It is no secret that Microsoft's Xbox Games with Gold program has been criticized for the majority of the year due to the lackluster selection of games it has offered. However, for August, Xbox Live Gold subscribers were happy with the free games, and it appears that the same is the case for September 2021.
A few days ago, Microsoft revealed September 2021's Free Games with Gold, including Warhammer: Chaosbane and Mulaka for the Xbox One, as well as Zone of the Enders HD Collection and Samurai Shodown 2 for the Xbox 360. Although next month's roster of free Games with Gold still doesn't include a next-gen title, fans are still happy with the selection, which highlights the strength of Xbox Games with Gold.
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Xbox Games with Gold as a Venue for Old, Yet Popular Games
Although it would have been nice for Microsoft to include Xbox Series X/S titles in Games with Gold, it is obvious with the reception of August and September's rosters that subscribers don't necessarily see next-gen games as a priority. Instead, many are happy to receive older yet popular games, showing that the quality over quantity approach works best for Games with Gold. After the announcement of September's free Games with Gold, many players expressed their excitement for Zone of the Enders HD Collection and Samurai Shodown 2.
However, it is worth remembering that both these games were released many years ago for the Xbox 360. Despite this, players are still happy to receive them for next month's Xbox Free Games with Gold, given both games highly-rated during their respective releases and open the possibility for Microsoft to release similar games in the future.
Although it is yet to be seen what Microsoft could include in Games with Gold next, many players hope that the inclusion of Zone of the Enders HD Collection, which is a Konami franchise created by Hideo Kojima, could mean that Metal Gear Solid HD Collection may be featured in the future. As it stands now, Microsoft seems to be finally listening to its subscribers instead of just releasing lesser-known games. The pattern that August and September have established so far is a good indication of the bright future of Xbox Games with Gold as a service that allows players free access to older, yet nostalgic games.
Xbox Games with Gold and The Xbox Series X/S
Unfortunately, only time will tell whether Microsoft plans to include next-gen support to Xbox Games with Gold. Given it has been almost a year since the company released the Xbox Series X/S, it appears that next-gen games may not release to Games with Gold in the near future. From the pattern that Microsoft has established so far, it appears that next-gen games are reserved for Xbox Game Pass, which Microsoft continues to promote as the future of Xbox gaming. Apart from having numerous Xbox Series X/S games, Microsoft has successfully enticed third-party developers to release their latest games via Xbox Game Pass on day one.
In the end, the lack of next-gen support for Xbox Games with Gold makes perfect sense, especially if Microsoft wants to differentiate it from Game Pass. Based on Microsoft's release pattern, Xbox Games with Gold's strength is offering players the chance to relive classic games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even the original Xbox, while the Xbox Game Pass is the service to get for players wanting access to the latest games from both Microsoft and third-party developers.
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