Earlier this year, Microsoft said it would make an Xbox Live Gold subscription wouldn’t have to play for free games like Fortnite and Apex placementds online. The company has now started testing an update to the dashboard that enables this policy change. Plus, in a surprise addition, it also makes group chat available to non-Gold subscribers.
Xbox Insiders in Alpha Skip Ahead & Alpha Today we bring some new features. Multiplayer in Free Games, Looking 4 Groups, and Party Chat on Xbox no longer require an Xbox Live Gold subscription as we are flying and testing these service changes before general availability.
– Brad Rossetti (@WorkWombatman) March 24, 2021
Microsoft’s decision to remove the payment requirement for freemium multiplayer games came when it reversed the course of the expected Xbox Live Gold price hike in late January. Once the policy change rolls out for everyone later this year, it will bring Microsoft in line with Sony and Nintendo, neither of which requires you to subscribe to their premium multiplayer services if you want to play. to free games. online. Today’s update also includes the Xbox network change spotted in recent days. Xbox Insiders of the Alpha Rings and Alpha Skip Ahead can download the new software.