Xbox Live Gold is a good value, offering up a number of benefits including monthly free Games with Gold offers. Subscribers in in certain Latin American countries, however, might be receiving some unfortunate news in the near future. Specifically, rumors are circulating that Microsoft is planning to increase the price of the Xbox Live Gold annual membership in the region by as much as 40%.
The price hike seems to be taking effect in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. If the rumors are correct, the rate increase will take place on February 18th, so there is still time for players to renew subscriptions at the current rate.
The report comes from SoloXboxOne, a Latin American website focused on Xbox One gaming news (via AttackoftheFanBoy.com). Editors for SoloXboxOne reported receiving an email from Microsoft, notifying them of the upcoming price increase. They also heard from some Xbox Live members in Mexico that their monthly subscription for Xbox Live Gold has already increased by 50%.
The website stated that the news comes not long after Sony had recently increased the price of its own gaming network membership, PS Plus, in Latin America. The news is sure to be unwelcomed by many and is a curious move for Microsoft, as Latin America is one of the few markets where Xbox One has been able to outsell Sony’s PS4 console.
Do you give Microsoft the benefit of doubt that this was a necessary price increase to remain competitive and provide Xbox Live services for the region? Or do you think this is a misstep to increase prices in one of the few markets where the Xbox One has been a success over PS4? Let us know in the comments section below.
Further reading: Latin America, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Gold, Xbox One
