Microsoft is expected to reveal October's Xbox Games with Gold in a few days, offering subscribers a handful of free titles; usually comprised of two Xbox One and two Xbox 360 games. While it is difficult to predict which games would be included in October 2021's roster, there is a rumor circulating online that Hitman 3 could be among them.
A Twitter post by Nils Ahrensmeier shows an image apparetly discovered on Microsoft's server of Hitman 3 with the Xbox Live Gold logo. Naturally, the picture started speculation online that Hitman 3 could be coming to Xbox Free Games with Gold, allowing subscribers to download and keep it for free as long as they maintain their subscription. However, looking at Microsoft's selection pattern for Xbox Free Games with Gold, Hitman 3 doesn't quite fit the criteria - but it may still be offered to Xbox Live Gold subscribers in another way.
Why Hitman 3 Coming to Xbox Free Games with Gold is Unlikely
Xbox Live Gold subscribers know that the Xbox Games with Gold program usually doesn't offer recently released games. Since Hitman 3 was just released earlier this year for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S alongside other platforms, it would be unlikely for Microsoft and Hitman 3 developer IO Interactive to release the game for free.
However, if Hitman 3 will be offered on one of Microsoft's services in the future, it would likely be Xbox Game Pass given the company has been focusing more on improving it. In addition, it is worth remembering that unlike Games with Gold, Xbox Game Pass offers more recently released games, with some titles being offered day one. The question now is what this mean for the image apparently found on Microsoft's server with the Xbox Live Gold logo.
Hitman 3 Could Be Offered Through Xbox Live Gold's Free Play Days
For the uninitiated, Xbox Live Gold is the service Microsoft offers that opens Xbox's online functionality, and further allows access to Xbox Games with Gold - the feature that offers monthly free games.
While it is unlikely that Hitman 3 will be offered to Games with Gold, the game may be included in a future Xbox Live Gold's Free Play Days. From time to time, Microsoft selects a handful of recently released AAA titles that Xbox Live Gold players can access free for a limited time. Games offered under this category are available for several days, usually on weekends, allowing players to try them out. It is worth remembering that Microsoft released several games for Free Play Days this weekend, but it didn't include Hitman 3.
Unlike Games with Gold, players won't keep games offered on Xbox Live Gold's Free Play Days. However, there are times when Microsoft will provide limited-time discounts on these games to entice players. In all likelihood, the leaked image showing Hitman 3 donning the Xbox Live Gold logo means that the game could be offered to Xbox Live Gold's Free Play Days in the future.
There is still the chance Hitman 3 will be released to Xbox Free Games with Gold, which would surprise the Xbox Live Gold community. While the last couple of months saw a positive reception to the roster of Games with Gold, the same can't be said for earlier months, which garnered widespread disapproval from the community. However, if Hitman 3 is included in Xbox Games with Gold in the future, it would probably be the signal that Microsoft is showing interest in the service again.
Hitman 3 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.