If you were hoping that Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass subscribers would start getting a few AAA games from Games With Gold or maybe a well-known indie in 2023, then you probably know where this is headed.
The two titles Xbox Live Gold subscribers (included with Game Pass Ultimate) will get in January are iris fall and carnauts. carnauts was launched on all current consoles this summer, but launched on Windows PCs back in 2019. It’s a crafting/management space colonization sim.
iris fall is a puzzle game (made by Next Studios of China) that was released in 2018; it didn’t garner much attention, but at least the attention it got was positive. Both games are playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X. Games With Gold stopped adding Xbox 360 games back in September.
The program’s offerings have fallen deeper into the bargain-basement realm over the past year as Microsoft prioritizes Xbox Game Pass, and Game Pass Ultimate in particular. At the very least, it’s hard to be disappointed when you have low expectations.
iris fall ($19.99 ERP) is available from January 1st to January 31st. carnauts ($19.99 ERP) is available January 16-31.
In addition to these games, subscribers can still get two of December’s Games With Gold selections — Colt Canyonto December 31, and Ringing Fury until January 15th. Xbox Live Gold membership costs $9.99 per month and is now primarily for online multiplayer access. For Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners looking for a subscription, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers a better choice at $14.99 per month and includes access to Xbox Live Gold.
