350°

Xbox Live is Old News

GI - Without a doubt, Xbox Live was the best online gaming experience offered on Xbox Original and Xbox 360. Focus in on the keyword, was. The thought of Nintendo having a superior online network is laughable, so that only leaves Sony’s PlayStation Network to hold the crown for offering the best network to PS3 and PS Vita owners. Clearly the presses stopped and jaws dropped when that statement was made. It is one thing to claim that the PS3 is better than Xbox 360, which is a sometimes forgotten fact, but when the one legit advantage the Xbox has is challenged, it’s “mind-bottling”.

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-Mezzo-4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

Yup, Microsoft definitely needs to introduce a program similar to PS+.

LOGICWINS4146d ago

Microsoft SHOULD introduce a program similar to PS+, but they don't NEED to. You make it seem like Microsoft is in some sort of "trouble".

In 2011, XBL reached 35 million subscribers.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011...

In 2012, that figure has jumped to 40 million subscribers.

http://www.tgdaily.com/game...

The number of XBL users are increasing...not decreasing.

-Mezzo-4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

@1.1.3 -- "I stated that more and more people are realizing that PS+ is a better deal than XBL"

I did said that, but that doesn't necessarily imply that i meant "Droves" of people are switching over.

You assumed that and replied with a bunch of Stats ( For Some Reason ).
---------------------

The reason i edited that part out was because i thought it might give some people the wrong idea. Which, sadly, it did.

WilliamH4146d ago

How do you not put yourself to sleep. Put a cork in that whine

LOGICWINS4146d ago

"So how exactly is that good for the game?"

I never said it was. That wasn't the argument you started. Before you cleverly edited your comment, you stated that more and more people are realizing that PS+ is a better deal than XBL...implying that XBL users are switching over in "droves" to PS Plus.

That is incorrect. The number of unique XBL users have risen, not fallen. The only purpose of my comment was to counter your argument.

Are some people dumping XBL for Plus? Sure, thats possible. But not so much so that Microsoft has to worry.

Now...if you want to talk about whether or not this is good for gaming, we can discuss that in a new argument.

LOGICWINS4146d ago

"The reason i edited that part out was because i thought it might give some people the wrong idea. Which, sadly, it did."

Hey man no harm no foul. I was just really confused. You must've edited your second comment five times lol. If you still want to discuss whether or not XBL is good for gaming, I'll be happy to do so here or somewhere else. Send me a PM.

nukeitall4146d ago

If paid Xbox Live is good for gaming?

Let me ask you this, was anyone else, but MS pushing online play on consoles?

Was anyone else, but MS that pushing apps on consoles? Anyone else pushing Netflix?

That is the power of paid premium service similar to how HBO is a premium channel with premium content. Very few other channels match them in terms of content quality.

Most people claim it is the same, but there is a reason why people choose to pay.

It's like saying Craigslist is the same as eBay. They might do similar things, but they are in no way shape or form the same.

GraveLord4146d ago

USERS not Subscribers.
They are counting silver accounts and those on the 30-day trials.

Even right there in the first article you cited it says "(last we heard, there were over 12 million Gold subscribers),".

Do you not read what you post?

youndamie4146d ago

The only reason it has risen is because more people purchased the xbox, and they have to buy live to play online, unlike were its optional for psn.

showtimefolks4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

LOGICWINS

let's see that number once ps4 comes out at the same time as next xbox along with free psn with cross game chat. Xblive has few features that psn needs but what's to say psn won't get those next time around.

but there is also a chance that psn won't be free any more so let's see

i am not hating on xblive but all things equal why should one service be free and other worth $50-60? just to use netflix you need a gold account whole on ps3 you don't

create value for consumers

buy a used game
pay $10 for online
pay for xblive

buy the same used game for ps3
pay for online pass
and psn is free

it all comes down to value

ThanatosDMC4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

I hope you know that a lot of Steam games require players to register to a Live account in order to save our progress or unlock DLC that we've all ready paid for on Steam.

Batman games, Dead Rising games, most Capcom games, etc. all require Live.

4146d ago
Outside_ofthe_Box4146d ago

The reason why XBL isn't free is because it started last gen when online gaming wasn't standard. MS saw online gaming as an additional feature, which at that the time it essentially was. But now pretty much every single game has an MP portion so charging to game on online seems borderline criminal.

Nothing wrong with a premium service, but there is something wrong in charging an additional fee for someone to play the online portion of a game that they have already paid for.

Raoh4146d ago

@ nukeitall

Let me ask you this, was anyone else, but MS pushing online play on consoles?

Was anyone else, but MS that pushing apps on consoles? Anyone else pushing Netflix?

PS2 not only had SOCOM series that came with a headset and commercials that promoted communication, sony not only had an MMO, FFXI, which was primarily a console title with a pc version that resided on the same servers with international play, but they also had a first party mmo Everquest Online Adventures a first party game that ran well without a hard drive. Online fees for EQOA and FFXI were standard server support for MMO's just like with World of Warcraft.

Also before netflix, sony talked about apps and media services, its one of the reasons it came with a browser for html apps and such.

Linux desktop on ps3 as well as a PS2 linux model that also existed.

Matter of fact I recall many MS fans saying they did not want media services or apps on their console so they hated on ps3. Until MS did it too and then the same people loved the idea and thanked ms for inventing it. Just like they invented motion gaming.

Yall some fools for paying for xbl. PC gamers had it right, told MS to kick rocks. You know what MS did in return? Dropped the fees and still provided the same services they originally asked money for but now only for free.

BLAKHOODe4146d ago

I can't speak for other gamers, but for me personally, after being very loyal to the brand for about 6 years, I no longer play Xbox or use Xbox Live. When it comes up for renewal, I won't renew.

About the beginning of 2012, I turned all my attention to Playstation and that's become my primary console. I use it every day for gaming, movies, Netflix and more. I feel it's interface is much more user friendly (my 5 year old uses it), that Netflix is a lot better on it and with free online gaming, it was an easy choice. Playstation Plus was just icing on an already delicious piece of cake.

I'm not hating on Xbox, though. I have high hopes for it and was a loyal customer for years, but Kinect integration into just about all aspects of it turned me OFF in a big way. I'm simple. I like things simple. And Playstation is simple to me.

Riderz13374146d ago

"Ballmer said that of those 66 million Xbox 360 consoles, there are 40 million users who have signed up for an online Xbox Live account."

SIGNED UP FOR AN ONLINE XBOX LIVE ACCOUNT

Y U NO READ?

black9114146d ago

Xbox live only has about 45million users if that. But yet 70million sales Hmmmmmm.... I say this everytime RROD. That acount for the majority if 360 sales. PS3 owners like me stile have there original fat ps3 for years.

nukeitall4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

@Raoh:

Sony wasn't pushing online play, they were merely enabling it. Dreamcast technically had the most push early on, but they died a horrible death. That said, Sony didn't push online play. Heck, PSN was a piece of shit on release and took it years to merely get the status of being similar. Even today, despite what everyone else says is the same between XBL and PSN, the technology behind PSN is still behind.

You can see this in from the OS down to the network. Example: game updates on Xbox 360 does not require a reboot of console, it's just log-in, logout automatically. Try that on PS3?

Xbox 360 OS takes 32MB fingerprint, PS3s around 48MBs. Achievements on XBL is sync incrementally, on PSN it is slow as molasses as it downloads the entire thropy list (and Sony's servers are slow).

Problems on Xbox Live is automatically reported on different apps/services:

http://support.xbox.com/en-...

"Also before netflix, sony talked about apps and media services, its one of the reasons it came with a browser for html apps and such."

Talking about something isn't pushing it, and neither is having it as an option. It really has to be, not only available, but have belief in the technology will succeed, continually supported with updates and new products.

Merely releasing it, and hoping it will catch on is NOT PUSHING it.

Sony pushed 3D, they barely push apps (although to Sony I think they think of it more as extension of PSN than apps).

Also, the PS3 browser is still piece of shit. It had support for Youtube, but constantly crashed making it almost useless, let alone apps.

MS pushed XBL and many of those things are now copied on other consoles and some still can't copy all the features. MS is the leader in online console gaming.

I was hoping Nintendo would challenge them and it looked like it would work, but it looks like they are botching their online network, by not supporting many basic online features we come to expect.

Cam9774145d ago

I agree with you, Plus is excellent therefore, MS should adopt a similar service. In my opinion, the cloud storage is essential to any serious gamer with an aging console.

darthv724145d ago

what AOL was to PC internet access. Anyone who isnt old enough to understand that analogy should stop reading.

Live introduced the world to a dedicated online system for console multiplayer. Yes there were attempts prior via seganet or even going further back with xband and older. Those failed to create a standard.

Live may have started as a secondary to the xbox but it was a primary from the xbox R&D days. MS just needed a system in place to make that standard work. Had Sega NOT pulled out, Ms would likely have been the main backbone for the DC and seganet.

MS main goal for online is similar to what they have been doing for PC. Create a platform for others to use and expand upon. They couldnt get it done with sega so they did it themselves. It has certainly improved over the 10 years its been around and has definitely influenced the development of PSN and the remodeling of even Steam.

So, like the AOL analogy, Live has been a pioneer of many ideas and represented a convenience to the consumer for its ease of use. AOL (in its hey-day) was THE service to use if you pretty much didnt know about how to get online. Others who were more savvy obviously circumvented the use of AOL (and others like Prodigy, Compuserve, etc) and went to the web straight through their ISP.

AOL is now a shell of its former self because they were slow to adapt to the changing demands of users. MS has been making changes to live that they feel will better suit the trends and uses of its users. Will Live suffer the same fate as AOL?

From the many transitions live has gone through and the commitment to making live better and better it is uncertain if live will close up shop but it is certain that live will take a more active role in broadening the pc side like it has the console side.

BuLLDoG9094145d ago

people pay for live and get bombarded with advertisements regardless, ms are ripping you people off, like day light robbery.

If the steambox and ps4 both have free2play models, MS need to take heed and stop being so greedy and offer the same.

+ Show (16) more repliesLast reply 4145d ago
LOGICWINS4146d ago

LOL, that edit feature is pretty convenient ain't it Mezzo?

Godmars2904146d ago

That would mean charging more then they do now. Create a different service.

B1663r4146d ago

If you align sales to the launch date, the PS3 is now in fourth place, behind the Wii, WiiU, and Xbox 360.

ABizzel14146d ago

Go find a bridge not a forum.

MysticStrummer4146d ago

How is that, when PS3 has sold nearly the same amount as 360 in a year less time? O.o

BuLLDoG9094145d ago

back up your bs statements with fact or dont speak.

NeverEnding19894146d ago

PS+ is a terrific deal for gamers and I HOPE Microsoft introduces something similar next gen to compete with the premiuim service.

However, PSN still has a ways to go before it can becomes a social networking tool, as Xbox Live is. The has nothing to do with free rentals.

I'll be finishing out this gen on LIVE, meanwhile, I have no reason to buy PS+ again since I've played those free games :|

ABizzel14146d ago

I don't see XBL as a "social networking tool" in any kind of way. If anything that's PS Home. XBL has a more vocal audience than PSN simply because MS added that cheap, but essential, headset with every Xbox 360. Sony offers a better option through Blu Tooth, but for some reason the masses seem completely oblivious of that.

Next generation will be completely different for Sony. They know they need to improve their online network, which as the article said was the 360's greatest strength against the PS3.

1. XBL
2. Price
3. Heavy Focus on Co-op and Multiplayer games
4. Exclusives
5. Huge Marketing push (America)

But looking at all the strides Sony's made with PSN now SEN with the PS3, and even features exclusive to the Vita you can see that XBL's online advantage is about gone, and that's coming from the free PSN service alone. PS+ is nothing but huge perks to gamers who are willing to pay.

I'm the exact opposite. $60 for XBL is money I could have spent on a new game. If you've had Live since the Xbox 360's launch you've potentially missed out on 6-7 games ($360 - $420) by the time the next Xbox comes out.

To each their own, but XBL isn't worth it to me. The only reason I still have it is because I'm on a family plan with 3 other relatives making it $25 a year instead of $60.

Nothing against Xbox, but MS SHOULD to come with something better next gen, because XBL just isn't cutting it for many gamers who have both consoles.

ALLWRONG4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

"Xbox Live is Old News" Yet it still remains the most imitated and copied online entertainment service. Xbox Live is responsible for all those apps, marketplace, social gaming, achievements, TV and music you all use on your console. PSN and Trophies will always be known as just a "copy" of Live and Achievements.

DragonKnight4145d ago

"PSN and Trophies will always be known as just a "copy" of Live and Achievements."

Only to you and your fellow Xbots friend.

sitharrefus4146d ago

I agree and disagree with this, i mean i like xbox live because of the party chat and other features, the ps+ games are nice and yes the online service on xbox is superior but honestly i am hoping the next generation comes with free online.

FunkMacNasty4145d ago

I'm starting to wonder if N4G has a daily quota of "XBL vs. PSN" articles that they are required to meet.

Is this not getting a bit rediculous at this point!?

hadouken0074145d ago

I think your on to something!

Amiroo4145d ago

wow so many Junk fans latley praise Junk+
lol

BrianC62344145d ago

If they do I hope their customers don't complain as much as people complain on Sony's blog. It's always something on there. Europe gets better games. Where's Red Dead Redemption. Why do we only get crappy fighting games or PSN games. It never ends. Some people think every free game on PS Plus should be something they want.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4145d ago

Valve will make MS look even worse.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4145d ago
M2-4146d ago

"It is one thing to claim that the PS3 is better than Xbox 360, which is a sometimes forgotten fact"

Stopped reading there. An opinion is not fact.

CommonSenseGamer4146d ago

that quote is almost as dumb as this one:

"PlayStation Network to hold the crown for offering the best network to PS3 and PS Vita owners"

This is like saying Microsoft offer the best network to Xbox owners...duh.

rainslacker4146d ago

Yes...It's very "mind-bottling" isn't it?

FunAndGun4146d ago

Yeah, you know when things are so crazy, you get your thoughts trapped, like in a bottle.

XD

rainslacker4146d ago

Forgetting a fact that never existed is much harder than forgetting an opinion that doesn't match your own.

DigitalRaptor4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

There's a ton of people who swear by Xbox Live and its authority over all other gaming services, but I don't know if charging for P2P online gameplay can stay relevant for much longer.

The truest test would be comparing PS4's network and Xbox 720's network. As it stands I hear that party chat and cross-game chat are like THE major things that set PS3 and 360 apart in terms of online functionality in game.

It's obvious PS4 will have these and more, so the question is what will Microsoft add to XBL next-gen to make it stand alongside something like PS+ as well as what will be a heavily improved online network with PS4? A service that matches PS+? Streaming games perhaps? Microsoft Eco-system integration? (not that XBL needs something like PS+, but I'm sure it will be welcomed to those who are currently only paying for access to online).

It seems Sony is going in this direction too, so it will be interesting to see.

violents4145d ago

my god, i think you have the least fanboyish comment I've read so far. But I agree, except for the cross game chat, i really dont understand why everyone is so butthurt about that. Frankly when I'm playing a game I dont want to distract myself from the task at hand by talking to someone playing something different. Mabey that's just my problem because lots of other people seem to want it but it just doesnt matter to me.

Ryo-Hazuki4146d ago (Edited 4146d ago )

Free online with free party chat on PS4 with the option for PS Plus is the way to go next-gen along with STEAM.

stage884146d ago

Once PSN is updated for the PS4 a lot of people will wise up and realise paying for these features isn't worth it.

keabrown794146d ago

I have a strong feeling that PS4 will adopt the live model next gen. Lets hope not thought.

ILive4146d ago

Its not going to, trust me. I think Sony will be doing a huge disservice to themselves if they do and to. Having the Vita to go by, and with more and more people joining Ps+ through the vita and PS3, and since plus is probably going to be available through all playstation enabled devices come next gen, then I don't see that gamer's should worry about this.

violents4145d ago

they already have free video/audio chat with up to like 6 people if you have a ps eye, its just not in game, but i dont really know why you would want to carry on a coversation with people not playing the same game you are, it seems distracting.

MysticalTobi4146d ago

I have a year-long subscription to both.

Show all comments (121)
80°

Tales Of Graces Ƒ Retro Review – Holding Out For a Hero

Gary Green said: Namco Bandai heard the call of many fans asking for the PlayStation release of Tales of Graces which was originally released seemingly exclusively for the Wii back in 2009. If you’re acquainted with the Tales series then Graces f won’t be something entirely new to you, yet if you’re a newcomer then you’ll find a plethora of gameplay mechanics and nuances that distinguish this series from other JRPGs. While the game finds itself following the traditional archetype of JRPGs, such as a somewhat clichéd story, Graces has something to offer to both veterans and newcomers alike.

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pslegends.com
GoodGuy091d 20h ago

Odd this and the xillia games still haven't gotten remasters yet.

120°

It's A Crime That There's No Sleeping Dogs 2 Yet

Huzaifah from eXputer: "Sleeping Dogs from the early 2010s is one of the best open-world games out there but in dire need of a resurgence."

LG_Fox_Brazil2d ago

I agree, I consider the first one a cult classic already

isarai2d ago

You say "yet" as if it's even possible anymore. United Front Games is gone, along with anyone that made this game what it is

CrimsonWing691d 20h ago

That’s what happens when games sell poorly. And I’ve seen people wonder why people cry when a game sells badly… this is your answer.

solideagle1d 19h ago

Majority of the time it's true but if a company/publisher is big (in terms of money), they can take a hit or 2. e.g. I am not worried about Rebirth sales as Square will make Remake 3 anyway but if FF 17 doesn't sell then Square might need to look for alternative. <-- my humble opinion

Abnor_Mal1d 19h ago

Doesn’t Microsoft own the IP now since they acquired Activision?

DaReapa1d 18h ago

No. Square Enix owns the IP.

Abnor_Mal1d 15h ago

Oh okay, Activision owned True Crime, but when that didn’t sell as intended it was canceled. Six months later Square Enix bought the rights and changed the title to Sleeping Dogs.*

*As per Wikipedia

boing11d 18h ago (Edited 1d 18h ago )

Sleeping Dogs was a sleeper hit back then. It was fantastic. It actually still is. Would love a sequel to this, or at least a revive of True Crime series.

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100°

Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth II - PC Wore it Better

Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth II was an intriguing and unique RTS title, that sadly suffered in its console port.

dadavis19922d ago

Was just thinking about this game and wishing I had a way to revisit it. The way EA scrubs these titles from existence once their licensing runs out is horrid.

Michiel19891d 20h ago

there is a client made by modders and it also works online.

kevco331d 20h ago

Indeed. The game can still be played online on PC.

Xbox 360 players, though? Bang outta luck.