Microsoft may allow Xbox One Gold subscribers to try out a selection of its newest games for free through a new system that is under development.
If approved, the program will unlock a variety of major Xbox One titles for 24 hours to players who have signed up for the Games with Gold program. For now, Microsoft is testing out the feasibility of the feature that is being called "Free Play Day with Gold".
On the night of Wednesday, Aug. 20, participants in this recent beta testing noticed that Max: The Curse of Brotherhood has been unlocked as a free download. News of the offering eventually broke out over Reddit.
At this time, there is no official word from Microsoft regarding which videogame titles will be unlocked. However, the Xbox One Support staff confirmed over Twitter that the "Free Play day" program exists. The team also said they will keep "in touch" with more updates.
Events in the past days reflect a growing trend within Microsoft to address relatively lackluster sales for its Xbox One console. In April, the software giant reported that it shipped 5 million Xbox One units to retailers, but failed to mention how many actually sold.
Comparatively, rival Sony has sold more than 10 million Playstation 4 consoles since the latter's debut in November 2013. Also, PS4 owners have access to free games via an optional subscription service similar to what Microsoft is currently offering.
Under the current Gold subscription service, Xbox One owners get to download two games for free every month. Each subscription costs $60 a year. Players lose their free games privileges once their accounts expire.
For the month of August, Microsoft has unlocked the games Strike Suit Zero and Crimson Dragon for the Xbox One. Subscribers still gaming on the Xbox 360 have access to Dishonored and Motocross Madness.
