Xbox Live roster hits 1 million

Microsoft announced on Thursday that it now has more than a million subscribers for Xbox Live, the online gaming service for the company's video game console. Microsoft launched Xbox Live in late 2002 as a high-stakes bid to reshape the game industry and to distinguish its console.

While the service is primarily designed for game-playing, it also includes voice and video capabilities and is considered a major part of Microsoft's plans to take over the digital living room. Microsoft cleared a significant hurdle to Xbox Live adoption earlier this year when it recruited leading game publisher Electronic Arts, which had objected to Microsoft's business model for the service.

About time

I like xbox live. Currently the only game console with a relatively easy interface along with neat features and content updates.
I can't wait for the EA sports line to show up there although it is too bad that MS had to give the development of their own game software to get EA onboard.

[itanalyst]

XBox Live Sucks

Yeah, I want to pay every month to pit my wits against a foul-mouthed 10 year old on the other end of the connection who has no life and nothing to talk about except who he's going to hack next.

Don't waste your money.

Xbox Live Is Supreme!

Woot! One million subscribers in less than 2 years! Thats faster than America Online, HBO, and TiVo (according to an article posted today at www.Gamespot.com/news)! And when EA's Sports lineup hit XBL, not to mention upcoming high quality, mega blockbuster games like: HALO 2,
and CONKER LIVE AND RELOADED... another million subscribers are sure to jump on the bandwagon even quicker!
Go MS! XBOX, WE LOVE YOU!

[jacomo]

Xbox users accessing Other Game Networks

Is there anything in the Xbox or P2P Consoles or their Online Access Software that prohibit a Local Service Provider (Telco) or anyone from setting up a Game Server Platform locally and allowing local Broadband Subscribers to log in and play their Xbox Games on their network??

This entire industry needs to recognize that eventually these National Game Networks will need to have a Local Server Platform providing Latency and Jitter free Broadband Links to realize the potential of these Interactive Services.

Local Service provider own amnage and bill for the Last Mile Broadband Links today and these National MMMPG firms can maximize their revenue (and control via partnership contracts) by working with the Locals who will maintain and support local Platforms.
All the National guys need provide is the Intellectual Property (Server Platform) and their Tech Support and realize far better revenues from Subscription and Pay per Play revenue sharing deals.

Most Local Service providers (like my firm) have a Dual Home (45Mbps) Tier #1 Link (AT&T and Sprint) that would also allow our local Subs to gain access to the National Network provider as well.
These Central Store Game (Java) based Platforms like RealNets Arcade are a waste.

Hello SOny and Microsoft..