The popular multiplayer hosting service Xbox Live was once exclusive to Microsoft's series of consoles. However, Microsoft's upcoming OS update will change that. Microsoft announced the plans to expand Xbox Live to PC users at its most recent press event. While this is a big shift for gamers, Microsoft left one question open: would PC-based Xbox Live users have to pay for a subscription?
According to early reports, the answer to that question is "no." Xbox's Director of Programming Larry Hryb, also known as "Major Nelson" on Twitter and Xbox Live, posted that Microsoft would not charge Windows Live users. "Not charging. Xbox Live Gold will not be required for online multiplayer gaming using our service on Windows 10 PCs and Phones."
This move makes a lot of sense. Unlike the Xbox, PCs already have a series of multiplayer platforms built into them, including Steam, Origin and Gameranger that use the openness of Windows to give players a variety of options for multiplayer gaming. Microsoft has attempted to establish a gaming platform in the past through Games for Windows Live, but the required subscription fee and low-quality connections scared gamers off the system.
Thanks to the import of Xbox Live Gold to the PC, Microsoft users will now be able to stream Xbox One games directly to their PC, as well as play their favorite games with Xbox One players. Xbox Live players on PC will also be able to record gaming experiences directly to their PC, so that they can edit the footage and create videos at any time.
