Next “Free Gold” Games Aren’t Halo 3, Assassin’s Creed II

During the Microsoft conference at E3, it was announced that Gold members would be getting a few free games between now and the launch of the Xbox One. The first announced titles were Halo 3 and Assassin’s Creed II, two titles that are both over three and a half years old (way over, in the case of Halo 3). Those with confidence in the service swore that things would only get better, that these two highly rated, critical classics were the start of something good.

Not true. They’re just two games that will be free to gold members at some point in the future, Major Nelson has revealed, and considering the game that’s available at the first part of this month, it might end up being the best Gold members can hope for.

FAQ: “Halo 3” and “Assassin’s Creed II” were mentioned as part of the program – no date was given for their release http://t.co/vjnE1sBAYj

— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) June 30, 2013

From today you’ll be able to get Defence Grid: The Awakening for free if you’re a Gold subscriber. It doesn’t seem to be on Metacritic, although IGN gave it 8/10 when it first released… in 2008. Defence Grid is a tower defence title that actually seems quite fun, but it’s also available on Steam and I imagine it’ll be more fun to play with a mouse and keyboard. 

Still, you can’t knock free, and if nothing else at least you might try something that’s a little out of the norm for you. It’s also worth noting that Assassin’s Creed II has been less than a month’s Gold subscription for the last few years, especially on PC, and with rumours that Halo 3 may make it to Steam in the near future, it’ll only be a matter of time before that’s the version to look for as well.

As for the Gold Games initiative as a whole, I can safely say that it won’t make me renew my subscription.