Microsoft Raising Gold Subscription Prices

[atled3]

10 extra dollars a year is a tiny amount.
Also despite this supposed price hike I'm paying LESS than I used to.

 

[JeanLuc761]

It's kinda fun to see some of the people that come in late to the topic and just completly ignore the posts that blow their arguments apart.

You were noticing that too, hmm?

Seriously, I have absolutely no problem with Xbox Live increasing in price. Given how successful its been and the fact they haven't adjusted for inflation or all the services they added until nearly a decade later is nothing short of astounding.

 

[Trivun]

This is exactly the reason Im glad that my Xbox self-immolated
Microsoft have possibly the worst sales idea with this one.

Add this one to the list of reasons I prefer PS3 along with:
Not having to buy a Sony HDD when I need to upgrade
Internet Browser (which I use to post on here)
Better Exclusives (my opinion)
FREE!!! or
PS Plus which gives you free stuff every month
Better build quality

Microsoft really need to up their game if they think people will still buy Live with these prices
@Trivun Telling people to "stop moaning" is a quick way to make people dislike you here

Um, I'm sorry, what? I've been here for a lot longer than you have, and have a lot more posts than you do, so I think I can tell more than you whether or not I'm liked here for what I post. That isn't me trying to be elitist, by the way, it's just a fact, one that applies to everyone here. I simply have more experience posting than you do in this particular forum.

I apologise if I sound somewhat harsh there, as I don't intend to, of course. However, I just get slightly annoyed that you think my stating my opinion is going to make people dislike me. Regarding my point about the subscriptions, it's not really a big increase. Another $10 for a year (equating to around £4-£6 in my own UK money) is not that much, and everyone assuming it's just going to line the MS bosses pockets is just being naive. It will actually go on development and working on new features and such for XBL and other MS projects. MS is a company after all, not just a cash cow for Bill Gates. It does serve an actual purpose.

Anyway, I just get sick of hearing people complain about Microsoft and everything they do when they forget that, at the end of the day, Microsoft is a company. It's entire purpose is to make money, and that is the basis of the economy. If everyone who called for Microsoft to stop raising prices (for the first time ever on this service, I might add) had their way, then what's stopping them calling for the same on any other 'cash cow' idea that people have had? It's the modern day, money flowing and the rise of big companies is what's keeping the economy turning, and that's something we should all be thankful for. Even if I am going a little off-topic to make that (completely valid and important, nevertheless) point.

 

[Trivun]

Okay, this will sound controversial to most, but I knew this would get a bad reaction from people. And the sole reason is that people just don't understand the logistics here.

First, this was announced ages ago, so the OP is already late to the party. And I posted in the news thread back then my opinion, and exactly why this is a GOOD idea. Besides which, Microsoft haven't raised prices for XBL before, so while their costs have gone up with inflation (because you know, running such a service does cost money for them...), prices for gamers have stayed relatively low. So nobody has any right to complain here about the price being raised when they've so far had it fairly good. Anyway, here's my post from the last time this was discussed:

Personally, I predict a lot of people will be complaining, but all things considered, given the economic climate, the popularity of Xbox Live, and the fact that the prices haven't already risen yet with inflation (while most other things, including game prices, have over the years), I see this as a sensible move from Microsoft. I'm happy to pay an extra pound sterling per month for XBL, and since I plan to get the 12-month subscription anyway when I do get around to having a permanent internet connection, it doesn't affect me anyway. But even then, as long as it wasn't a massive price hike (something like £10 extra would be fine, but any more would be pushing it and just plain greedy), I wouldn't have a problem with higher prices for the year subscription either. At the end of the day, XBL is arguably the best platform around for internet gaming that isn't to do with a PC, and the prices so far have been worth the cost. A small price increase is a small price, as it were, to pay for the great service Microsoft provides with XBL.

My point is, that people are complaining over absolutely nothing. So stop moaning, and just suck it up. I'm an Xbox owner myself, for the record, and we've had it good so far. If you don't like having to pay for something, then just go without to PS3. It's not that hard to figure out.

Fixed that for you.

PS3 servers seem to be regarded as these laggy things with absolutely no features, when actually I have no problems with them. I know none of the features 'cos I use it to play online, not mess around in "home" or something.

Just for future reference, what are these great XBL features that are often the reason you pay for it?

Please can you not 'fix' my posts? I don't appreciate people trying to just dismiss what I say out of hand without coming up with a valid argument to oppose me. Dismissing people's points is certainly not the point of a debate, after all.

Regarding the PS3, I have nothing to say on the matter of the PS3's internet capabilities. And that's because I've not got a PS3, although I have played the console I don't own one myself. I know the differences between it and the Xbox 360, and appreciate the good and bad points of both consoles, and have thus made an informed choice as to which I prefer (the Xbox, for the record). But about the PS3 and internet? Don't ask me because I don't know.

However, what I do know is, that a lot of people play on one console because they prefer it or because, in most cases, they can't afford both. I have an Xbox 360, and I'll play on XBL. I'm also a student, there's no way I can afford another console right now. So you telling me that if I don't like paying for XBL then I should just switch to PS3 is absurd. I have plenty of Xbox games I enjoy, why should I have to go without those or sell them and have to pay more (because trade-ins don't cover the full cost) to get them for the PS3? Why should I have to pay extra just for a new console, even if I trade-in my old one? Why should I have to do any of that, and turn my back on a company that has actually been really good to me as a consumer, despite the idea that "Microsoft is teh evilz" (a completely untrue and naive fallacy anyway)?

No, there's absolutely no logic to what you say. Switching consoles isn't a solution, that's just the words of a fanboy (or someone rich enough to own more than one console). And isn't really worth listening to. If I ever do switch to the PS3, it'll be because I want to, not because I don't want to pay for a particular, optional, service (one which is frankly brilliant when you can get past the idiotic ten-year-olds).

 

[xDarc]

I'm surprised people pay for multiplayer in the first place, let alone "free" content.

Say hello to Economics, inflation and the loss of value in the USD. Prices go up. I remember when gas was 99 cents a gallon.

Again, Steam, PSN, G4WL are all unaffected by inflation, what with them being free and stuff... (Is PSN free? I'm not sure...)

That has exactly what to do with a discussion about price hikes on a non-free service?

Plenty, since they're all basically the same thing. Hell, Steam offers more than XBL. I don't know what PSN's like but my understanding is that you don't have to pay for PSN+ to play the other half of your games.

I don't get why ppl pay for multiplayer either.

They always throw up how much cheaper it is than pc gaming and completely ignore that they are constantly being nickle and dimed to death from every angle. That's what happens when its mostly mommy and daddys money I guess.

 

[Woodsey]

I'm surprised people pay for multiplayer in the first place, let alone "free" content.

Say hello to Economics, inflation and the loss of value in the USD. Prices go up. I remember when gas was 99 cents a gallon.

Again, Steam, PSN, G4WL are all unaffected by inflation, what with them being free and stuff... (Is PSN free? I'm not sure...)

That has exactly what to do with a discussion about price hikes on a non-free service?

Plenty, since they're all basically the same thing. Hell, Steam offers more than XBL. I don't know what PSN's like but my understanding is that you don't have to pay for PSN+ to play the other half of your games.

I don't get why ppl pay for multiplayer either.

They always throw up how much cheaper it is than pc gaming and completely ignore that they are constantly being nickle and dimed to death from every angle. That's what happens when its mostly mommy and daddys money I guess.

And the games are way more expensive.

[sub]And my Mum most certainly did not pay for my PC...[/sub]

 

[Hogbinladen]

Say hello to Economics, inflation and the loss of value in the USD. Prices go up. I remember when gas was 99 cents a gallon.

Again, Steam, PSN, G4WL are all unaffected by inflation, what with them being free and stuff... (Is PSN free? I'm not sure...)

That has exactly what to do with a discussion about price hikes on a non-free service?

A lot. This isn't about price hikes on non-free services, this is about the cost of Xbox Live. Obviously Xbox Live competes with Steam and PSN on other platforms for playing games online. Steam and PSN are free to use, while Xbox Live costs money.

Instead of trying to match the competition MS has increased the price and justifies it with those features I don't believe anyone asked for. This is what pisses people off, if you just want to play your games online you're paying for what other platforms offer for free.

What really boggles my mind though is how original Xbox games can no longer be played over Xbox Live but I can still play Halo 2 on PC online with a silver account.

What gives?

 

[Dragonforce525]

I think they're just preparing for the huge loss of money that Kinect will inevitably make.

Seriously though this is a kick in the teeth.

 

[Imperioratorex Caprae]

**snip**

Sir I ask you to read the topic of this thread. It is about raising subscription prices of Gold, not competing with free services. May I remind you that since its inception, XBL has been a paid service and people are still paying for it. Surprise.
May I direct you to this [http://imvox.com/blog/2010/08/xbox-live-gold-price-increase-in-perspective/] so you can understand why a company like Microsoft can't just switch business models from a paid service to a free service.
So they shut down your Halo 2 servers on Xbox. Might be because the majority of XBL players moved to Halo 3 and beyond, whereas no other halo FPS has been released on PC since 2 and people probably still play it.

 

[soilent]

I can just imagine the Microsoft conference room.

Guy A: So, the PS3 is really starting to get popular, how will we defend our sales?
Guy B: Hmm, maybe we could lower the pri-
Guy C: We should make our online subscription more expensive!
Guy B: Are you joking? That stu-
Guy A: Excellent idea! Have a promotion.

I was wondering where the guy who came up with cloak of shadows went, after Blizzard started hiring gorillas.

 

[Sinisterair]

@Jack and Calumon

As if Microsoft doesn't have enough money already, right? This is one of THE worst moves Microsoft has ever made.

If you press the Quote button on the side next to reply button you wont need to direct @ to ppl, and welcome to the escapist

 

[ThatOneFoxShane]

@Jack and Calumon

As if Microsoft doesn't have enough money already, right? This is one of THE worst moves Microsoft has ever made.

If you press the Quote button on the side next to reply button you wont need to direct @ to ppl, and welcome to the escapist

Thanks for the helpful tip.

 

[Krion_Vark]

*SNIP*

First off this was announced a month or 2 ago

Second INFLATION. That is all

 

[smithy_2045]

This is old news, and $10 isn't the much more. If you are actually distraught about that small of a price increase, gaming should not be your hobby. Gaming is expensive. Get over it. It doesn't really matter for the consumer, that's what, one game every six years? WOW. That's a lot.

Eleven dollars isn;t much more than 10. 12 isn;t much more than eleven. 15 isn;t much more than 12. Twenties not much more than fifteen. Arbitrary my friend, what the consumer NEEDS is justification of cost increase. Why are they paying more?

Inflation, for one.

 

[rockyoumonkeys]

I gotta remember to cancel my membership.

Not only because of the raise in price, I just have no use for Gold. My PS3 is my main console now, and I don't see myself playing Halo multiplayer.

 

[Aphex Demon]

Okay, this will sound controversial to most, but I knew this would get a bad reaction from people. And the sole reason is that people just don't understand the logistics here.

First, this was announced ages ago, so the OP is already late to the party. And I posted in the news thread back then my opinion, and exactly why this is a GOOD idea. Besides which, Microsoft haven't raised prices for XBL before, so while their costs have gone up with inflation (because you know, running such a service does cost money for them...), prices for gamers have stayed relatively low. So nobody has any right to complain here about the price being raised when they've so far had it fairly good. Anyway, here's my post from the last time this was discussed:

Personally, I predict a lot of people will be complaining, but all things considered, given the economic climate, the popularity of Xbox Live, and the fact that the prices haven't already risen yet with inflation (while most other things, including game prices, have over the years), I see this as a sensible move from Microsoft. I'm happy to pay an extra pound sterling per month for XBL, and since I plan to get the 12-month subscription anyway when I do get around to having a permanent internet connection, it doesn't affect me anyway. But even then, as long as it wasn't a massive price hike (something like £10 extra would be fine, but any more would be pushing it and just plain greedy), I wouldn't have a problem with higher prices for the year subscription either. At the end of the day, XBL is arguably the best platform around for internet gaming that isn't to do with a PC, and the prices so far have been worth the cost. A small price increase is a small price, as it were, to pay for the great service Microsoft provides with XBL.

My point is, that people are complaining over absolutely nothing. So stop moaning, and just suck it up. I'm an Xbox owner myself, for the record, and we've had it good so far. If you don't like having to pay for something, then just go without to PS3. It's not that hard to figure out.

Fixed that for you.

PS3 servers seem to be regarded as these laggy things with absolutely no features, when actually I have no problems with them. I know none of the features 'cos I use it to play online, not mess around in "home" or something.

Just for future reference, what are these great XBL features that are often the reason you pay for it?

I have a PS3 and a 360, and I can honestly say the Xbox servers are so much better than PS servers. I would gladly pay £40PY for PSN to be better, IMO I think its shite, 80% of games have terrible connections.

 

[Delusibeta]

Oh god not this again...

Logistics of Steam 101 (or what your money pays for):

Valve pays for:
- Content, matchmaking and friends list servers.
- maintenance of said servers.
- coders to implment features.
- backup.
- bandwidth to pay for all those matchmaking requests for games, and every single download made on the service.

and a ton of boring stuff i have no interest in, but is vital to providing a service where you can find your friends without needing several software updates.

This as far as I can tell is a price adjustment to bring it inline with others of us around the world and inflation.

$0.00 = £0
$0.00 = £0
Steam price here in the UK = £0.00

Quit bitching that your getting it a little less cheaper then the rest of the world. if it hurts your wallet so much don't renew your gold, SIMPLE.

Oh and all other british escapists, the price hikes up for us are non-existant.

To those who view this as a rant, yes it is. but its a rant because I am sick of people going "Valve are going to rob us" "this is bullsit" blah blah blah about this.

See, it's so easy to make that post relevant for Steam.

The problem is not that Live is increasing its price (it's inevitable due to inflation), rather that Live has a price in the first place. While my edits are for Steam, it's also valid for PSN if you replace "Steam" with "PSN" and "Valve" with "Sony".

Ultimately, the problem is that Microsoft was lining their pockets with the Live price from day dot, not just starting to.

 

[omega 616]

I have a PS3 and a 360, and I can honestly say the Xbox servers are so much better than PS servers. I would gladly pay £40PY for PSN to be better, IMO I think its shite, 80% of games have terrible connections.

What games are you playing on PS3? 'cos I have no complaints about connections.

 

[Aphex Demon]

I have a PS3 and a 360, and I can honestly say the Xbox servers are so much better than PS servers. I would gladly pay £40PY for PSN to be better, IMO I think its shite, 80% of games have terrible connections.

What games are you playing on PS3? 'cos I have no complaints about connections.

CoD:WaW

NFS: Undercover

Killzone 2

They just dont tend to be very stable connections.

 

[TheRundownRabbit]

Dammit, well bitchin about it wont help, a promotion will