Why does Microsoft charge for online?

[Ari Gold]

Jesus christ, Microsoft is a business. The goal of most businesses is to maximize profit. You act like this is something completely unheard of, and then crucify Microsoft for succeeding in their goals.

And you act as if customers complaining when they're getting anally raped is odd.

 

I understand businesses try to get away with as much as possible to rake in the cash, but I'm not a CEO-I'm a customer. Customers will complain if they realize just how badly they're getting ripped off. It's pretty obvious, what with the PS3 having a lot of the 360's games AND online; PC as well.

 

It's the power of the consumer and of public opinion. It changes sh*t practices like this. Once people find out that a burger at McDonalds is 10 dollars less (at $5.00) they'll complain and Burger King will be forced to lower their price. Businesses like to scam people, but people also don't like being scammed and force change.

 

You can justify it by saying 'they like money; what else is new' but that doesn't change the fact that you're being ripped off-big time. The question for them is 'can we get away with it?'

 

 

you have a say and if you are not happy with paying online then use the power of competition to get MS to change it's ways.

How, exactly? You can only play online through Microsoft, right?

 

Microsoft are money-grabbing because people have money, and in a world where basically everyone above the lower-class buy things when they don't really need it, or buy it out of credit, most things which cost +$200 have sustainable demand. When there's demand for a product, there needs to be sufficient supply for it, hence why they still offer it. It's how the free-market, capitalist economy works; the price for something is usually the median between supply and demand. Microsoft will only get rid of Live's price tag when people actually stop buying Microsoft products and they start making losses from a loss of demand (they wouldn't necessarily cut prices if those losses came about from external factors outside the market itself).

 

I thought you said you wanted to be an economist.

[E.A.B.]

 

I thought you said you wanted to be an economist.

 

 

 

I know what you're saying, which is why I said 'The question for them is 'can we get away with it?''

 

And they obviously can, since people don't care for 50 doll-...oh, excuse me. SIXTY dollars a year. The price is low enough and the service is good enough for people not to mind.

 

Won't stop me from bitching, though. I was gonna end that comment on my previous post with something like 'and they've gotten away with it' but I thought I'd save that for any rebuttals I might have to do if pointed out. That and it kinda made my argument...pointless.

 

If you're referring to my rebuttal of Charlie's comments, though; I stand by it. He said 'competition' to which I say 'there can't be any since Microsoft owns the console and sets the rules'

[CharmingCharlie]

 

you have a say and if you are not happy with paying online then use the power of competition to get MS to change it's ways.

How, exactly? You can only play online through Microsoft, right?

Last time I checked Sony do not charge to play multiplayer games and Sony produce a console. So I would have thought the choice was obvious, if you are unhappy with paying $50/$60 a year to play on line then go to a competitors product such as the PS3 or the PC (both of which do not charge online).

 

If enough people switched to the PC/PS3 you would soon see MS ditch the xbox live fee. The reason MS charges money for online is because they can, because there are people stupid enough to pay for something the majority of gamers get for free. We have already seen that "when the marketplace speaks MS listens". They tried to introduce a paid online service on the PC, PC gamers laughed at them and never used it. Microsoft then ditched charging us for the service ......... fortunately PC gamers still laughed at them and refuse to use the service even though it is free.

 

So there is your answer, you hate paying for online multiplayer ? Then DON'T do it, instead go to a competitors products where they do not charge for online multiplayer.

[FizzleRizzle]

Correct me if I'm wrong (I actually feel like I could be), But isn't Sony going to be charging for online within the next year or so? A few different people have told me that the prices are going to be less than that of XBL. That compared with the increase in M$'s prices, I feel like I might make a fence hop to becoming a Sony fan.

[CharmingCharlie]

Sony do have a paid service called "PSN plus" but you do not have to pay for PSN + to play online. The PSN + subscription service gives you early access to demos, discounts on purchases and free games. In other words the "PSN +" service is a bit like XBL Gold but without the multiplayer aspect.

 

So right now online is still free on the PS3, that may or may not change in the future. The noises coming from Sony are that they will NEVER charge for basic multiplayer and I get the impression it would be difficult for them to introduce a charge for online now that people "expect" online on the PS3 to be free. The worst I could see Sony doing is offering an "enhanced" multiplayer service and charge for it, but they will always keep the basic multiplayer gaming service free.

[SLRMC93]

Because its M$, they have more money than god, and thats STILL not enough

[darthYENIK]

What I always thought was that Microsoft want complete control over the multiplayer servers. Don't know why, just thought they would find it advantageous.

[Darkshade12]

Jesus christ, Microsoft is a business. The goal of most businesses is to maximize profit. You act like this is something completely unheard of, and then crucify Microsoft for succeeding in their goals.

 

Stop bitching about Live and go buy a PS3, or get a (better) job and quit complaining you have to pay for sh*t.

This. and anyway i have played PSN and live and in my opinion you get what you pay for with live.

[Menaced]

Because they know it's another way of filling their pockets with lovely green dough.

[Iminicus]

What I always thought was that Microsoft want complete control over the multiplayer servers. Don't know why, just thought they would find it advantageous.

This.

 

Microsoft charges because it runs, maintains and hosts all games on Xbox Live, except EA Games, which are run on EA Servers as per the agreement for EA Games to be Live Enabled.

 

The PSN is maintained by Sony but they don't run it nor do they host the game servers. They do host the content servers, which are cheaper to run.

 

With the PSN, it is up to the Game publishers to provide servers, which is why many PS3 games have an additional $10 on top of their games ( Note: this might only apply to New Zealand and Australia ).

 

 

[Andrewbot]

I know what you're saying, which is why I said 'The question for them is 'can we get away with it?''

 

And they obviously can, since people don't care for 50 doll-...oh, excuse me. SIXTY dollars a year. The price is low enough and the service is good enough for people not to mind.

 

Won't stop me from bitching, though. I was gonna end that comment on my previous post with something like 'and they've gotten away with it' but I thought I'd save that for any rebuttals I might have to do if pointed out. That and it kinda made my argument...pointless.

 

If you're referring to my rebuttal of Charlie's comments, though; I stand by it. He said 'competition' to which I say 'there can't be any since Microsoft owns the console and sets the rules'

$60 a year comes to $5 a month, less than one hour at a minimum wage job to provide you with an overall great online experience.

 

I'd be willing to pay $10 a month for X-Box Live, it is a great service that I believe is well worth the money.

 

Here are some deals that are even less than your "$60" price

 

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.ph...uid=0&t=2438283 <- $24

 

or here

 

http://www.buy.com/loc/buy-com-cyber-monda...tion/68921.html < Free whole year with your purchase.

 

And why spend money for a wi-fi adapter when you can buy a long Ethernet cable for <$15. Sure it won't look as pretty, but I'd much rather do that and have a hundred more dollars in my pocket. Also the new X-Box 360 has a bigger HDD and built-in wi-fi.

[Reconite]

Because people are willing to pay for it and are unaware that other platforms get the same online experience/better online experience for free.

[Runey]

 

Youve gotta remember LIVE is filled with kids too

So is PSN. So what's your point?

 

I use both, so don't start the "Well you're just a fanboy, so get out" crap like you did in the worst games topic.

 

As for charging for the service, if you can't afford 5 bucks a month, I feel sorry for you.

Edited December 2, 2010 by Runey.

[Reconite]

As for charging for the service, if you can't afford 5 bucks a month, I feel sorry for you.

Can't afford 5 bucks a month to pay for something which is free on other platforms?

 

See, it's the principle, not the price. Microsoft shouldn't be charging for it in the first place.

[Runey]

As for charging for the service, if you can't afford 5 bucks a month, I feel sorry for you.

Can't afford 5 bucks a month to pay for something which is free on other platforms?

 

See, it's the principle, not the price. Microsoft shouldn't be charging for it in the first place.

Well, then don't use it and buy a PS3. That's why there's an open market. And Xbox Live was around before PSN was.

 

I'm willing to bet some of the same people calling Microsoft greedy also paid 2 grand for an Apple laptop.

[Rockworm]

I laugh at the "its just 5 bucks if you can't afford 5 bucks a month than its sad"

 

that is exactly why MS charges for what is free everywhere else.

Because they said "its too keep our servers up"

HAHA and xbox players bought hook line and sinker.

Delude yourself all you want unless your playing an MMO there is no reason why you should pay to play online.

Sure 5 bucks a month isn't asking for much I admit but thats 5 bucks in my wallet... Thats 5 bucks I had a pizza today. Like people said buy A PS3 or stick to PC if its that big a deal.. which is exactly what I did.

 

[E.A.B.]

I'm just gonna say that the price doesn't matter as much as the practice itself.

 

'Sure, the bully robs my money everyday, but it's only 3 dollars anyway!'

 

word? 'At least he is only raping me lightly?'

 

I'm not comparing Microsoft to a rapist or a bully, just giving examples that are somewhat similar.

[OysterBarron]

Well apparently when you create a silver account you will get 30 days free xbox live gold ,so just make a new gamertag every month free xbox live!

 

Im pretty sure that the money we pay isnt really for the servers all thought the other year at christmas when xbox live went down we got an email explaining the situation and they had called in every avaliable staff member. As far as im aware they use the money for paying for exclusive DLC (time orientated) also accouiring films for distribution on zune! obviously with sony they have there own film label making it easiyer to release certain films!.

 

TBH though i prefere to have a paid for service because when things go wrong with it you can kick up a load of fuss and chances are things will get done about it! where as with a free service you dont really have a leg to stand on.

 

being a elderlyish gamer i prefere the xbox the fee does keep alot of the annoying kids out of witch ive heard the PS3 online service sufferes badly from!

[Runey]

I'm just gonna say that the price doesn't matter as much as the practice itself.

 

'Sure, the bully robs my money everyday, but it's only 3 dollars anyway!'

 

word? 'At least he is only raping me lightly?'

 

I'm not comparing Microsoft to a rapist or a bully, just giving examples that are somewhat similar.

You say "rape" like you're forced to use their service.

 

 

It's not rape if you volunteer it. And by having an Xbox 360 and LIVE, you know you're gonna have to pay to play online. If you don't like it, sell the 360 and get a PS3. Simple as that.

[Finn 7 five 11]

I think it is stupid that microsoft charges for online play (even if its cheap), but if you don't like it don't buy an xbox or go online.

 

Reasons its stupid

 

1. Microsoft could run the servers for free based on money they make from xbox

2.Microsoft is like the richest company in the world with so much money they could easily upgrade the servers to nasa computers if they wanted to.

 

It is however more stupid to complain about having to pay for online, or not wanting to pay for online if you own an xbox, you knew that was part of the deal, but it'sgood to have a bitch about stuff sometimes.

[Rockworm]

Well apparently when you create a silver account you will get 30 days free xbox live gold ,so just make a new gamertag every month free xbox live!

 

Im pretty sure that the money we pay isnt really for the servers all thought the other year at christmas when xbox live went down we got an email explaining the situation and they had called in every avaliable staff member. As far as im aware they use the money for paying for exclusive DLC (time orientated) also accouiring films for distribution on zune! obviously with sony they have there own film label making it easiyer to release certain films!.

 

TBH though i prefere to have a paid for service because when things go wrong with it you can kick up a load of fuss and chances are things will get done about it! where as with a free service you dont really have a leg to stand on.

 

being a elderlyish gamer i prefere the xbox the fee does keep alot of the annoying kids out of witch ive heard the PS3 online service sufferes badly from!

 

 

lol yeah that 5 bucks a month are keeping the kids away I can totally tell.

[OysterBarron]

lol well i didnt say it was immune!

[nerner]

lol yeah that 5 bucks a month are keeping the kids away I can totally tell.

Of course it won't. Dipsh*ts congregate online on all systems. If someone gets the console for Christmas, then they'll probably pay for the online with their own money. After all I believe it comes to less than the cost of a game per year for a membership. I do have a PS3 though so I'm probably wrong.

[james227uk]

Well apparently when you create a silver account you will get 30 days free xbox live gold ,so just make a new gamertag every month free xbox live!

 

Im pretty sure that the money we pay isnt really for the servers all thought the other year at christmas when xbox live went down we got an email explaining the situation and they had called in every avaliable staff member. As far as im aware they use the money for paying for exclusive DLC (time orientated) also accouiring films for distribution on zune! obviously with sony they have there own film label making it easiyer to release certain films!.

 

TBH though i prefere to have a paid for service because when things go wrong with it you can kick up a load of fuss and chances are things will get done about it! where as with a free service you dont really have a leg to stand on.

 

being a elderlyish gamer i prefere the xbox the fee does keep alot of the annoying kids out of witch ive heard the PS3 online service sufferes badly from!

Were it so easy. That only works for the first 3 profiles you create and join live with

[Seddo]

After all I believe it comes to less than the cost of a game per year for a membership. I do have a PS3 though so I'm probably wrong.

You can get a 12 month subscription for 35 quid, that's like £2.90 a month and just under 10p a day, that's f*ck all really.

 

 

[Menaced]

I don't know about you guys, but when I buy a console for that much money, with a game that costs around 40 of the Queen's pound sterlings, I expect to play online for free, without having to dish out any extra costs.

[[SM]CJZera]

I want to leave something clear, nobody has pointed out any flaws on PC online gaming yet

 

Now more seriously, or as far as a topic about gaming can be, the problem is not the price, it's the attitude, since MS wouldn't have any problem affording the servers, and since the money goes towards exclusivization of games, it really isn't hard to see MS does it out of greed. i mean, Sony doesn't do it, and they still have money for some exclusive rights on games... And to prevent a sh*tstorm i won't even bother listing PC gaming's advantages...

 

Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't complain if they stopped charging money...

Unless your sense of judgement is somewhat clouded by mental instability and or masochism

[NickRad]

 

I just saw this and had to point out that the packaging says the most funny thing "The Fun Never Runs Out". But it does after 12 months.....

[The Killa]

 

nobody has pointed out any flaws on PC online gaming yet

 

World of Warcraft: 12 million subscribers. Fifteen dollars a month.

 

12 million x 15 = 180.000.000. Activision Blizzard makes 180 million per month off WoW

 

180m x 12 = 2.160.000.000 USD per year

 

And that's not including the upwards of $120 every subscriber payed to buy the actual games itself, before the fees. So that still isn't even added in the equation.

 

There's a flaw for you. Now that is a f*cking crime.

 

Oh yeah and the fact that PS3's and XBOX 360's cost at least 5x less than a PC that's good enough to run any games today.

Edited December 3, 2010 by The Killa

[Finn 7 five 11]

Not all of that money is profit though.

 

THink of the money paid to staff, and to produce the game, and get it sold in stores.

 

They still make bucket loads of money, but not as much as you say, and unless the pay $120 directly to activision, they probably sell their games to stores for a retail of like 20-50 bucks less.