Microsoft Ups Price For Xbox Live Subscription

[Logan Westbrook]

Microsoft Ups Price For Xbox Live Subscription

Microsoft is increasing the price of a gold Xbox Live subscription, but not every price, and not everywhere in the world.

Starting November 1st, Microsoft is increasing one or more of the prices for a Gold Xbox Live subscription in the USA, UK, Canada and Mexico. In the US, the costs of one month, three month and twelve month subscriptions are all increasing. In the UK and Canada, only the cost of a one month subscription will increase, and in Mexico only the twelve month subscription is going up. The changes were announced on Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb's blog [http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/08/30/price-change-for-xbox-live-gold-subscription.aspx], and Hryb said that all other prices would remain the same.


Here's a breakdown of the new rates, after the increase:

• 
  USA
  [li]One Month: $9.99 (up from $7.99)[/li]
  [li]Three Months: $24.99 (up from $19.99)[/li]
  [li]Twelve Months: $59.99 (up from $49.99)[/li]
  UK
  [li]One Month: £5.99 (up from £4.99)[/li]
  Canada
  [li]One Month: $9.99 CAD (up from $8.99 CAD)[/li]
  Mexico
  [li]Twelve Months: 599 Pesos (up from 499 pesos)[/li]
  

Hryb wrote that since launching Xbox Live in 2002, Microsoft had increased the amount of content and features, but had kept the price the same. He added that he was confident that despite the extra cost, an Xbox Live Gold subscription would "continue to offer the best value in the industry." Microsoft is also offering subscribers a chance to purchase another twelve months [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/pricelock/default.htm] at a reduced price, but that seems to only apply to the US.

The cost of running the Xbox Live system must have grown to enormous levels since it started, and the fact that Microsoft has kept the price the same for eight years shows how reluctant it is to pass that cost on to its subscribers. The change in pricing will inevitably upset some people, but at the very most, an Xbox Live Gold subscription will cost you an additional $24 a year, which really isn't a huge amount of money.

Source: via Slashgear [http://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-xbox-live-gold-subscription-price-getting-an-increase-starting-in-november-3099557/]



Permalink

 

[Paragon Fury]

I got that e-mail too.

If you've been a member for some time, they also let you get another year for $39.99, instead the new price.

 

[Jared]

Well, its not too much I suppose - Had to happen, with all the changes with finances as of late...

 

[Shycte]

While I am not affected, this certianly sucks.

Well, I guess Microsoft can do whatever they want. Their company, their prices.

 

[Midniqht]

I'm not bothered - I'm already covered for the next year and a half or so, and I usually get all that I can with my Gold subscriptions

 

[Motiv_]

Haven't gotten another card of gold ever since I ran out last time, got sick of paying their prices. This is just more evidence that I did the right thing.

 

[USSR]

Mhm..

Goodbye xbox live.
I no longer require you.

 

[Susan Arendt]

Given that this is the first rate hike since the service was launched, and that it's a far more robust service than when it started, a small price increase hardly seems unreasonable.

 

[Caligulove]

Considering that I already thought $50 a year was a good deal, doesn't seem to be that much of a problem. That and I already have an existing Year subscription, my email told me I would have a reduced fee to renew that subscription when it was up, $39.99 I think.

Combine that with the fact that I agree in the value of Live and how I've had one real connection issue in nearly a year of having my Xbox, I don't have any complaints about the service. Someone (in this thread, even) will of course complain about creedy 'Micro$oft' just upping prices for no reason- but I think they're just having a stingy gut reaction to the fact that 'raaar I have to pay a little more money' and not looking at what they get- or what their money goes toward.

 

[Baldr]

They really need another tier for those of us who only want multiplayer without all this extra crap we don't use.

 

[Baldr]

Browser error please delete

 

[TsunamiWombat]

Given that this is the first rate hike since the service was launched, and that it's a far more robust service than when it started, a small price increase hardly seems unreasonable.

This is legitimate. I just wonder at the timing - is it good, or bad timing? Kinect is coming down the pipe...are they pinning their hopes and dreams on it to maximize profits? Or is this a response to the PSN Premium charged serviced, giving XBL an exscuse to raise rates?

In any case, no matter HOW justified, when you raise rates without giving users a definative list of new features, there will be HAYTE. And this is Internets PR 101, and they should understand it by this point.

 

[lacktheknack]

Hmmmmm, up one dollar per month...

Well, that's inflation for ya.

 

[soapyshooter]

PS3 win, I dont use my 360 for online gaming. $60 bucks a year? its ridiculous

 

[Megacherv]

Wait, does that mean that the UK's annual price doesn't change?

I'm fine with that

 

[digital warrior]

Oh wow your service has grown, Its gains at least a dozen features I don't use and never plan to use. I don't want ESPN, I don't want net flicks, don't care bout Facebook or twitter. If your complaining that these cost allot their is a solution, only charge to those who want it or use it, why should i have to pay more for services that are nether wanted or used.

 

[AstylahAthrys]

I was pissed when I first saw the news, but as it sunk in I'm a little less upset. I just renewed for the lower rate and won't have to worry about it for another year anyway!

 

[SilentHunter7]

Idk, it's not that bad of a rate hike, but I might actually opt not to renew my Gold Subscription. For how little I actually use it, I don't think I can justify to myself paying another $60 for a year. :/

 

[kajinking]

I was actually waiting for a sale to renew my subscription. Looks like I did the right thing since with how tight money is here that $20 will matter to me. I'm really glad they gave us a good deal before jacking up the price. Halo Reach here I come!