However, instead of paying $60 for a year, it is $15 a month, which over the course of 365 days already costs double what 360 gamers are paying – without much of the additional content. Even better is that the $60 covers the ability to play various games multiplayer – not just one – a la an MMO. And before anyone attempts to remind me that PSN is completely free, I suggest you have a glance at the plus account. While I don't necessarily use everything that comes with being an Xbox Live Gold Member or a PSN Plus Member – if my PS3 was still breathing that is – the cost is ultimately a significantly lesser issue than most people are making it out to be. Despite the fact that alternative services can be had for free – I doubt they lack the uptime, service and security that most other contemporary online portals have. But, what about a tier service for those interested in just using multiplayer and leaving out all the rest that isn't game related? Instead of shelling out $60 a month, potential and current Xbox Live members could select what they would ultimately use and not have their dashboards cluttered with heaps of crap they won't use. This could be a tier that is half the proposed price – outing gamers a mere $30 bucks to get their multiplayer on whenever they want for a full calendar year. Conversely, the people who want to settle in and have their Last.fm, which I personally love, Twitter, Facebook, ESPN, Netflix, Hulu Plus and Community Playdates or “Game with Fame” events can shell out the full amount to maintain their gaming console as a media hub – since that has been Microsoft's intention from day one – to allow the Xbox 360 to take over your living room vis-à-vis HAL-9000. Just be careful not to cancel your Xbox Live subscription, Dave.
That being said, it isn't just North America that is suffering from the effects of a recession, as it is the entire world. A recession, I might add, is without a doubt the worst since The Great Depression about eight decades ago. And while no one is really sure whether or not the situation will improve as time goes on, a basic economic tenet usually involves avoiding raising prices when people feel they're strapped as it is. Of course, it's only $10, but what Microsoft failed to understand when having Major Nelson release that information yesterday was the psychological impact. It definitely had its own unique brand of shock and awe for the loyal Xbox fans as well as the greater gaming community. Ultimately though, it's the Capitalistic right of Microsoft to raise the prices of their offered services at will if they so choose and apparently, that's what they've decided to do. Regardless of the amount of bitching resounding from the internet, the final call is still up to them. In the meantime, all gamers can do is vote with their wallets – because the buck doesn't stop at Microsoft in this case – it stops with you, the gamer. You don't like it? Don't renew your account and show MS that you mean business. But, if you don't care about an additional $0.83 per month, then nothing contained in this editorial should possess any sway for you whatsoever. Realistically, the question you need to ask yourself at the end of the day is if the service is worth the money you exchange for it each month, every three months or every year. But at the end of the day, even if you don't need multiplayer, it never hurts to just keep playing.
Hit the forums and let us know what you think on the topic of Xbox LIVE pricing, there is also a poll to the left of this page that we would appreciate you taking part in (just choose one of the three answer options and hit the button). Alternatively you can contact Xbox Community Manager Major Nelson directly to share your thoughts and feelings on the matter. As always though, keep your eyes on PlanetXbox360 for the greatest news, reviews and features.
