120°

The Rise and Fall of Xbox Live: A Gamer's Perspective

Xbox Live has changed a fair bit since its release but, arguably, not always for the better. Ben writes of his frustration at "your mum" insults being rapped at him, and the betrayal of XBL's purpose.

Read Full Story >>
omghomeblend.com
TheMasterShake4265d ago (Edited 4265d ago )

can someone clarify for me, did you have to pay fee on the original xbox to play xbox live. i was a GameCube & PS2 guy back in the day.

ALLWRONG4265d ago

Yeah and it was real basic. Live has changed and innovated so much over the years. Live brought online entertainment like movies, music, games, apps, and marketplace to everyone.

DigitalRaptor4265d ago (Edited 4265d ago )

I agree. Regardless of that, Microsoft still charge you for things that are free everywhere else. That goes beyond gaming if I'm being honest:

Facebook, Twitter, Netflix and all other apps. It's insulting that they hold these otherwise free to access services behind XBL. Netflix, in particular - you're already paying for that! I don't know any other company that charges you each year to access an array of apps, especially ones that should be free to everyone.

The service itself is great, unified, solid - don't get me wrong - but paying just to access games you've already bought to simply play online should not cost what they charge you. MS certainly don't need that money for network upkeep, so don't bring up that they do. Charging for advanced features, would be a fairer choice for gamers. Currently, you either pay for access to half of all your games, or you don't. Not a real choice.

I think people need to think about it quite carefully to consider that if Microsoft have already raised the cost of entry to their online, what's stopping them from doing it again and again and again, if they know people will pay for it unquestionably because it's the only way for them to play with their friends (not because they think Party Chat and XGC is worth $60 per year)?

We'll see how the situation plays out as Nintendo offers their service (for free? Probably) with a strong focus on community features as we've seen from their presentations - and as Sony offers more value with PS+, improves their network services for PS Vita & PS4 to match XBL, whilst keeping online free too. Vita's online is free, and so will PS4 be. I can imagine, the differences will only make XBL stand out stronger for what it charges you for.

I'll just put it out there now - MS would gain so much more market share if they just let you play games online for free. I would seriously consider the next Xbox if that were the case. Do it Microsoft - just do it!

Treian4264d ago

that's why I use a PC. Steam is free, and it can multitask basically everything with good enough specs.

optimus4264d ago (Edited 4264d ago )

Looks like it was a different experience in england as i remember the 1st game (or one of the 1st) to implement xboxlive on the 1st xbox was that mech game (can't remember the name)...but anyhow, his complaint's are not worldwide as i didn't have a problem with gears 2...

Xboxlive doesn't really appeal to me because i encounter people talking non-sense 95% of the time. The same non-sense that the writer claims he misses... The only times i play multiplayer in any game is when i play one of my best friend's that lives across the country. Other than that, playing people i never met makes me a little uncomfortable. Not to mention the countless kids that argue with their moms and siblings while they play...
sure i can mute them but at this rate i might as well mute everyone which doesn't help because if you refuse to talk to anyone, they either quit or kick you out, so no, it's not good to play together...at least not for me...

As for the apps, i do believe you can access those apps if you're a silver member, which is free.

nukeitall4264d ago

@DigitalRaptor:

"The service itself is great, unified, solid - don't get me wrong - but paying just to access games you've already bought to simply play online should not cost what they charge you. MS certainly don't need that money for network upkeep, so don't bring up that they do. Charging for advanced features, would be a fairer choice for gamers. Currently, you either pay for access to half of all your games, or you don't. Not a real choice."

Doesn't it speak for itself?

When you have a competitor that offers a similar service for free, supposed more hardware features and more exclusives, yet people are still willing to pay to use Xbox Live Gold every year.

I believe a large section of the people have voted!

I can sell stuff on Craigslist for free, but I still use eBay! Because there is feature parity (which it isn't on PSN and XBL), still doesn't mean the reach or the community is the same.

If you played online a lot with a lot of friends, you would know exactly why Xbox Live is chosen!

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4264d ago
showtimefolks4264d ago

More power to you if you like to pay to play online but with a family to support and limited amount of time I just can't. Cross game chat is a huge reason why many people pay and I hope both Nintendo and Sony offer it with their next home consoles.

One thing I don't like is when other systems offer something for free why do we have to ay for it on xblive?

I just can not see xblive being a premium service forever I think Sony will give MS a run for their money with ps4 and with psn:plus already a better service IMO. It's only a matter of time before cross game chat will end up with ps4 than MS won't have a real argument when it comes to gamers. I feel like as someone who bought xbox360 at launch we were the consumers MS went after but than over the last 2-3 years they have totally forgotten about us and cared about casual market. My choice next time around will be wii-u and ps4. I know any will offer a lot of exclusives and improved psn and the chance to p,ay Nintendo first party games in HD also sounds gear compare to another halo or gears.

I hope phil Harrison improves MS game studios because he is one of the main reason why Sony have so many studios

TheLyonKing4264d ago

Basically MS have stagnated on the issue of Live, back when 360 launced the price tag was justified now PSN has really closed the gap and now imo the price isn't worth even a quarter of the service when you compare it with psn.

ChunkyLover534264d ago

Microsoft has set the bar this generation for online, if you look back at the Dreamcast, it was clear that they felt like Sony would lag behind in the online department and it was true. Dreamcast launched with a built in modem, PS2 did not.

Sony didn't really focus on the online aspects of the PS3, PSN is complicated and not very aesthetically pleasing. They haven't updated the looks of PSN since it launched over 6 years ago. Its decent if you are just looking for a bare bones online experience, but I pay for Xbox Live as a premium service and that quality is unmatched in my opinion. In almost 8 years as a customer I've never once not been able to log into Xbox Live, not once! That speaks to the quality of the service. If your a serious gamer, why wouldn't you want the best online service available?

KMCROC544263d ago

Payed for XBL back in the day on Xbox & still pay for Xbl today on 360 . will continue to do so, have no issues about doing so guess it just preference.

190°

15 Xbox Games That Should Make the Multiplatform Jump

While there’s likely already a list behind closed doors, one can still speculate and offer logical suggestions for titles new and old that should find their way into the PlayStation and Switch libraries.

Read Full Story >>
technabob.com
GamerRN54d ago

Single A games and live service games. Those make sense

S2Killinit54d ago

None of it makes sense. But its happening.

Ps5conehead53d ago

That’s up to Microsoft they want return on there investment. From buying up those publishers. That’s what there in business for. And they made a mistake putting day one exclusive on game pass. So now Microsoft wants to profit any way they can.its called buisness . Just like Sony putting games on pc a year are two after ps5 launch.
So if they can make money off PlayStation and Nintendo. They will do that. And I bet soon real soon they will release some aaa exclusives .and I bet one day it will be same day release

TheEroica53d ago

Sony gamers begging for Xbox games.... Who would've thunk it?

BISHOP-BRASIL53d ago

Yeah, because random site off the internet represents all Sony gamers, they have the letter of attorney and all...

S2Killinit53d ago

Lol what a spin. You dizzy?

AsunaYuukiTheFlash53d ago (Edited 53d ago )

We don’t care about shovelwares. Get that junk out of PS5

StormSnooper53d ago

More like MS begging to put their games on PlayStation.

TheEroica52d ago

Keep begging Sony gamers!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 52d ago
Friendlygamer54d ago

Some of these seem to be exclusive for lack of enthusiasm of the publisher rather than because of deals. A lot of cool indies skip ps for some reason like katana zero, el paso, elsewhere and gunbrela

S2Killinit54d ago

Even more indies skip xbox. We know that right?

Friendlygamer54d ago

Quality over quantity, Microsoft got some really interesting and curated niche games on their machines, maybe in part because of gamepass

S2Killinit53d ago

Quality and MS are not things you bring up in same sentence.

shinoff218353d ago (Edited 53d ago )

Alot of indies skip xbox to. It goes round and round. Personally I think your off base on that but no need to have the argument.

Friendlygamer53d ago

Between katana zero, valheim, Battletech, el passo... I don't feel off base. maybe ps got a million of light novel games that will never release on Xbox but like I've said, I'm talking about niche games highlights, the 10%.

  Heck, it's probably thanks to Microsoft that the s.t.a.l.k.e.r games came to console ps included, meanwhile Sony backwards compatibility continues to be extremely anemic.

And I'm sure most ps5 users are happy to ignore these games and just play wathever new 3rd person action game is trending but it's cool that Microsoft gives some love to smaller audiences and software preservation

shinoff218353d ago

Again your off base just to be snide. All it's showing though is your ignorance.

One light novels wtf is that even. Ps has plenty of pretty damn good indies.

Speaking of indies and ms being responsible. You know F.I.S.T. of course you do alot of you guys just support gamepass. Well here's a history of Sony being responsible for helping indies. Look up the China project from Sony.

Lastly lol your ignorance showing again. Sony has plenty of games. Personally third person is better then first anyway but that's besides the point. Sony gets so many games that xbox doesn't get because yall don't support the games. Jrpgs being a great example. I personally am not into every Sony first party game. Alot of us aren't. On the other side you don't get to eat often so you gobble up everything. Me personally God of War not my cup, etc. For me I'm into jrpgs and ms just can't touch Sony on those. Again because the Xbox base doesn't support it. Devs dont wanna waste their time or money. Hit me up when falcom develops a game over there.

Speaking of third person narrative games. Aren't yall drooling over hellblade 2. The first one was Sony exclusive at one point. Another not my cup game. Showing we don't have to fall in line and agree we love everything Sony puts out. The facts are they sell though unlike elsewhere(not nintendo)

StormSnooper53d ago

You are same person as GamerRN, yes?

Abnor_Mal54d ago

They really think PlayStation fans would want to play Redfall? Pfft.

Personally nothing on that list would be any game I’d want to play.

TwoPicklesGood54d ago

I’d absolutely love Hellblade 2, Palworld, and Quantum Break on ps5 as I’m sure tons of others would too. There’s nothing wrong with wanting games from another console and its sad that people try to act like they aren’t interested in them.

shinoff218353d ago

While indont agree with the games. I agree with the point. Your not wrong.

DarXyde54d ago

Sunset Overdrive makes very good sense. Palworld might.

Don't know about the others. Hellblade II does make sense given the original launched on PS4 first. Quantum Break was a massive letdown for me. I absolutely hated the whole TV show thing and I don't think anyone should have to relive that on modern hardware.

Show all comments (31)
120°

15 Top Notch Single-Player Games You Can Complete in 10 Hours

For those who don't have time for massive open worlds or role-playing games with epic tales, these 15 games are worth checking out.

Read Full Story >>
gamingbolt.com
anast61d ago

Good games for the $9.99 bin, you can get all of the Metro's for $10 in a bundle.

90°

Rumored Gears of War Collection is at the top of my 2024 Xbox wishlist

As the long-rumored Gears of War Collection looks like it may finally materialize on Xbox, the timing could not be better as Gears 6 and movie news swirls.

Read Full Story >>
theloadout.com
1Victor114d ago (Edited 114d ago )

(Insert “It should be multi platform if Microsoft investors wants more money” JK here)
All jokes aside congratulations to all the gears fans it will be a blast I remember having fun on the first one on my 360 elite till got RROD and quit Xbox all together but that’s a story for another day.
Congratulations 🎊 🍾 🎉 🎈 🎉 🙏

Wyesvin114d ago

I'm excited for this just aslong is on the pc also cause I don't have the newest xbox console.

shinoff2183114d ago

I enjoyed the tactical one. I can't remember the actual name but it was fun.