Ive never really had a problem with Xbox Live costing money and it kind of made sense to me at the time, but at this point doesnt it almost seem like theyre just trying to milk more money out of us? Me (and im sure many other people) are having really bad money problems and cant really afford throwing 60 bucks just for online play even though its extremely fun. Like i said though, ive never really had a problem with them charging money for it considering it makes sense to help keep servers up for games and it helps them produce their expensive new hardware and such and ESPECIALLY because of the fact that PSN was hacked into and Xbox Live wasnt. Maybe it was just PSN being targeted, but it also could have been the extra money that Xbox Live charges that saved them from hacking attacks considering PSN has free online. But from another point of view it feels really bad. Games are always very expensive even if theyre old most of the time and in order to get the new games that youve been looking forward to, but then adding the extra 60 dollar fee every year just kind of sucks. I mean 60 dollars is an entire game and even though it doesnt seem like a big deal, you could actually be getting a game every year with that money AND play online with your friends if they made it free. It sucks even more for people who only like to use their Xbox as a media player because you require Xbox Gold to even be able to play Netflix or any other media apps. Thats just my thoughts on it, but to finish it off id just like to say that the economy isnt what it used to be and not everyone can afford the 60 dollars a year, no matter how stupid that sounds and i feel that at this point Microsoft would have enough money to complete their endeavors and they could either lower the cost or make it free.
The price of Xbox live has always stayed about the same at retail. You can always find it cheaper than suggested retail, but, its worth what people will pay for it. There are tons of people paying 60 for it so its worth it. If you dont think its fair, the simple solution is to not buy it. Nobody is ENTITLED to XBox Live service. You wont live or die if you dont have it. If you really NEED it that badly, skip a few game purchases, skip a few trips to mcdonalds, skip a night or two out at the movies. Dont expect Microsoft to make up for your money shortages.
I do not think that it is right to charge 60 dollars per year. But when has there ever been morality in a capitalist economy? We live by the golden rule. He who has the most gold makes the rules. I wouldn't be against something low like $9.99 per year. I really enjoy playing PC games for free online. Come to think of it, how many competitors charge for online play?
Morality? Its not like Xbox Live is something everyone who is alive is entitled to. XBox Live is a luxury, not a necessity. This gimme gimme attitude is getting pretty bad. Hey, let me have your xbox for 19.99, if not, your morality needs work...
I guess its just hard for me to think 60 a year in this economy per person is justified but i probably got so obsessed over that, that i forgot even companies have financial problems no matter how big they are.
It IS justified. do you think just because youre hurting that they HAVE to lower their prices? Did you know that in times of recession or depression, video game companies actually see a SURGE?! This is because more people are at home, using video games to escape whatever is wrong in reality, and are willing to pay to have that. Money spent on vices increases during these times as well. That just goes to show, that just because YOU cant afford xbox live doesnt mean microsoft should change their whole policy and make it free...
I myself have a very big problem with Microsoft charging 60 dollars to play online. I think 60 dollars is a lot of money to pay just to play someone online. That is one of the many factors that always gave Playstation 3 the benefit of the doubt.
You're entitled to your opinion and entitled to have a problem with that. The simplest solution? Dont buy XBox Live.
Everyone, video games are a LUXURY. You dont go to the Mercedes Benz dealership and tell them the cars they have are too expensive and they should sell them to you at the price of the cheapest Hyundai. You dont go look at a million dollar house and tell the seller "the price is too high, it should cost me the same as a single wide trailer. You dont. Youre not ENTITLED to XBox Live or online play. SURE, some companies are generous enough to not charge for online play, but i guarantee you that their quality control and server infrastructure has nothing on Microsofts.