When Xbox Live's Games with Gold debuted in 2013, subscribers would receive a handful of Xbox 360 games each month. Eventually, Games With Gold expanded to offer Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S titles, but there would always be a 360 game given away alongside them. That will no longer be the case, as Microsoft will be moving away from giving away free 360 games. As part of an email sent to current Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass members, it was revealed that Microsoft has "reached the limit of our ability to bring Xbox 360 games to the catalog."

We have reached the limit of our ability to bring Xbox 360 games to the catalog; however, Games with Gold will continue to include exciting Xbox One titles and exclusive savings each month.

This will not impact any Xbox 360 games that you downloaded before October 2022. Any Xbox 360 titles that you redeem via Games with Gold before that time are yours to keep on your Xbox account, regardless of whether you continue your subscription.

This will go into effect in October. From here on out, Microsoft will continue to offer Xbox One games instead, each month. You'll still be able to keep all the 360 games you've redeemed throughout the years, of course, and you'll even be able to play them should you eventually cancel your Gold or Game Pass subscriptions.

Source

 

[ccfman2004]

I guess I'll start downloading gold games, always thought that unlike ps plus, they came and went, like you didn't have them permanently as a member? Or is that only game pass?

For Xbox and Xbox 360 Games with Gold games they are permanent if you bought them when they were free even if you cancel Xbox Live Gold. Xbox One and Series Games with Gold can be played until your Gold subscription is canceled.

It's Game Pass games that come and go.

 

[K3Nv2]

I mean paying a service to play games online with your friends was a dick move from the getgo.

 

[godreborn]

For Xbox and Xbox 360 Games with Gold games they are permanent if you bought them when they were free even if you cancel Xbox Live Gold. Xbox One and Series Games with Gold can be played until your Gold subscription is canceled.

It's Game Pass games that come and go.

Just changed my subscription to gold only.

 

[Jayro]

So I guess any chance of getting eternal sonata on bc is no more?

Looks like you might have to keep a 360 around for the occasion.

 

[godreborn]

Looks like you might have to keep a 360 around for the occasion.

I'll be selling it next year. I never beat the game. I plan to redo my setup and eliminate systems I don't use.

 

[Jayro]

I'll be selling it next year. I never beat the game. I plan to redo my setup and eliminate systems I don't use.

Well if you ever sell any Gameboys or GameGears, let me know.

 

[DinohScene]

I'll be selling it next year. I never beat the game. I plan to redo my setup and eliminate systems I don't use.

I beaten Eternal Sonata like 11 times by now?

Bummer, not that I cared much about the 360 titles for Gold.

 

[godreborn]

I beaten Eternal Sonata like 11 times by now?

Bummer, not that I cared much about the 360 titles for Gold.

I think I messed up in that trading side quest that goes throughout the game. That pretty much killed my interest.

 

[jumpman17]

They'll probably follow Sony's lead. Give away 2 Vita, 2 PS3, and 2 PS4 games. Many of the games were cross-platform, so PS4 you could get 4 or 5 games every month. Then they axed the free Vita and PS3 games. Did they do more? Nope, still just 2 PS4 games. Now that PS5 is out, we also get a PS5 game each month, so it's up to 3 games a month now.

 

[eyeliner]

Well, it not that the games for Xbox 360 were substitutes for Xbox One or even X.
They were for people who still owned the x360.
Its a sign of MS telling people to update to windows 11..., wait, xbox series!

 

[mightymuffy]

They couldn't just recycle old games??

They actually started this this month with 360 Torchlight, which was also given away on the service sometime in 2019, and I moaned about this on the relevant thread on here a few days ago - they must've read my post: 'fukkin hell muffy's upset, pull them all off in case he gets the pitchfork out!'
But it seems the reason has now become clear, they've released everything they can, and other 360 titles are probably due to 3rd parties not wanting them on the service etc etc.. so many great 360 games that didn't even make BC - we already heard they can't do any more, guess this is further proof..

 

[MadonnaProject]

This was the only reason I was renewing my membership. I have 2.5 years left and I was going to up that to 3 years but nah. I liked the idea that I got to keep 360 games which upped my library but I refuse to pay for any subscription service. This i why I cancelled PSPLUS.

 

[Dax_Fame]

Rotate the games so everyone has a chance to grab them? WHOOOOA!

Rubbish excuse. Gold and "Live" will be gone eventually at this rate.

 

[TehCupcakes]

Guys... Xbox 360 was released in 2005, and it's successor in 2013. It's surprising they kept it around this long. All things must end, and it was long overdue with Series X|S out now as well.

No, they won't replace it with more Xbox One/Series titles. Those games carry a heck of a lot more value and were probably already 95% of their budget each month.

 

[Stealphie]

Boo. I don't like this.
also you got to actually keep the 360 games, even after your subscription ran out. not with the xbone games. lame.

 

[DJPlace]

that's a low blow....

 

[Marc_LFD]

Boo. I don't like this.
also you got to actually keep the 360 games, even after your subscription ran out. not with the xbone games. lame.

"Keep"

Unless you buy something DRM-free then it's not actually yours and they can remove it at any moment regardless if you "own" it. That's why I hate digital "purchases."



Physical > DRM-Free Digital > Piracy > Digital DRM

 

[Dr_Faustus]

"Keep"

Unless you buy something DRM-free then it's not actually yours and they can remove it at any moment regardless if you "own" it. That's why I hate digital "purchases."



Physical > DRM-Free Digital > Piracy > Digital DRM

This video also goes into detail how shit it can be. Its a problem that has become very rampant in the current age.