On Tuesday, Microsoft did something that Xbox users have wanted them to do for years–the company finally tore down the part of the Golden Paywall that encompassed entertainment apps. What this means is that starting June 9th, Xbox users will be able to stream Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime Instant Video, HBO Go, and more without having to purchase an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
Generally good news all around, right? Well, if you happened to have already purchased a full year’s worth of Xbox Live Gold (as many are wont to do, as it is cheaper that way), then this announcement could’ve left you a bit miffed.
Don’t worry, however. Microsoft is handing out pro-rata refunds for Gold subscribers who cancel their accounts by August 31st of this year.
“Once the Xbox One and Xbox 360 system updates become available in June, Xbox Live Gold members who purchased a paid membership before that day can cancel and receive a pro-rata refund of any unused remaining days between the date of cancellation and the date their paid Gold membership ends. Cancellation and pro-rata refund requests must be made by August 31, 2014 and require six to eight weeks for processing. Free or trial Gold memberships are not eligible for a refund. To request your pro-rata refund, please click http://support.xbox.com/contact-us after the system updates become available in June,” says Microsoft in an Xbox FAQ.
For people who ponied up for Xbox Live Gold just so they could stream videos from various services, this is really good news. If you’re an online multiplayer enthusiast, don’t go canceling you subscription. The tearing down of the Golden Paywall doesn’t affect you. You still need Xbox Live Gold to play online.
Image via Xbox.com