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Platform Filters:   All Platforms  Xbox   GameCube   PlayStation 2   PC   Game Boy Advance   Site Sections:   Updates  News   Games   Publishers   Developers   Reviews   Previews   Release Dates   Editorials   Glossary   Contact Us		Latest News:       13th September 2005: Xbox Live prices  Microsoft has announced firm details about the pricing of the next generation of Xbox Live. Posted by Chris Barnett - Xbox - UK and Europe Microsoft today announced that the next generation of online multiplayer gaming service Xbox Live will be available in the UK on the Xbox 360 starting this very Christmas. In addition to the Xbox Live Silver membership available to every Xbox 360 owner out of the box, for £39.99 extra gamers can upgrade to a much shinier sounding 'Gold' subscription. Microsoft also today announced that credit cards will no longer be required to create an account on Xbox Live for the 360, removing one of the major reasons why people dislike the current version. Gamers will be able to buy the subscrition cards from retailers, as they would a game or packet of crisps. Subscriptions will also be possible by credit card in ranges of one-month, three-month and 12-month subscriptions through the Xbox Live Dashboard. The two categories of Xbox Live will differ quite substantially, as outlined below: Xbox Live Silver membership This allows members to connect to an online community and create their own digital identity with an Xbox Live gamertag and personalised Gamer Profile. Silver members will be able to send and receive text and voice messages to their friends on Xbox Live. An online Marketplace will allow additional game-related content like free trailers and demos as well as content that adds more to games, such as new levels, characters and weapons. Gamers will be able to purchase and download Xbox Live Arcade games directly to their Xbox 360 system, though many of these will require additional purchase. The major plus point of the Silver Membership is that it is included with every Xbox 360 console. Xbox Live Gold membership This includes all Xbox Live Silver-level features and access to premium multiplayer games exclusive to Xbox Live Gold members. This includes online multiplayer gaming, enhanced matchmaking and feedback tools, along with exclusive privileges and rewards on Xbox Live Marketplace. Subscription costs for the service will not be charged in gold, as you may expect, but will be as follows: 1 Month - Price: £4.99 3 Month - Price: £14.99 12 Month - Price: £39.99 The bottom line of this is that at least this time around gamers will have the opportunity to play online without worrying about leeching their precious money. The true gamers will still have to fork out, but then it is a choice that you have. Here at Silicon Fusion we will be buying a Gold Subscription and then laughing at all our 'Silver' friends, literally: by recording a voice message of our laughter. Chris Barnett             Latest Images:
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