Xbox Live and its Games with Gold program have been around for quite some time, with it understandably undergoing numerous changes in that time. Many feel that the Games with Gold titles have suffered as Microsoft instead focuses on its Xbox Game Pass cousin, yet Microsoft has been adamant about not closing Games with Gold down, it seems. However, that doesn't mean it isn't keen on some changes, with September being the last month before a major change takes place.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that Games with Gold would no longer add Xbox 360 games beginning October 1, 2022. In other words, the one Xbox 360 game added to Xbox Games with Gold in September will be the last one, but it does seem Microsoft is letting the Xbox 360 inclusions depart on a high note.
On August 30, Microsoft revealed the four games coming to the service in September, with the final Xbox 360 game being Portal 2. Obviously, Portal is a beloved franchise and its sequel is just as loved, which isn't always the case with sequels. It'll be added to the service on September 16 and will depart it on September 30, bringing this era to a close.
Games with Gold will march on, however, adding Xbox One games. Nothing about OG Xbox games was mentioned in the previous announcement, so those may remain too. The Xbox One games available for September 2022 include Gods Will Fall and Double Kick Heroes. The former is available the entire month, while the second will join the service on September 16 and last through October 15. The former sees players take on the role of Celtic heroes in their fight against the gods, while the latter is a shoot 'em up game blended with a rhythm title, with players fighting zombies and militia on freeways in their Gundillac.
The final title is an original Xbox inclusion, and it's Thrillville. This amusement park management sim is a classic of the well-defined genre now, and it'll allow players to design roller coasters, go-carts, check on their guests, keep them happy, and much, much more. Overall, it seems like a pretty solid month and a solid farewell to Xbox 360 games on Games with Gold.
Xbox Live Gold subscribers get a handful of free games every day.
Source: Xbox Wire