According to the latest rumors, Microsoft is considering a permanent merger of Xbox LIVE Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
It appears that Microsoft will make some adjustments and add additional options to subscriber selection for Xbox LIVE Gold and Xbox Game Pass. After speculating about an Xbox Game Pass Family Plan, additional options are to be added in this breath. In addition, Sony will launch a new PlayStation Plus subscription model in June.
So the signs are clearly pointing to changes and Xbox LIVE Gold may be integrated into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in the future. According to Brad Sams, Microsoft is currently considering phasing out Xbox Live Gold entirely and offering it exclusively through Game Pass Ultimate. We will probably only find out what the rumors are about as soon as Microsoft officially announces possible adjustments. Until then, you should take this information with some skepticism.