Our beloved videogames analyst, Michael Pachter reckons that Xbox Live will very likely see a new “Platinum” subscription in the not too distant future.
This after correctly predicting the $10 price increase to Xbox Live Gold that was announced this week. Pachter had the following to say:
“The extra $10 translates to around $100 – 150 million per year in additional revenue for Microsoft. I think that they will reinvest at least this much in developing other new applications, and will roll out a premium service with $100 – 200 million worth of enhancements,”
I have to be honest. While it could be good as an optional upgrade, if Xbox Live is so much about its services and features these days, then why not make multiplayer gaming free, and only have people pay extra for all of the extra goodies?
Most games come standard with multiplayer built in these days, so let people play it for free, considering it comes with the game, and not the service. Then feel free to charge for anything additional in a premium service, such as extra content, special previews or downloads etc.
I would prefer it if Silver went free, and Gold was upgraded, even if it means a bigger increase. People just want to play multiplayer after all, anyone who wants anything more can happily pay for it… just give the basic service for free.
Source: IndustryGamers
Last Updated: September 1, 2010
al360
September 1, 2010 at 15:58
i fully agree MS u suck balls :silly:
Sir James of Kotick
September 1, 2010 at 16:01
Indeed, my friend indeed. Big hairy sweaty ones.
AC!D
September 1, 2010 at 17:15
I think you hit the nail on the head Nick. Its just one feature they can make free. Keep the party chat and other services, content and discounts under the pay for banner. Seriously i think schemes by Sony and MS like PS Plus are just the tip of the iceberg. Making you pay for multipolayer gaming just sucks. Of course reading all the stories around the net and seeing all the MS apologists telling us its worth it means this will never happen.
Mazter cheifz
October 22, 2010 at 00:29
STFU AND GTFO. PRAISE MS!!!