notice: please create a custom view template for the game_news class view-game_news.html
Next-Gen Xbox Might Ditch Multiplayer Paywall - Report
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link
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-xbox-might-ditch-multiplayer-paywall-report/1100-6535732/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
image
https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/screen_medium/1813/18138562/4591209-4490140-4456720-4284641-xboxbond.jpg
description
Microsoft revolutionized online multiplayer in the console space with Xbox Live in 2002. And ever since then, playing games online has come at a cost for Xbox owners. But that might not be the case going forward with the next-gen Xbox system, according to a new report.
Windows Central states that "the current plan is for the next Xbox specifically to have no paywall for multiplayer." This would be a notable change, as an (at least) Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription is needed for online multiplayer for Xbox at this time. However, Microsoft doesn't charge for access to free-to-play multiplayer games, like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone--two of the most popular games in the world.
Another reason for this possible change comes from the fact Windows Central reports that the next-gen Xbox will offer a console experience combined with a full Windows PC interface, if desired. As such, like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, the next-gen Xbox would then allow access to various PC storefronts, such as Steam and Battle.net. If Microsoft were to keep charging for online multiplayer, then the theory goes those owners might just forgo the Xbox Store and utilize Steam instead on the device.
Last week, Xbox president Sarah Bond said the next Xbox would be "a very premium, very high-end curated experience." She also reconfirmed that Xbox was working on new hardware, after rumors surfaced that Microsoft might exit the console space.
Microsoft is also apparently testing out a free Xbox Cloud Gaming plan with ads. This would have players watch a couple of minutes of video ads, for example, before having access to a curated selection of games or possibly ones they already own. Last but not least, Halo games will be on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved.
content_html
Microsoft revolutionized online multiplayer in the console space with Xbox Live in 2002. And ever since then, playing games online has come at a cost for Xbox owners. But that might not be the case going forward with the next-gen Xbox system, according to a new report.
Windows Central states that "the current plan is for the next Xbox specifically to have no paywall for multiplayer." This would be a notable change, as an (at least) Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription is needed for online multiplayer for Xbox at this time. However, Microsoft doesn't charge for access to free-to-play multiplayer games, like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone--two of the most popular games in the world.
Another reason for this possible change comes from the fact Windows Central reports that the next-gen Xbox will offer a console experience combined with a full Windows PC interface, if desired. As such, like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, the next-gen Xbox would then allow access to various PC storefronts, such as Steam and Battle.net. If Microsoft were to keep charging for online multiplayer, then the theory goes those owners might just forgo the Xbox Store and utilize Steam instead on the device.
Last week, Xbox president Sarah Bond said the next Xbox would be "a very premium, very high-end curated experience." She also reconfirmed that Xbox was working on new hardware, after rumors surfaced that Microsoft might exit the console space.
Microsoft is also apparently testing out a free Xbox Cloud Gaming plan with ads. This would have players watch a couple of minutes of video ads, for example, before having access to a curated selection of games or possibly ones they already own. Last but not least, Halo games will be on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved.
content_text
Microsoft revolutionized online multiplayer in the console space with Xbox Live in 2002. And ever since then, playing games online has come at a cost for Xbox owners. But that might not be the case going forward with the next-gen Xbox system, according to a new report.Windows Central states that "the current plan is for the next Xbox specifically to have no paywall for multiplayer." This would be a notable change, as an (at least) Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription is needed for online multiplayer for Xbox at this time. However, Microsoft doesn't charge for access to free-to-play multiplayer games, like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone--two of the most popular games in the world.Another reason for this possible change comes from the fact Windows Central reports that the next-gen Xbox will offer a console experience combined with a full Windows PC interface, if desired. As such, like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, the next-gen Xbox would then allow access to various PC storefronts, such as Steam and Battle.net. If Microsoft were to keep charging for online multiplayer, then the theory goes those owners might just forgo the Xbox Store and utilize Steam instead on the device.Last week, Xbox president Sarah Bond said the next Xbox would be "a very premium, very high-end curated experience." She also reconfirmed that Xbox was working on new hardware, after rumors surfaced that Microsoft might exit the console space.Microsoft is also apparently testing out a free Xbox Cloud Gaming plan with ads. This would have players watch a couple of minutes of video ads, for example, before having access to a curated selection of games or possibly ones they already own. Last but not least, Halo games will be on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved.
pub_date
27 October 2025, 3:26 pm
guid
1100-6535732
creator
Evan Campbell
processed
TRUE
id: 85534
uid: l3WqG
insdate: 2025-10-27 16:20:02
title: Next-Gen Xbox Might Ditch Multiplayer Paywall - Report
additional:
category: Game Spot
md5: 8a20a3bd5f8a47af769d86469efe9619
link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-xbox-might-ditch-multiplayer-paywall-report/1100-6535732/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
image: https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/screen_medium/1813/18138562/4591209-4490140-4456720-4284641-xboxbond.jpg
image_imgur:
description:
Microsoft revolutionized online multiplayer in the console space with Xbox Live in 2002. And ever since then, playing games online has come at a cost for Xbox owners. But that might not be the case going forward with the next-gen Xbox system, according to a new report.
Windows Central states that "the current plan is for the next Xbox specifically to have no paywall for multiplayer." This would be a notable change, as an (at least) Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription is needed for online multiplayer for Xbox at this time. However, Microsoft doesn't charge for access to free-to-play multiplayer games, like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone--two of the most popular games in the world.
Another reason for this possible change comes from the fact Windows Central reports that the next-gen Xbox will offer a console experience combined with a full Windows PC interface, if desired. As such, like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, the next-gen Xbox would then allow access to various PC storefronts, such as Steam and Battle.net. If Microsoft were to keep charging for online multiplayer, then the theory goes those owners might just forgo the Xbox Store and utilize Steam instead on the device.
Last week, Xbox president Sarah Bond said the next Xbox would be "a very premium, very high-end curated experience." She also reconfirmed that Xbox was working on new hardware, after rumors surfaced that Microsoft might exit the console space.
Microsoft is also apparently testing out a free Xbox Cloud Gaming plan with ads. This would have players watch a couple of minutes of video ads, for example, before having access to a curated selection of games or possibly ones they already own. Last but not least, Halo games will be on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved.
content_html:
Microsoft revolutionized online multiplayer in the console space with Xbox Live in 2002. And ever since then, playing games online has come at a cost for Xbox owners. But that might not be the case going forward with the next-gen Xbox system, according to a new report.
Windows Central states that "the current plan is for the next Xbox specifically to have no paywall for multiplayer." This would be a notable change, as an (at least) Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription is needed for online multiplayer for Xbox at this time. However, Microsoft doesn't charge for access to free-to-play multiplayer games, like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone--two of the most popular games in the world.
Another reason for this possible change comes from the fact Windows Central reports that the next-gen Xbox will offer a console experience combined with a full Windows PC interface, if desired. As such, like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, the next-gen Xbox would then allow access to various PC storefronts, such as Steam and Battle.net. If Microsoft were to keep charging for online multiplayer, then the theory goes those owners might just forgo the Xbox Store and utilize Steam instead on the device.
Last week, Xbox president Sarah Bond said the next Xbox would be "a very premium, very high-end curated experience." She also reconfirmed that Xbox was working on new hardware, after rumors surfaced that Microsoft might exit the console space.
Microsoft is also apparently testing out a free Xbox Cloud Gaming plan with ads. This would have players watch a couple of minutes of video ads, for example, before having access to a curated selection of games or possibly ones they already own. Last but not least, Halo games will be on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved.
content_text: Microsoft revolutionized online multiplayer in the console space with Xbox Live in 2002. And ever since then, playing games online has come at a cost for Xbox owners. But that might not be the case going forward with the next-gen Xbox system, according to a new report.Windows Central states that "the current plan is for the next Xbox specifically to have no paywall for multiplayer." This would be a notable change, as an (at least) Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription is needed for online multiplayer for Xbox at this time. However, Microsoft doesn't charge for access to free-to-play multiplayer games, like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone--two of the most popular games in the world.Another reason for this possible change comes from the fact Windows Central reports that the next-gen Xbox will offer a console experience combined with a full Windows PC interface, if desired. As such, like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, the next-gen Xbox would then allow access to various PC storefronts, such as Steam and Battle.net. If Microsoft were to keep charging for online multiplayer, then the theory goes those owners might just forgo the Xbox Store and utilize Steam instead on the device.Last week, Xbox president Sarah Bond said the next Xbox would be "a very premium, very high-end curated experience." She also reconfirmed that Xbox was working on new hardware, after rumors surfaced that Microsoft might exit the console space.Microsoft is also apparently testing out a free Xbox Cloud Gaming plan with ads. This would have players watch a couple of minutes of video ads, for example, before having access to a curated selection of games or possibly ones they already own. Last but not least, Halo games will be on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved.
pub_date: 27 October 2025, 3:26 pm
guid: 1100-6535732
creator: Evan Campbell
related_games:
processed: TRUE