Microsoft delaying Xbox Live Primetime

A screen from the new Xbox Live Experience, which is set to launch on Nov. 19. Microsoft is now delaying one critical element of the service, the Primetime series of interactive games, according to a published report.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Updated 1:42 p.m. PDT: Adds Microsoft comment.

At E3 last summer, Microsoft said it would soon be unveiling a new piece of its larger Xbox Live puzzle known as "Primetime." Essentially, it would be an ongoing series of game shows that players could participate in with friends using the soon-to-launch new Xbox Live Experience.

But Forbes reported Wednesday that Microsoft has decided to put off the launch of the Primetime element of XBE until spring, citing technical reasons.

"Aaron Greenberg, group marketing manager for Microsoft, said the company is still very dedicated to the concept of Primetime and continues to work on it," Forbes reported. "And, to be honest, the Redmond, Wash., team could find a way to make the delay a good move ultimately. If nothing else, the company will have more time to polish Primetime."

The plan, however, had been that the Primetime offering would be integral to the full Xbox Live Experience, which is scheduled for a Nov. 19 launch. Now it appears that Microsoft is going to have to tuck its tail a little bit between its legs as it pulls back on that original E3 promise.

The new Xbox Live Experience has a series of noteworthy features including a new avatars system, online game playing parties, and party channels and more.

Microsoft had this to say on the topic:

The New Xbox Experience is our most ambitious undertaking and a platform that will grow over time, with the addition of new and exciting features for you, your friends and your family. Consumers will see a groundbreaking experience starting this November, with a new, easy-to-navigate interface; access to a vast catalog of arcade games; and the addition of 12,000 movies and TV episodes through Netflix, creating a full entertainment library of more than 30,000 HD and standard movies and TV episodes available on Xbox 360. Building on this experience, Primetime will get its own spotlight in the Spring of 2009.

[Maxwell Studly]

"Now, it appears that Microsoft is going to have to tuck its tail a little bit between its legs "

Way to shoot for impartial journalism. Not only is this statement silly but it discredits you and CNET as a Tech News site.

Don't cry.

[hafenbrack]

No kidding, how often does anyone EVER actually meet the deadline that they "promise" that far in advance?

[mattumanu]

Just say no to avatars

[plbyrd]

@Maxwell

CNet gets away with this tripe by calling this a "blog".

[strongpimphand]

TUCK IT'S TAIL BETWEEN ITS LEGS?!?!?!?

COME ON "BLOGGER", LET'S NOT ACT LIKE THE PS3 HASN'T BEEN HIDING BEHIND THE TREES WITH THEIR PLAYSTATION HOME FEATURE!!!!!

IT'S BEEN WHAT? 2 YEARS NOW? MY PLAYSTATION IS YAWNING AND WAITING TO FINALLY TRY IT OUT!

[kaibelf]

Seems like the author is upset that he can't play Press Your Luck on XBL in his underwear.

[jakgumbo]

haha press your luck....awesome gameshow!

[Canberra-photographer]

This article is an angry bias rant, but it still makes a good point. Microsoft keeps promising revolutionary, big new features and services and each time they fail to deliver. Who remembers the "future of search" with Live Search, that failed. The next generation operating system with advanced file system, crash proof and refined interface... Vista, fail!

[bajanx]

Learn how to configure Vista and it becomes a great OS. Its not OS X that is made to work on three types on computers. Windows is made to run on every type and every manufacturer's build including Macs. CNET and the good folks over at tekzilla have great configurations for Vista that greatly improve your experience.

[bajanx]

C'mon guys, you should know already that most of CNET writers are PRO PS3 and and anything Apple.
Fanboys are what they are. They still think the PS3 is the best gaming console out there and keep looking for excuses to recommend it over the real Gaming Console:THE XBOX 360. I wish this feature would have been ready on the 19th, but if it ain't done it ain't done. My2cents.

[RRosal]

"by bajanx October 22, 2008 4:36 AM PDT
C'mon guys, you should know already that most of CNET writers are PRO PS3 and and anything Apple.
Fanboys are what they are. They still think the PS3 is the best gaming console out there and keep looking for excuses to recommend it over the real Gaming Console:THE XBOX 360. I wish this feature would have been ready on the 19th, but if it ain't done it ain't done. My2cents."

And yet, when CNet bashes on the PS3 and/or Apple products I'm sure you'll have nothing to say about it right? Please. Stop being a fanboy and look beyond the sheep talk you're driveling.

[RRosal]

Spoken like a true fanboy.

[Rawnchie14]

Boo hoo, I won't miss Primetime, it's about the least interesting feature in the update.

Looking for potshots to take on a console you obviously have negative bias towards. Don't tempt me, because I can go to town on the PS3's shortcomings. But then again, I'm not a useless "blogger" or an obvious console fan boy. I have games to play, not to talk about.

[chrkeller]

Home has been delayed as well, I'd like to see both Home and Primetime make it out soon. As for finding a reason why the ps3 is a better game machine than the 360, how about the ps3 NOT having a 33% failure rate? Next-gen movie format? Built-in wifi? User upgradable hard drive? There are plenty of reasons, Primetime delay happens not to be one of them.

[Mystakill]

I bought my PS3 specifically for those very reasons, while I was waiting for my 4th & 5th 360s to be returned from the service center (the 4th was DOA on arrival). I just spent $90 on a 250GB drive for the PS3, which I'll be installing myself this evening. Microsoft doesn't sell a 250GB HDD for the 360, and would probably charge over $300 based on the 120GB HDD's current $150 price if they did.

I have all three "next-gen" consoles, but I'm spending less & less time and money on the 360 due to the aforementioned RRoD failures, accessory price gouging and increasingly-obvious XBLM price gouging. I'll definitely be holding off on purchasing Microsoft's flaming doorstop du jour next time around.

[goodspeed8701]

You should not embarass your self by posting rubbish. Tell me how many films that is coming out on blueray? And 360 has wifi arcade has upgradable hdd and they have more titles more experience with LIVE its cheaper and its the best console amongst the 3.

The only bluray game so far is MGS 4 and the blueray disk is a waste... I think its out before its time. wait for next gen console they will switch to bluray.

[chrkeller]

How many films are coming out on Bluray?
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/releasedates.html

Hundreds. With hundreds already out on the market. Sure the 360 can be upgraded. I mean $100 for wifi and $150 a decent hard drive, for $250 I can make it as good as the base ps3 model. Well not quite, the ps3 has less than 5% failure rate while the 360 is over 30%. As for game lineup, yeah the 360 has many great games, which is a shame given the crap hardware and overpriced extras. I have all three next-gen systems and no longer buy too many 360 games. My second 360 is about to die and my hard drive is out of space. On the other hand it cost me $80 to get my ps3 up to 320 gigs.... I didn't make a decision to prefer the ps3 over the 360, Microsoft made it for me.