So, what happened to Microsoft’s price hike?
The announcement was immediately met with backlash en masse from industry leaders and consumers alike. An update would reveal that Microsoft would rescind its prior decision due to overwhelming feedback. Xbox would share their regret in making the move in a follow-up statement. They stated that they would use the lessons learned from this misstep to help make the Xbox experience more friendly. “We messed up today, and you were right to let us know,” reads the official statement. “Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of gaming, and we failed to meet the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change Xbox Live Gold Pricing.” The statement continues, “We’re turning this moment into an opportunity to bring Xbox Live more in line with how we see the player at the center of their experience.”What else did Microsoft and Xbox do in response?
In addition to the decision to reverse the price hike, Microsoft is taking matters much further. A Live Gold membership is no longer a requirement for free-to-play online titles on Xbox consoles. This means there is no longer a restriction towards games like Apex Legends and Fortnite. “We are working hard to deliver this change as soon as possible in the coming months,” the statement reveals. The statement would acknowledge the company’s costly mistake. It would also reveal how they intend on making it better going into a new generation.The response to the reversal
Many reactions would pour in after the reversal announcement. Many would sing Microsoft’s praises for making good on his promise to keep the play in mind regarding its business operations. Others would wonder whether this was a marketing ploy all along. Internal sources within the Xbox team would reveal that the backlash over the decision was also internal. They would also reveal the reversal was not a pre-meditated decision. While the decision was costly, despite making it right, it may take some time for the green-and-white brand to regain the trust of its gamers once again.For more technology, business, and gaming news, follow Jake Leonard on Twitter @JakeLeonardWPMD and Heartland Newsfeed @HLNF_Bulletin on Twitter. Additionally, you can follow Heartland Newsfeed on Facebook and Reddit among other platforms. You can now follow our news updates on Telegram, Flote, and MeWe. Support independent journalism. Become a patron on Patreon for as little as $1 a month. There are other donor options as well.
Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.