So why exactly do you pay for Xbox Live?

I don't pay for silver and I refuse to ever pay for gold. after my free month ran out I just never felt like renewing it. I mainly play shmups anyways

Instead of just using a PC? Facebook? Netflix? Both are on your PC and to no real surprise are better to use on there.

"but but I wanna use teh TV and hooking a PC up to one is so inconvenient!" - Yeah sure is hard plugging that cord into the back of your PC. Whew, what a workout.

Skittles_McGee

I use a computer for facebook. For Netflix, only my xbox lets me talk to friends in party chat while watching. Also, I don't want to have to connect a cord from a laptop on my bed to my tv every time I want to play.

"okay smartass. But now I have to use a keyboard and mouse, thats really inconvenient!" - Actually if you're so inclined there's plenty of ways to use a controller to do... well, everything. And heck if you have a wireless keyboard now typing is actually easier than a console.

Skittles_McGee

Unless it's an exact xbox controller, it will be inferior, and I'm sure switching between keyboard and controller to start up a game will grow irritating. Plus, I don't have a wireless keyboard, nor do I intend to purchase one.

"okay but the PC costs so much more!" - Sure, initially. But your games cost less and you're not spending a dime on XBL. Say you buy 10 games brand new a year. Thats $100 saved on PC. Say you've had it for 3 years, seems reasonable. Thats $300 less in cost, plus we'll be nice and say about $150 for XBL over those 3 years. Thats $450 you didn't spend. Golly gee whiz, if you add that to the price of a 360 its... more than a PC would cost you :|

Skittles_McGee

I normally buy about 3 games per year, and I don't want to wait 4 years to break even.

"Okay fine, but what about the games. Isn't that what really matters?" - Yeah, if you prefer the much smaller and more expensive selection, I guess so.

Skittles_McGee

Quality>Quantity

So you see. In the long run, you're just wasting money. Your games cost more. You're paying MORE to use your own internet (on top of additional fees for using things like Netflix). You're literally letting Microsoft charge you to do things you... could already do.

Oh and inb4elitism. Truth isn't elitism :)

Skittles_McGee

I'm paying for a more convenient, more enjoyable experience, but I'm still paying less than you are. In addition, all my friends play on xbox, not PC.

Netflix over the PS3's network is far superior to Netflix on the PC web browser. Probably the same on 360 too.

Because I can't play games like Halo: Reach, Forza 3 (soon 4), Gears of War 3 (when it releases) and so on with my friends. Not to mention the fact that most of my online buddies play multiplatform titles on the 360 so, for me, the choice is obvious. :)

'cause I like to play with my friends. It sucks paying for it though.

Netflix over the PS3's network is far superior to Netflix on the PC web browser. Probably the same on 360 too.

Pug-Nasty

It is and it's free.

Lol came into this thread expecting to see something about how great PSN is.

The thing people fail to see is that the quality of the xbl servers is (in my opinion) much better than the PSN ones. I recently traded my ps3 for my brothers xbox so I could play with friends. On the ps3, voice quality was reaaaaaaaally really bad. It was difficult to even understand what people were saying. On the xbox, the voice chat is clear even if they're using a **** mic.

One more game a year > paying a purely profit driven fee

You can say they don't care, but deep down inside... you care, just like you would care if I stole $60 from your bank account every year for nothing.

FragTycoon

Only way to play games online.i5750at4Ghz

Yep. Not much else for me... It's not like it breaks the bank though, my last 12-month one cost $35 on Halo Reach's release.

Only 2 of my friends have XBox Live. We're not fans of the games on the XBox 360. Funnily enough, one of them is an addict and literally has an entire collection of 360 games in a bookshelf. It all comes down to preference.

...because 360 owners don't get much a choice?

lawlessx

This.

I pay for Xbox Live for Online.

why do people pay, simple, they like to support something they enjoy

To play online?

Probably because the subscription fee goe's to Microsoft so they can pump out better quality items (In theory. they're probs just pocketing it)

1.Dont have a pc in my room.
2.Its a all in comprehensive service that is still far superior in features and stability then psn.
3.Microsoft actually takes care of hackers and cheaters and they for the most part stay down...Psn not so much when they do get em they are back within a few days if not less.
4.did I mention its a comprehensive all inclusive that keeps getting updated to be better? dont get so much on psn where most updates do much of anything.
5.I've been on it for a long long time..will be comming up on 10 years november of 2011 and it hasn't disapointed me very often.
6.Its still superior to PSN specially in the realm of p2p connections Sony literally does nothing for developers in this area which is why ps3 p2p is inferior. Dedicated servers are the same though.


you may have noticed my argument is psn vs xbox live...this is becasue your initial arguement is spotty and lame at best you are comparing a service to an entire pc system you brought up so many arguments that have nothing to do with a comparison between online services.

WilliamRLBaker

Er.. the PSN network didn't get truly code-broken until this year thank you very much :P So that kinda takes all your arguments out of the equation...

It pretty much boils down to friends. Without party chat *cough* ps3 *cough* I wouldn't be playing on consoles as much as I do.

Plus, I've been 'gear'ing up for Gears 3 by playing Gears 2. And I've even been playing a bit of Reach online. I can't play those on any other system.

At last count, I have my 2 best friends and 5 relatives (including my brother) who all own 360s and have XBL. We play as often as we can together because we really only see each other a couple times a year (can't get them to try Skype, lol) That right there is worth it to me.

At last count, I have my 2 best friends and 5 relatives (including my brother) who all own 360s and have XBL. We play as often as we can together because we really only see each other a couple times a year (can't get them to try Skype, lol) That right there is worth it to me.

bez2083

[QUOTE="bez2083"]

At last count, I have my 2 best friends and 5 relatives (including my brother) who all own 360s and have XBL. We play as often as we can together because we really only see each other a couple times a year (can't get them to try Skype, lol) That right there is worth it to me.

Locutus_Picard

Well, I don't. :P

I reckon the reason most people pay for XBL Gold is because they want to play with their family / friends, who have 360s.

---

I haven't re-subscribed for a long time due to a number of reasons: I'm a multi-platform owner, so I have other less expensive options, and I'd rather buy games instead of spending it on a subscription that I'd barely use for the exclusive games the system has (I'll play multiplats elsewhere). Gears 3 is kinda tempting me, though. :P It's generally not worth it for me.

The service is quite obviously ripping me off but thats life.

At the end of the day, **** it, who cares, its a few miserable quid a year that I don't mind coughing up if it allows me to play Multiplayer with my mates.

I have one console. I have no interest in getting a PS3 on top of that and I certainly have no interest in getting a gaming PC.

Instead of just using a PC? Facebook? Netflix? Both are on your PC and to no real surprise are better to use on there.

"but but I wanna use teh TV and hooking a PC up to one is so inconvenient!" - Yeah sure is hard plugging that cord into the back of your PC. Whew, what a workout.

"okay smartass. But now I have to use a keyboard and mouse, thats really inconvenient!" - Actually if you're so inclined there's plenty of ways to use a controller to do... well, everything. And heck if you have a wireless keyboard now typing is actually easier than a console.

"okay but the PC costs so much more!" - Sure, initially. But your games cost less and you're not spending a dime on XBL. Say you buy 10 games brand new a year. Thats $100 saved on PC. Say you've had it for 3 years, seems reasonable. Thats $300 less in cost, plus we'll be nice and say about $150 for XBL over those 3 years. Thats $450 you didn't spend. Golly gee whiz, if you add that to the price of a 360 its... more than a PC would cost you :|

"but then you still have to buy the TV or monitor. HA!" - What, you wouldn't have to for the 360?

"Okay fine, but what about the games. Isn't that what really matters?" - Yeah, if you prefer the much smaller and more expensive selection, I guess so.

So you see. In the long run, you're just wasting money. Your games cost more. You're paying MORE to use your own internet (on top of additional fees for using things like Netflix). You're literally letting Microsoft charge you to do things you... could already do.

Oh and inb4elitism. Truth isn't elitism :)

It pretty much boils down to friends. Without party chat *cough* ps3 *cough* I wouldn't be playing on consoles as much as I do.

Plus, I've been 'gear'ing up for Gears 3 by playing Gears 2. And I've even been playing a bit of Reach online. I can't play those on any other system.

Karnage108

[QUOTE="bez2083"]

At last count, I have my 2 best friends and 5 relatives (including my brother) who all own 360s and have XBL. We play as often as we can together because we really only see each other a couple times a year (can't get them to try Skype, lol) That right there is worth it to me.

Locutus_Picard

So? Maybe he prefers XBL?

Instead of just using a PC? Facebook? Netflix? Both are on your PC and to no real surprise are better to use on there.

"but but I wanna use teh TV and hooking a PC up to one is so inconvenient!" - Yeah sure is hard plugging that cord into the back of your PC. Whew, what a workout.

"okay smartass. But now I have to use a keyboard and mouse, thats really inconvenient!" - Actually if you're so inclined there's plenty of ways to use a controller to do... well, everything. And heck if you have a wireless keyboard now typing is actually easier than a console.

"okay but the PC costs so much more!" - Sure, initially. But your games cost less and you're not spending a dime on XBL. Say you buy 10 games brand new a year. Thats $100 saved on PC. Say you've had it for 3 years, seems reasonable. Thats $300 less in cost, plus we'll be nice and say about $150 for XBL over those 3 years. Thats $450 you didn't spend. Golly gee whiz, if you add that to the price of a 360 its... more than a PC would cost you :|

"but then you still have to buy the TV or monitor. HA!" - What, you wouldn't have to for the 360?

"Okay fine, but what about the games. Isn't that what really matters?" - Yeah, if you prefer the much smaller and more expensive selection, I guess so.

So you see. In the long run, you're just wasting money. Your games cost more. You're paying MORE to use your own internet (on top of additional fees for using things like Netflix). You're literally letting Microsoft charge you to do things you... could already do.

Oh and inb4elitism. Truth isn't elitism :)

Skittles_McGee

i mean come on if you are going to judge how i spend my money shouldn't you be more concerned about and ridiculing the big ticket items as opposed to the nothing that xbl costs every year?

To play online = have to pay

I'm not sure what is so complicated or misunderstood about that. Microsoft wants you to pay. If you don't pay, then you don't get all the features. It is pretty simple.

Though, I am getting a ton of free Gold trials from my friend now (because he works at a Gamestop and collects all the non-saleable trials in the boxes) so I'll be getting Gold for free when I need it (which will only probably end up being for Forza 3).

Instead of just using a PC? Facebook? Netflix? Both are on your PC and to no real surprise are better to use on there.

"but but I wanna use teh TV and hooking a PC up to one is so inconvenient!" - Yeah sure is hard plugging that cord into the back of your PC. Whew, what a workout.

"okay smartass. But now I have to use a keyboard and mouse, thats really inconvenient!" - Actually if you're so inclined there's plenty of ways to use a controller to do... well, everything. And heck if you have a wireless keyboard now typing is actually easier than a console.

"okay but the PC costs so much more!" - Sure, initially. But your games cost less and you're not spending a dime on XBL. Say you buy 10 games brand new a year. Thats $100 saved on PC. Say you've had it for 3 years, seems reasonable. Thats $300 less in cost, plus we'll be nice and say about $150 for XBL over those 3 years. Thats $450 you didn't spend. Golly gee whiz, if you add that to the price of a 360 its... more than a PC would cost you :|

"but then you still have to buy the TV or monitor. HA!" - What, you wouldn't have to for the 360?

"Okay fine, but what about the games. Isn't that what really matters?" - Yeah, if you prefer the much smaller and more expensive selection, I guess so.

So you see. In the long run, you're just wasting money. Your games cost more. You're paying MORE to use your own internet (on top of additional fees for using things like Netflix). You're literally letting Microsoft charge you to do things you... could already do.

Oh and inb4elitism. Truth isn't elitism :)

Skittles_McGee

Everything you used as evidence is pretty much this "why use consoles!? teh PC is better!" Only Netflix and Facebook were legit arguements against Xbox Live.

I use it for a couple of reasons;

• All Arcade and Indie games come with trial versions. Something both Steam and PSN lack.
• All my firends are on Xbox so going to PC would suck
• Discount on Live plus a game or two if you do the deals on the dashboard
• Only way to play online

And I prefer it over PSN. As for PC, I don't enjoy PC gaming, regardless of the game I'm playing. Can't explain why, I just don't.

My other options would be to move over to PC or PSN, but neither are quite the right fit for me and my lifesty|e.

Sure, I can plug my pc into my TV, but then I'd have to move the rig closer to my TV, maybe consider rearranging my whole area. On top of that, it doesn't feel righ to have a kb/m sitting on my lap or on the arm rest of my recliner. Sure, I could buy something specifically made to solve that but that's just more equipment to clutter the room with. Or I could buy a console-like controller for PC, but unfortunately not all game support it or requires additional setup. Even then, I would still need to check the side panel of a box to make sure it'd even run. Sorry, but consoles are a better out of the box choice for me.

XBL, like WilliamBaker said, is just nicely put together. It's convenient and worked into the DNA of the console. From the menu system to the personnel behind it, I just find it a great standard across the whole platform. XBL's also proven that it's more than just servers and software. Community staff are there and do a good job of coralling the masses that choose to use them. My wife and daughter love the GamerChix. I like the community playdates with community fan sites. I appreciate that Stepto and team are active online and book face time at trade events.

I won't speak for anyone else, but that's why I choose XBL over my other options and am willing to pay the fee.

Because I have a Macbook and do not plan on buying another computer. Your reasons mean NOTHING to me, seeing as I do not care about ever owning a gaming PC at all. Never.

[QUOTE="Locutus_Picard"]

[QUOTE="bez2083"]

At last count, I have my 2 best friends and 5 relatives (including my brother) who all own 360s and have XBL. We play as often as we can together because we really only see each other a couple times a year (can't get them to try Skype, lol) That right there is worth it to me.

Stevo_the_gamer

I don't because I'm smart enough not to :P

It's some of the reason I prefer my PS3 over my XBOX 360 for the past year. Online is simply free and it gives me practically everything I need.....PSN games/Netflix/DLC/free multiplayer, with the last part, I very rarely spend time on or care for.

Not to say 360 is an abyssmally horrid system. Some of my multiplats are on 360 and soon, Crysis 2, Bulletstorm and maybe BF3, if it plays well, will be on it as well. :)

My other options would be to move over to PC or PSN, but neither are quite the right fit for me and my lifesty|e.

Sure, I can plug my pc into my TV, but then I'd have to move the rig closer to my TV, maybe consider rearranging my whole area. On top of that, it doesn't feel righ to have a kb/m sitting on my lap or on the arm rest of my recliner. Sure, I could buy something specifically made to solve that but that's just more equipment to clutter the room with. Or I could buy a console-like controller for PC, but unfortunately not all game support it or requires additional setup. Even then, I would still need to check the side panel of a box to make sure it'd even run. Sorry, but consoles are a better out of the box choice for me.

XBL, like WilliamBaker said, is just nicely put together. It's convenient and worked into the DNA of the console. From the menu system to the personnel behind it, I just find it a great standard across the whole platform. XBL's also proven that it's more than just servers and software. Community staff are there and do a good job of coralling the masses that choose to use them. My wife and daughter love the GamerChix. I like the community playdates with community fan sites. I appreciate that Stepto and team are active online and book face time at trade events.

I won't speak for anyone else, but that's why I choose XBL over my other options and am willing to pay the fee.

VoodooHak

I always enjoy reading your posts, you could actually sway me on any subject, I swear to God.

PC gamers, how can we set this post so it will be re-posted at the beginning of each month? I think that would save you a lot of time, and you wouldn't have to worry that your opinion isn't cut and pasted on a regular basis.

[QUOTE="Stevo_the_gamer"][QUOTE="Locutus_Picard"] Yeah because you can't do that on PC...or on PS3 for that matter :roll:

Locutus_Picard

Yeah, I think everyone understands that, hopefully. But, what if his family / friends don't own PS3s like him? I know bez is a multiplat gamer, but that doesn't mean everyone is.

In my case, it's the other way around. I have more family and friends that game on the PS3.

[QUOTE="VoodooHak"]

My other options would be to move over to PC or PSN, but neither are quite the right fit for me and my lifesty|e.

Sure, I can plug my pc into my TV, but then I'd have to move the rig closer to my TV, maybe consider rearranging my whole area. On top of that, it doesn't feel righ to have a kb/m sitting on my lap or on the arm rest of my recliner. Sure, I could buy something specifically made to solve that but that's just more equipment to clutter the room with. Or I could buy a console-like controller for PC, but unfortunately not all game support it or requires additional setup. Even then, I would still need to check the side panel of a box to make sure it'd even run. Sorry, but consoles are a better out of the box choice for me.

XBL, like WilliamBaker said, is just nicely put together. It's convenient and worked into the DNA of the console. From the menu system to the personnel behind it, I just find it a great standard across the whole platform. XBL's also proven that it's more than just servers and software. Community staff are there and do a good job of coralling the masses that choose to use them. My wife and daughter love the GamerChix. I like the community playdates with community fan sites. I appreciate that Stepto and team are active online and book face time at trade events.

I won't speak for anyone else, but that's why I choose XBL over my other options and am willing to pay the fee.

balfe1990

I always enjoy reading your posts, you could actually sway me on any subject, I swear to God.

Just tellin' it how I see it, brotha.

Honestly, it's not hard to understand. I just relay from first hand experience alone. None of the, "I read it somewhere that...." or .... "I have a friend who says that....."

If I didn't experience it myself, then I won't comment. "I don't know" is a perfectly fine answer if it's the truth. People, especially here, have a problem with admitting that.

Even then, I will never ever ever ever say that my opinion is right and therefore someone else's is wrong. If it's my opinion, I say as much and will not presume to force it on anyone else.

After that.... that's when the decent discussion starts to bubble to the top.

That said, I understand why people won't pay for XBL. I'm more than willing to agree to disagree and move on.

For multiplayer games, though MP is getting less frequent,and Netflix

And it's easy enough to find a year subscription for $30-$40 bucks

I play all 3 consoles online, and as far as quality of service goes it looks like this:

XBL: Great

PSN: Good

Wii: Lackluster

I also have a PC, which is fantastic, but I do pay for Live because certain games (I play Reach now and then, a few others) and XBL features, also a few of my buddies only have Live so if I want to play games online with 'em that's the only route to take. It is easily the best console online service, it's tight and so well-maintained and put together...so I guess you get what you pay for.

Also, anyone who pays 60 dollars a year for Live is a fool. I've always paid under 45 and I've had it for years, you should be able to buy it easily for less than $3.40 a month (if you can't afford this or see it as exorbitant you have larger problems on your hands.

These are typical prices on Ebay for a year's worth of Gold service (all with free shipping)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Xbox-Live-12-Month-Gold-Card-/290547627043?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a5fcf423

http://cgi.ebay.com/Xbox-Live-12-Month-Gold-Membership-Card-/320675612695?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item4aa9c18817

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Xbox-Live-12-Month-Gold-Card-Membership-/160563078845?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item25624e26bd

http://cgi.ebay.com/Xbox-Live-12-Month-Gold-Membership-Card-/320675613285?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item4aa9c18a65

Each month it costs about as much as a single cheeseburger. These complaints about price are pretty overblown, in my opinion.

I pay 400 a month for my car, a little over 900 a month for rent. Don't even ask about my cell phone...Less than $3.50 a month for a service I use frequently is something I can handle.