Thankfully Microsoft’s Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb has since stepped forward and confirmed via Twitter (via PCWorld) that no, Xbox Live Gold will not be required for online multiplayer gaming on Windows 10 PCs and phones. This was in response to a user in which Hryb replied by saying, “Not charging. Xbox Live Gold will not be required for online multiplayer gaming using our service on Windows 10 PCs and Phones.”
This is great news for PC gamers, although a bit expected we suppose, but unfortunately it did not sit well with console gamers who felt like they might have been stabbed in the back, or at least given less priority over PC gamers. Many have taken to Twitter to express their frustration at why they would have to pay for the service but PC gamers were exempt.
The idea of paying for Xbox Live Gold has always been somewhat contentious to begin with, but over the years gamers have gotten used to it, but with the recent announcement it looks like things could start getting a bit messy for Microsoft.