On September 14th, Microsoft is set to introduce the successor to Xbox Live Gold, known as Xbox Game Pass Core. This new subscription will debut with a curated library of 36 titles. Xbox Game Pass Core was originally announced in July, with Microsoft confirming that Core would encompass online gaming and a catalog of a minimum of 25 games.

However, Microsoft appears to have exceeded expectations, ultimately settling on a total of 36 high-quality games that will be available in the Xbox Game Pass Core library upon its launch. Fortunately, the existing Xbox Live Gold members will automatically transition to Xbox Game Pass core on September 14th, with no change in subscription pricing or additional charges. The subscription cost will remain unchanged at $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

So, what does the new Game Pass Core bring to the table? The roster boasts some of the most renowned titles like Halo 5, Fable Anniversary, Forza Horizon 4 Standard Edition, The Elder Scrolls Online, and Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition, among numerous others. It also includes beloved indie games like Stardew Valley, Among Us, Limbo, Gang Beasts, and Celeste.

As per the recent Xbox newswire, Microsoft is dedicated to keeping the excitement alive by updating the Game Pass Core library two to three times annually. There won't be free monthly games.

Microsoft has done an impressive job rebranding its lower-tier subscription, making it considerably more appealing, primarily due to its promise to include online multiplayer capabilities with this subscription. Although nearly 80% of Xbox Game Pass subscribers are on Ultimate, it's unlikely to alter the Ultimate subscriber percentage due to its main feature, cloud gaming. However, Game Pass Core may attract new subscribers who haven't used any passes before.

While Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has previously argued that subscription-based services don't harm game sales, Microsoft did acknowledge a decline in sales by a certain percentage after adding the base game to Game Pass in their CMA report a few months back. The introduction of the Xbox Game Pass Core model might just alleviate Microsoft's concerns about declining sales.

Initially uncertain, Xbox has now confirmed that online console multiplayer will indeed be accessible with Game Pass Core. It is essentially bringing all the features of the Xbox Live Gold, with the exception of how the new games are being curated. Xbox Game Pass Core members will also be eligible for exclusive member deals, with discounts of up to 50% off select games.

Here's a complete catalog of all 36 titles arriving with the launch of Xbox Game Pass Core:

• Among Us
• Astroneer
• Celeste
• Dead Cells
• Descenders
• Dishonored 2
• DOOM Eternal Standard Edition
• Fable Anniversary
• Fallout 4
• Fallout 76
• Firewatch
• Forza Horizon 4 Standard Edition
• Gang Beasts
• Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition
• Golf with your Friends
• Grounded
• Halo 5: Guardians
• Halo Wars 2
• Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
• Human Fall Flat
• INSIDE
• LIMBO
• Ori & the Will of the Wisps
• Overcooked! 2
• Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
• Powerwash Simulator
• Psychonauts 2
• Slay the Spire
• Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
• Stardew Valley
• State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
• Superliminal
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
• Unpacking
• Vampire Survivors

For those who might be confused or uncertain, it's worth noting that Xbox Live Gold cards in retail stores will still be available for purchase and can be redeemed for Game Pass Core, as long as supplies last.