Microsoft removes 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription option

A few days ago, a number of Xbox One users noticed that you couldn’t buy a 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription from the Microsoft Store for the console. While many thought this was an error, it turns out that the company purposely removed the stock-keeping unit (SKU) from the website. Microsoft issued the following statement to TrueAchievements, confirming the purposeful removal.

At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online Store. Customers can still sign up for a one month or three month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.

It’s unclear why the company would do this, but I think it’s related to the fact that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the company’s new focus. It includes Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox Live Gold, better editions of first-party games, and even Project xCloud game streaming from September.

Both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cost roughly the same if you’re going with a month-to-month plan, and perhaps focusing on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is better for the company. Keep in mind all of this is speculation since Microsoft didn’t clarify the reason behind the removal.

What do you think? Why did Microsoft remove the 12-month option? Let us know.