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XBox Live Network

Posted by michael on from the passports-for-everyone dept.

The New York Times covers Microsoft's planned XBox Live network, a subscription-based online service for the XBox. Microsoft's "we control everything" approach will probably impact the number of games available, but the article notes that the service will include voice-over-ip, which might be a selling point.

5 of 236 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Security quote by Quigley · · Score: 2, Informative

    And when was the last time you heard of any problems at Disneyland?

    I think the MS guy's point is that they're shooting for strong, effective security measures that are unobstrusive. Like at Disneyland, plain clothes cops for instance.

    Of course, I have my doubts (as well as most ppl on here I'm sure) that they'll be able to pull it off, but I still think you missed the point.

  2. Got a Linux Box? Play X-Box online now! by nsanders · · Score: 4, Informative

    http://www.xboxgw.com/

    Any one else seen that yet? Linux + Box == GOOD LOVE!

  3. Madden 2003 by Hatter · · Score: 2, Informative

    Looks like they won't have that same chance next year. EA doesn't take kindly to Microsoft's bully tactics and won't be releasing Madden 2003 with network support.

  4. Re:Blah by dackroyd · · Score: 5, Informative

    Just for anyone confused by the cute little troll, Michael was reffering to EA not wanting to develop online games for Xbox, due to M$ wanting to control the servers, EA Cites MS Bullying, Says No Xbox Online Games.

    Why is this a big deal for EA ? Because if M$ contol the servers then they control all the revenue that comes, in through online games. EA hate this as at the moment they are free to pick and choose which games they develop for which consoles.

    If M$ had the power to 'accidentally' disconnect EAs online games, then EA would not be able to make free decisions about what games are made for the Xbox, and so would be bound into supporting M$ for ever, even if it made more economic sense for them not to.

    This is one of the main reasons why most game companies are reasonably happy with Sony and Nintdendo dominating the games industry. Yes, they can be selfish and hard to work with, but they at least let other games companies exist and don't try to bully them into handing over all their future profits on online games.

    --
    "Free software as in beer, copy protection as in racket" - Telsa Gwynne
  5. Re:ESPN by humpmonkey · · Score: 2, Informative

    It wasn't Madden 2002, it was MS's NFL Fever 2003.

    --
    with humpy love,
    humpmonkey