move against its competition, but that would effectively eliminate Games with Gold. Everyone knew this, but many didn't give it a second thought. Then, Microsoft tried to push a Xbox Live Gold price hike, with that debacle not going over well.
Within 24 hours, Microsoft took a step back, listened to its community, and did not proceed. It even announced its attention to remove it as a requirement for free-to play games, yet many fans continued to ask: "do we actually need this?" Come February 2021, Xbox Games with Gold included Gears 5 optimized for the Xbox Series X/S and believed the month signaled a turnaround. However, March and April proved this wasn't the case, and many fans remained upset with the quality of the games provided.
No matter what, it's impossible to look at Games with Gold in its current form and see it as a major, important aspect of Microsoft's planning. Game Pass, new studios, new hardware, and a dedication to developing a stronger brand than ever before are all there, and Games with Gold does not factor in. Even with the Xbox Network rebranding, it's almost like Microsoft doesn't even want to touch Games with Gold. It's overshadowed by so much and offers such a weak selection month after month to a ton of backlash, so the real question becomes: why would it?
Ultimately, what Microsoft plans for Games with Gold, if anything, remains to be seen. It's impossible to tell if it will remain this relic for years to come or eventually be retired. Perhaps Microsoft should consider the latter though, as despite all the strides it has made forward, Games with Gold remains a stain on its reputation.
Xbox Games with Gold subscribers typically get 4 games every month.