Ever since Microsoft chose to focus on growing its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, the quality of games being offered as part of the console manufacturer’s Games with Gold program has seen quite a decline. February’s free games have now been announced, continuing the downward trend of the service.
Making the announcement on their blog, Dan Hickey, the Marketing Program Manager at Xbox said “Make it your gooooaaaallll to have fun with two great February Games with Gold! On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, answer the call to adventure in For the King and then play soccer in a completely unexpected way in Guts N Goals.”
Just because these two titles are not the most popular doesn't mean that they are not worth trying, but there has been a clear and noticeable decline in the tier of titles on offer as part of Games with Gold – if nothing else based on the RRP value of the games alone.
Previously, Microsoft’s Games with Gold offerings would include 4 titles in total: 2 Xbox One games; an OG Xbox title; and an Xbox 360 game. Unfortunately, Microsoft has dropped support for these older titles, meaning that you should only expect 2 free games a month. Some fans were hoping that this would result in fewer but higher quality titles – though clearly this has not been the case.
While yes, those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate receive all the benefits of Games with Gold and then some, the latter’s service is necessary for all those wanting to play games online and so when comparing it to the likes of PlayStation Plus Essential the benefits are rather paltry. February’s much more exciting PlayStation Plus Essential titles have leaked ahead of time and can be found HERE.
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KitGuru says: What do you think of Games with Gold? Should Microsoft retire the service? How would you revamp it? Let us know down below.