Facebook and Twitter Will Cost Money on Xbox 360
By Jared Newman | Friday, August 28, 2009 at 3:43 pm
One of the nice things about Facebook and Twitter is that they’re free to use, but won’t really be the case on the Xbox 360.
Microsoft confirmed to G4 that an Xbox Live Gold subscription will be required to use either service, at least beyond a “free trial period.” A Gold subscription costs $50 per year, and also includes online play, access to Netflix streaming and other perks.
I understand what Microsoft is trying to do here. Xbox Live, traditionally, has been a venue for fiercely competitive online play. Despite most games’ ability to match players based on skill, it can be difficult for a casual player to find fair competition. I consider myself fairly skilled at video games, but I’ve been beaten down countless times in Street Fighter IV, Gears of War and Fight Night Round 4.
That’s not a bad thing, except it doesn’t appeal to the so-called casual crowd that Microsoft will be trying to attract in the years ahead. Slowly, we see that Microsoft is trying to build a compelling case for Xbox Live Gold even if you’re not an online gamer. Aside from Twitter, Facebook and Netflix, Gold subscribers will soon be able to stream music using Last.fm and play in the 1 vs. 100 online quiz show (currently in open beta).
But unlike those other services, Facebook and Twitter aren’t worth paying for. Microsoft can talk all it wants about how the social networking is “seamlessly integrated” into the console, but I don’t think they’ll gain many converts with a free trial.
A better solution might be to offer “Lite” versions of Facebook and Twitter. We know that the services will include advanced features, such as the ability to upload game screenshots into your Facebook profile, so maybe Microsoft should withhold those features for Xbox Live Silver members. That way, people could slowly become persuaded of Xbox Live’s overall value, instead of being forced to make a decision when their trial period runs out.
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Facebook and Twitter Will Cost Money on Xbox 360 | Technologizer | Game Console News Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 6:44 pm[…] costs $50 per year, and also includes online play, access to Netflix … rnrnrnMore here:rnFacebook and Twitter Will Cost Money on Xbox 360 | Technologizer Share and […]
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Facebook and Twitter Will Cost Money on Xbox 360 | Technologizer | ilegal money Says:
August 29th, 2009 at 2:00 am[…] See original here: Facebook and Twitter Will Cost Money on Xbox 360 | Technologizer […]
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August 29th, 2009 at 10:40 am[…] Facebook e Twitter vão custar dinheiro no Xbox 360 [Technologizer] […]
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No Netflix for Xbox Live-Averse | Technologizer Says:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:07 pm[…] argument seems to validate what I’ve said before, that Microsoft really wants to build a case for Xbox Live even if you don’t play too many games online. Multiplayer remains the best reason to grab an […]
August 28th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
You’re thinking about it wrong. Silver members will continue to receive the same service they always have. Once released, Facebook and Twitter will be FREE to Gold subscribers. It’s a bonus, because you’re right, none would actually pay to use either.
August 29th, 2009 at 12:04 am
@Mike Cerm
If the only people who can fully use the services without restrictions or time limits are Gold subscribers, then you really can’t call it “free”. Calling it free would be like someone saying a coffee mug in a brand new car is free, ONLY if you buy the car. Well then, that mug isn’t free now is it, If I have to buy the car to be given it.
One of the many reasons I love my PS3, the online goods are in real dollar amounts, and things like this are free to ALL users. Also, twitter and facebook are a moot point on the PS3, since the sites (fully functional) can be acessed via the web browser.
August 29th, 2009 at 3:52 am
I’m not paying
August 29th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Silver members have access to almost nothing as it is, so what’s the big deal? Besides, who doesn’t have a Gold Membership? And if you don’t, then you’re probably not social enough (most of the point of having the membership) to even care about Twitter and Facebook.
Actually, they might have this reversed. They should force Silver members to use the Twitter and Facebook garbage and then promise to let you disable it if you pay them $50/yr.
As for PS3… sure, the PSN is free, but the community is incredibly small and in the case of online gaming, being an “exclusive-sized community” is a negative.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
as long as my gold subscription that i get year at a time dont go up im ok with that
September 11th, 2009 at 12:09 am
@BrandonJD
Your metaphor is weak. The service is the coffee cup – that is twitter/fb on live. The car is more like the box itself. Xbox Live Gold is like the type of gas you put in the car.
If you want to get the full potential out of your sports car, you need the premium fuel.
You don’t need to pay anything extra, but if you want to use the full features of Xbox Live Gold, then you need to pay for the service.