Microsoft Brings the Pain: Xbox Live Gold Price to rise

[CoFree]

Microsoft Brings the Pain: Xbox Live Gold Subscription Prices to Rise
by Brandon Hill

Microsoft has some bad news for Xbox Live Gold members

There's no question that Xbox Live is the most uniform, streamlined online service for current generation game consoles when it comes to online multiplayer gaming, media streaming, and social interactivity. And for those that want to enjoy all of the fruits that come with such a service, gamers have been willing to work over $50 per year for an Xbox Live Gold membership.

Now, however, Microsoft is moving to the "Dark Side" by raising prices across the board for Xbox Live Gold memberships. According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, who broke the news earlier today, a one-year Xbox Live Gold membership will now cost $59.99 per year. For those that don't wish to commit to a full year of online gaming goodness, three-month membership now cost $24.99 and a one-month membership will set you back $9.99.

For reference, the previous pricing structure was $49.99, $19.99, and $7.99 respectively.

"Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same," said Major Nelson. "We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry."

In an effort to soften the blow for existing Xbox Live Gold members, Microsoft will offer subscribers an option to lock in for a one-year membership at a price of $39.99. This offer will begin on November 1, but Microsoft doesn't say how long the promotion will last.

Not surprisingly, negative reaction from Xbox 360 gamers poured in quickly. "wtf! You don't even give us enough content to justify $50 let alone $60.. glad I'm paid up for the next year and a half," noted rogue on Major Nelson's blog. Another gamer, Hardtrget, added "Wow that is ridiculous. If you want to do something decent for the community ditch Microsoft Points and charge real money instead of upping the price of Live."

Pureblade got right to the point; "I'm giving you the middle finger but you can't see it, Microsoft."

[cainhunpi]

I wish they would do 2 subscription plans.

One just for online gameplay, ESPN 3 and netflix. basic stuff like that. (Xbox Live Gold)

And something with all other features like Facebook Twitter, Last FM. (Xbox Live Diamond)

I dont need all that stuff. there is something called the INTERNET

Or they should just open a addon store, so that developers could develop applications that run on a xbox.

That is coming with the next Xbox. I'm sure

[tonyuk73]

I dont understand this guy,How much money do you need?
would of thought prices go down not up when millions and billions are made like MS do it.I got one thing to say.

.

I've got a gold account on ' live ' and all the crap on it i do not use and see it as a big spam machine for products i will never purchase and all i use it for is to go online gaming,if i need to use twitter facebook, movies,game reviews etc i use my pc.
At the end off the day a xbox 360 is for gaming why would i want to use it for anything else.
Get a grip 'Bill' because i will not pay any more.And i hope people with any sense will boycott your very rich arse.

[CoFree]

and see it as a big spam machine for products

I am 100% with you on that man
Its one big spam targeted at mostly kids

to be fair there is good gaming but you have to work through all the crap first.

In my opinion you should be able to remove all the lines but the ones you want
I would keep my friends and the my xbox
and hide or delete all the others

[slowmo]

I wish they would do 2 subscription plans.

One just for online gameplay, ESPN 3 and netflix. basic stuff like that. (Xbox Live Gold)

And something with all other features like Facebook Twitter, Last FM. (Xbox Live Diamond)

But that would make it harder to justify making people pay more for a bad service. Only one of those 3 diamond services I have ever used was the Last FM, but its worthless you cant listen while in game and the constant katy perry ads get annoying.

[HaGGardSmurf]

Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same

Keep the content the same for god sake, no one uses any of the dumb garbage they add. I only have my online membership for, wait for it... online gaming...

I have never once thought oh hey I should check my facebook let me power up this furnace/jet aircraft some call an xbox 360. If only microsoft had some direct competition, the prices may be lower. Too bad third party online multiplayer's dont really work...

I dont understand this guy,How much money do you need?

Lol, apple is worth more than microsoft, M$ is trying to get back on top!

But that would make it harder to justify making people pay more for a bad service. Only one of those 3 diamond services I have ever used was the Last FM, but its worthless you cant listen while in game and the constant katy perry ads get annoying.[/quote]

Yep.