Xbox has finally removed the restrictions regarding free-to-play online multiplayer games, making it properly free-to-play for everyone.
Previously, Xbox requires its players to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold to access online multiplayer. This extends to all online multiplayer games, even free-to-play ones. PlayStation, by comparison, never impose the same limits. The PS Plus subscription applies to online multiplayer, but free-to-play games are exempted from requiring a subscription.
As a result of a backlash of the announcement of a price hike for Xbox Live Gold memberships, Microsoft not only backed down, but also took the feedback from the community regarding online multiplayer for free-to-play games not being free, and make it, well, free.
Starting today, over 50 free-to-play games, including big titles such as Apex Legends, Call Of Duty: Warzone, Destiny 2, Fortnite, Phantasy Star Online 2, Roblox and Warframe are all accessible for everyone with any need of a recurring subscription.
Sometimes, making a big deal to these big platform holders that their decisions are bad for us consumers provide results. Sony recently backed down from closing the PS3 and PS Vita PlayStation Stores, which would have stopped all digital games sales from the two devices.
Source: Xbox Wire