Xbox Live To Raise Prices

Microsoft will be hitting you where it hurts starting November 1, because Gold Xbox Live membership prices are getting hiked. Monthly subscribers can expect to pay $2 more ($24 annually), tri-monthly will rise by $5 ($20 annually) , and yearly subscribers will get a $10 price hike.

As you might expect, there’s been no small outcry about the rising prices. Microsoft failed to time the announcement to coincide with some feature addition, which has led many to speculate that they’re gouging for profit rather than offsetting costs.

This pricing change comes after years of free feature additions to Xbox Live service. Microsoft has been mum about the motivation for the sudden change. In the meantime, you can still renew your subscription at modern pricing. That should stave off the pain for another year.