Lets do some comparisons here. We already know that Xbox Live provides some of the best online features. But what exactly are we paying for when we choose to buy the Xbox Live Gold subscription? To figure this out we must first subtract the features that are offered by Xbox Live Silver and also the features that the Playstation 3 offers for free. This would also show why we don’t yet have Free Xbox Live.
According to the official Xbox website, some of the Gold subscription features include:
1) Multiplayer games: Invite your friends into a multiplayer match and compete against each other or play co-op through expansive adventures.
2) Marketplace: Gold members get early and exclusive access to select game add-ons, demos, trailers, videos, and more.
3) TrueSkill matchmaking: For every ranked game you play, TrueSkill finds the best match for your skill level.
4) Parties: Invite a group of friends into an Xbox LIVE Party, then you can all join games and play and chat together.
5) Gamer feedback: Use the feedback system to select players you want to play with (or avoid) the next time you’re online.
6) Watch Netflix movies: Xbox LIVE Gold members who also belong to Netflix can watch Netflix’s extensive library of streaming movies and TV shows right on their console at no additional charge.
7) Gamer profile: Showcase your online reputation and achievements for your friends to see.
Avatar: Share the customized Avatar that represents your online identity.
So here we see some of the main selling points of a Xbox Live Gold subscription. However, points one, two, five, and seven can also be found on the Playstation 3 for free. Also, if we include Home on Playstation 3, then point 8 is not exclusive to Xbox Live and depending on who you ask Playstation 3 may have the upper hand in the Avatar department. As far as the Marketplace is concerned, Xbox Live Silver members can still access the Marketplace free of charge but they do not receive early access to some content. Now we are just left with points three, four, and six. Without factoring in other things such as the user base, we are mainly left paying for about three features that can’t be found on other online gaming services.
Three online features for $50 a year. While not too expensive, is this price point really justified? Maybe this was the case back when Xbox Live was first introduced back in 2002 but I don’t feel that this argument can still be made when there are other competitors who offer some of the same features free of charge. Despite all of this, I don’t expect that gamers will receive free Xbox Live anytime soon. As long as users are willing to pay, Microsoft will continue to charge. Yet as the Playstation 3 continues to draw closer to the Xbox 360 in terms of online game play I can’t help but to question the service that I am being provided. Perhaps it is the time that we, the users, begin to expect just a little bit more out of our Xbox Live Gold memberships. Whether this comes in the form of a price cut or more online features, I think it’s time that Microsoft offers some sort of incentive for us to keep paying.
Get helpful points of view in the topic of cheap new playstation 3 – this is your personal guide.
You must log in to post a comment.