A Microsoft employee has stated that no paid Xbox Live Gold subscription is required to use the online multiplayer modus of Xbox Live on Windows 10 PCs and smartphones. Xbox One gamers have to continue to pay for the online multiplayer feature.
Microsoft's Larry Hryb, also known as Major Nelson, confirmed the free feature on Twitter. "Not charging", he answered to the question of another Twitter user. "Xbox Live will not be required for online multiplayer gaming using our service on Windows 10 PCs and Phones."
@haydencd Not charging. Xbox Live Gold will not be required for online multiplayer gaming using our service on Windows 10 PCs and Phones
— Larry Hryb 🇺🇦 (@majornelson) March 5, 2015
Microsoft announced the Xbox Live SDK for Windows 10 last week. Besides that, developers will also get access to a large part of the Xbox Live services. The service will be made available through the Xbox app on Windows 10 and will, besides gaming, bring social features and clips to PC and smartphone gamers. The company further stated, "We are also committed to making Xbox Live accessible to all game developers, regardless of size, which is why we're introducing a new tier of Xbox Live that is designed to allow any developer to engage with the Xbox Live community."
What the company intents with this, is not entirely clear.
The SDK makes it possible that games can be played cross platform, meaning both on the Xbox One and Windows 10. There have been several games announced that combine online multiplayer for Xbox One and Windows 10, such as Gigantic and Fable: Legends. Gigantic, that can be played in teams of five against five will be released together with Windows 10.
