Microsoft announced today, by way of Major Nelson’s blog, they’ll be increasing the cost of a Xbox LIVE Gold Account starting Nov. 1st.
Currently, the pricing for an Xbox LIVE Gold account goes as follows:
- 1 month gold account: $7.99
- 3 month gold account: $19.99
- 12 month gold account: $49.99
After Nov 1st, the following prices for an Xbox LIVE Gold account will take into affect:
- 1 month Gold account: $9.99
- 3 month Gold account: $24.99
- 12 month Gold account: $59.99
I’m sure many of you are asking “Why?!” to the news of a price increase. Major Nelson chimes in on that as well
“Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same. We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry.”
So there you have it. In my personal opinion, I don’t believe a price hike is the solution to the additional content and entertainment experiences that Xbox Gold members are a part of. Has anyone really taken advantage of the MSN Videos section on the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, specifically the “Cartoons” section that include videos from “Dilbert” & “The New Yorker?” My experience in that particular section has always been enraging as I never understand why Microsoft would pass this as entertainment as every one of them are god awful.
The price hike also comes at a terrible time since Sony is offering many services that Microsoft is offering with an Xbox LIVE Gold membership for free. With Sony’s Playstatoin 3 Plus subscription, at least Playstation 3 owners receive a free game every so often. What additional incentive will Microsoft offer Xbox LIVE Gold members for the extra $10? It looks like for now the only incentive is a lighter wallet.
After much careful thought, I decided the following video starring The Office’s Michael Scott accurately exemplifies the majority of people’s reactions to this news.
I dont care what they raise the price to, ill pay for it. lol As far as the email said, the price hike is because of the new addition that keep being added, as in ESPN, kinect video, and Hulu Plus. Seeing that we also we’re given Facebook, Twitter, Last FM, and Netflix, the price hike seems like something that should be done. I know that the PS3 also has Netflix and a Facbook connect, but the 360 versions are more user friendly and feel smoother(especially the Netflix movie selection screens). I think that the $10 is worth all the new features.
@ xxijenkingsixx you must work for microsoft!
@refugee why do you say that?? lol I just have a passion for gaming and keep up to date with the next updates coming to the consoles. I dream to one day work for a big named gaming company…but then again its just a dream.
lolol wow …..my cell phone has all this stuff…and best of all ??? ITS ALL FREE…..microsoft is sad along with the user base who supports them….