(Rumor) XBL "VIP Membership"

[bigdaddybruce44]

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-2539-RUMOR--New-Xbox-LIVE-

I seriously hope this isn't true. I have Gold paid up until next summer. I'm not shelling out anymore money. Though, I will admit, the online storage space does sound nice.

According to a post (http://www.hiphopgamershow.com/?p=7360)over at Hip Hop Game Show, they talk about the possibility of a new Xbox LIVE membership option, the VIP Membership.

"According too a customers survey done in France, Microsoft is considering a new level of Xbox Live called the VIP service. Now with this upgraded version, users will be able to get online storage for their content, a brand new matchmaking option, a option that allows the user too send free invitations to silver members, and better connectivity. It’s no denying that Xbox Live’s gold members are reaping the awards that Microsoft has provided them and with this optional addition it can’t do anything but expand on this already great feature."

Would you be willing to shell out more than Xbox LIVE's Gold price for more features?

[craigbezzle]

Depends on how much it is, and if it actually delivers on its promises. They did the survey in France, maybe it's only for that region? I really don't care about online storage space. I have a 120GB hard drive (2, in fact) so that really makes no difference to me.

This is a big IF...even though I think XBL is worth every penny.

[Corvin]

It would have to be damn cheap. I too have the 120gb drive, but cloud storage for my save games and gamertag sounds pretty intriguing.

Hell the cloud thing would be awesome for Rock Band DLC. You could go to a friends house, log in on his machine and have access to your whole catalog in addition to his and 2 other band mates song libraries with zero work involved.

[SynGamer]

Fuck that. If they do this, i'll gladly switch over to PSN once i get my PS3 later this year. It's bad enough they charge us to play online...

[homeland]

wtf does "better connectivity" mean? Aren't all games hosted by the user? how are they going to make that better? Also If the idea of having your gamertag and saves with you when you go over friends house, why not just get a cheap 512mb memory card.

[musha666]

Fuck that. If they do this, i'll gladly switch over to PSN once i get my PS3 later this year. It's bad enough they charge us to play online...

What sense does that make? As long as they dont take away anything from the Gold package this is just paying a little more to get a little more. If you are happy with Gold then no need.

And the fact that the VIP says it could allow them to invite Silver (ie FREE) accounts to play online with them is a great idea as well. I really see no negative about this rumor at all. Not unless they pull most of the Gold options and make you be a VIP to get them. Nothing about this rumor indicates that would happen though.

[bigdaddybruce44]

And the fact that the VIP says it could allow them to invite Silver (ie FREE) accounts to play online with them is a great idea as well. I really see no negative about this rumor at all. Not unless they pull most of the Gold options and make you be a VIP to get them. Nothing about this rumor indicates that would happen though.

But their past actions have shown they will aggressively make the more expensive membership more attractive by taking things away from other members. This is why they started making certain content or deals only available to Gold members. That is all I am concerned about. I've already bought into their system, which is annoying to begin with. If they now try to make Gold members the new second-class citizens, that would just really piss me off.

[SynGamer]

As i said, it's bullshit that we have to pay to play online, but why should 'VIP' get better connectivity? Aren't we already paying for that technically as Gold members?

[blitz6speed]

I hope they do it and then make demos VIP exclusive for 2 weeks before Gold members get them, then take away other things from gold. Microsoft is out of control charging for p2p gaming, perhaps this will lead to the backlash they long since deserve? Nah, they'll get away with it scott free and xbox users will praise them for asking more money for stuff that used to be free.

Ive been a Gold user since 06 btw...

[sendme]

I don't really want to set up an account to read what they are doing. So could someone post what the page says about it? Or atleast give some info.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Huh? You don't have to be signed in there, do you? I'm not. I added the text to the OP, anyway.

[munch]

Fuck that. If they do this, i'll gladly switch over to PSN once i get my PS3 later this year. It's bad enough they charge us to play online...

Have fun playing all of those awesome games on the PS3. And seriously, PSN is absolutely atrocious.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Have fun playing all of those awesome games on the PS3. And seriously, PSN is absolutely atrocious.

Not for nothing, but what is this? 2007? PSN is fine, and the PS3 has a ton of games...most of the same ones that are popular on the 360.

[Pucker]

Microsoft should have had online storage from day one. What would it have cost to give even a GB or whatever of storage space? You get this with many free services (Gmail, Skydrive, etc).

That would have allowed the system to play and save games without ANY memory device. It means your account would really be portable - you could access saves & content from a friends house (with your account). By doing this, they could have competed on the low end (Arcade systems), cheaper - sooner and given a lot more flexibility.

[PhaperPlane]

Meh, I don't care, I'll stick with good old silver thanks. :)

Although it is a pain in the ass that Silver Membership bans you from so much, even talking to a group of people. If they do create VIP Membership, then they better give some Gold Features to Silver.

[help1]

Not for nothing, but what is this? 2007? PSN is fine, and the PS3 has a ton of games...most of the same ones that are popular on the 360.

I think he meant to talk about playing said games on PSN. I agree with him, playing games online with the PS3 might be "free" but you get what you pay for: a bare bones service.

As for the better connectivity thing, I read that as having access to dedicated servers, instead of player hosted games. If that is the case, I would probably buy it. I just look at it as how much XBL saves me money by prolonging the life of my video games, thus preventing me from constantly spending money on newer games.

[bigdaddybruce44]

How is the PSN that much different from XBL? I constantly see people say this, and I simply don't see it. I've been using both systems for quite some time, and the experiences are about the same. You go online, you play games, you send messages, you can buy stuff from the store. It has all the features you need. I'd much rather pay $0 for a year and get what I get from the PSN than pay $30 or $40 or $50 and get a few extra fluff features from XBL. The only thing that really sets the XBox and XBL apart for me right now is free acess to the Netflix instant streaming, but according to job postings from NF, they are bringing this service to "other gaming platforms," so it would appear that the PS3 would be next.

[SynGamer]

How is the PSN that much different from XBL? I constantly see people say this, and I simply don't see it. I've been using both systems for quite some time, and the experiences are about the same. You go online, you play games, you send messages, you can buy stuff from the store. It has all the features you need. I'd much rather pay $0 for a year and get what I get from the PSN than pay $30 or $40 or $50 and get a few extra fluff features from XBL.
I concur. All i want is voice chat and the Abilene to play online with friends.

[GuilewasNK]

As i said, it's bullshit that we have to pay to play online, but why should 'VIP' get better connectivity? Aren't we already paying for that technically as Gold members?


Are you kidding? They charge a flat annual fee for unlimited online gaming that amounts to a little less than $1 per week. In days gone by, before the internet, arcades were the multiplayer experience of choice and we would have blown way more than $1 a week at an arcade.

You want free online gaming? That's what PCs are for.

The better connectivity thing I agree with you 100% on though. I honestly think it will be moot though since the ISP plays as big a part in connectivity as anything.

[help1]

The more I think about this, the more I think it is going to happen. Anyone notice how recently there were a lot of stores selling XBL gold cards at lower than usual prices? Even stores like bestbuy were participating. Combine this with the fact that E3 is right around the corner, I can see this happening.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Are you kidding? They charge a flat annual fee for unlimited online gaming that amounts to a little less than $1 per week. In days gone by, before the internet, arcades were the multiplayer experience of choice and we would have blown way more than $1 a week at an arcade

True, true. In the long run, it is pennies a day. But here's the way I see it. The $50 that they normally charge for a 12+1 card could and should be better spent on a game or a controller. There is a competing service that is absolutely free. Whether or not one likes the feel or the extra features of the PSN, the reality is, we can do just about everything with it that you can do with XBL. There really is no reason why we should be spending anything for XBL.

The more I think about this, the more I think it is going to happen. Anyone notice how recently there were a lot of stores selling XBL gold cards at lower than usual prices? Even stores like bestbuy were participating. Combine this with the fact that E3 is right around the corner, I can see this happening.

Indeed. I was going to mention that in the OP, but it skipped my mind. If this ended up being the $50 a year service and drove Gold down to $25 or $30 on regularly, it wouldn't be too bad.

[Jay]

"According to a post over at Hip Hop Game Show"LOL!

[craigbezzle]

Go play a few hours of Killzone 2 with a friend, and you'll be DYING for Xbox Live. It's ri-goddamn-diculous that you can't stay in a party, stay on the same team, chat, or invite friends.

People who bitch about Xbox Live being $50 should just stop gaming altogether. It literally is a drop in the bucket of your annual income, and it makes online gaming SO MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE.

[bigdaddybruce44]

It doesn't really matter that $50 is a "drop in the bucket." A lot of things are a "drop in the bucket," and they all add up until the bucket is overflowing.

[Malik112099]

There is a competing service that is absolutely free.


It isnt really a competing service considering Microsoft makes more money off of one gold member than Sony does off of their entire claimed 20 million (or whatever the number is) PSN user base. You also have to add in how stupid easy it is to use Xbox Live compared to PSN. There are games *cough* killzone *cough* that I got rid of because I felt like it was a damn chore just getting into an online multiplayer game.

[SAB-CA]

Are you kidding? They charge a flat annual fee for unlimited online gaming that amounts to a little less than $1 per week. In days gone by, before the internet, arcades were the multiplayer experience of choice and we would have blown way more than $1 a week at an arcade.

You want free online gaming? That's what PCs are for.

The better connectivity thing I agree with you 100% on though. I honestly think it will be moot though since the ISP plays as big a part in connectivity as anything.

Heck, on PC, most of the "free to play" Games felt like crappy, non-unified, messy services to me, anywho. I guess it wasn't a big deal for PC-heads, but I HATED Multiplayer on PC, and NEVER was able to get past the mass annoyance of the setups that each game had, to have any fun with it.

And then the games that WHERE worth playing... all made you pay 8-15 bucks a month to play them. Much more than Live, and all for one game.

Then when Dreamcast with PSO came along, and it was free, I constantly wondered "how are these people providing all this, just off the cost on a retail game?"... then PSO eventually went Pay-to-Play, and it still felt reasonable, because the monthly cost for that game was much cheaper than the 2 or 3 games a month I might buy without it.

And then came Xbox LIVE... flat fee for ALL my games to be played online, plus Voice Chat that kept me from having to use the phone? I never questioned it's worth. Even though I rarely used live back in those days, since there where not as many games I care about for it. (Just Mech Assault and DOAU).

:baby::shame: ANYWAY... all that to say... Live is CHEAP as it is now, and I'd kinda hope that if they make a new VIP service, that maybe they'd even lower the cost of Gold, and make new VIP take it's price place. Don't take away any features, either! This could be the equivalent of a console price drop, just focused on a service, rather than hardware.

I don't see a real desire for serverside content saving in this case. I could imagine the corrupted save files, the long wait to play games because a weighty save is server-side on a slow connection... and the increased complain that "We don't OWN Digital content... It's not even saved on physical storage, GEEZE!"

I do think that if MS was to release a premium service, we'd probably all get a week/month of it for free, to entice us towards it, and then be returned to regular gold after that trial.

Unless MS makes some REALLY stupid decisions with this idea, I don't believe it could turn out negative, if true. However, that is entirely possible...

[craigbezzle]

I honestly have probably spent over $50 in my phone bill from having to call/text my friends 20 times during a night of Killzone 2.

XBL >>>>>>>>>>>>> PSN

[ninja dog]

I don't think I've paid over $20 a year, aside from my initial year, which I bought before I found CAG. From 2004 to 2009, I've probably spent about $120 total, maybe less.

They'd really have to add a lot to the service to make me consider upgrading it. I hardly even play online these days...

[Blackout]

How is the PSN that much different from XBL? I constantly see people say this, and I simply don't see it. I've been using both systems for quite some time, and the experiences are about the same. You go online, you play games, you send messages, you can buy stuff from the store.

I don't see it either. It's not like I have to turn a crank to play PS3 games online. I think people are just stuck in 2006. I haven't gotten to play Killzone 2 yet, but I wouldn't doubt if it had a few problems. The PSN does need work, but it's not like XBL and PSN are night and day.

Are you kidding? They charge a flat annual fee for unlimited online gaming that amounts to a little less than $1 per week.



If they had $1 a week cards, that would be great. Then I wouldn't have that much of a problem with it. I know with CAG you can get XBL for like 20-30 bucks, but in the CAG world that's 2-3 games right there. I just feel ripped off when I buy the subscription.

[Xavin]

I think this would be a BAD move for MS. They already have so many people dedicated because of the LIVE that they have now.

[rvdrock]

For the record hiphopgamershow is not a reputable site at all, it is one guy blabbing about about whatever he wants and making up info as he goes...this guy said Gran Turismo on PSP is coming out this year! COME ON! His article is complete and utter BS, but for some reason his page gets looked at for either pure comedy or for the stupid people that actually believes a word this jackass says.

Sorry for the rant, but I am sick of seeing his articles on n4g.com

[VipFREAK]

Andddddd.... wait for it......... It will still have ads all over. :roll:

[Galego23]

"According to a post over at Hip Hop Game Show"LOL!


Yeah, that's the first thing I thought to. The Hip-Hop Gamers website being the "source" is hardly credible at all....

and why would they run a survey in France of all-places? Makes no sense to me.

[SynGamer]

Are you kidding? They charge a flat annual fee for unlimited online gaming that amounts to a little less than $1 per week. In days gone by, before the internet, arcades were the multiplayer experience of choice and we would have blown way more than $1 a week at an arcade.

You want free online gaming? That's what PCs are for.

The better connectivity thing I agree with you 100% on though. I honestly think it will be moot though since the ISP plays as big a part in connectivity as anything.
But what i pay for XBL i could put towards a game or two (possibly three with a nice sale)...

[bigdaddybruce44]

I don't see it either. It's not like I have to turn a crank to play PS3 games online. I think people are just stuck in 2006. I haven't gotten to play Killzone 2 yet, but I wouldn't doubt if it had a few problems. The PSN does need work, but it's not like XBL and PSN are night and day.

Exactly. That hit the nail on the head. People make it sound like playing games online with the PS3 is a chore. It's not. Not for nothing, but I have played three games....Resistance, MGS4, and Resistance 2....heavily on the PS3. I mean, a lot. Oddly enough, no issues. I've never once said to myself, "Wow, I wish this was on the 360, so I could be on Live." Maybe it's a product of playing a lot of games on the PC or online with the PS2, but nothing about the PSN makes me throw my arms up in despair.

Is the PSN not nearly as streamlined as XBL? Absolutely. I would never, ever claim otherwise. But sorry, I don't wanna pay $30, $40, or $50 a year for a tad more convenience. I'll gladly go to one more menu or just ask my friend what game he is playing in if the service is free and offers the same, basic options.

[Raconteur]

My 2 cents:
I pay about 25 for a 13 month card, and that's far worth it to me.
I hated playing on PSN. It's far from total crap, though.

On PSN, I felt as though I was playing with bots, since no one seems to have a mic, and a lot of the times, I was kicked off or disconnected for no reason.

Not only that, but I love using the ability to talk to friends in other games in a huge party, listen to music streamed from my PC, and all of that, which I cannot do on the PSN. Maybe I was just spoiled.

So, while XBL isn't for everyone who wants to pay, I don't mind paying about 25-30 bucks for over a year of convenient, smooth, and fun service, that I didn't quite get on the PSN.
Not to mention, winning free prizes, contests, early demos/dlc, exclusive DLC, playing with fame and devs, and also other featured content is nice.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to start a "console war" or even a service war, I'm just stating my opinions why I much prefer XBL or PSN.

But being that PSN is free, it's a great service for what it does. ;)

[davyd]

Anyone else remember Xbox Live Diamond? I think I still may have my discount card with my gamertag around here somewhere.

I'd bet they'll incorporate that rather poor discount program into this if they do go through with it.

[blitz6speed]

Having no mic in every box is a god-send. If you've played on live long enough, you know how many 12-13 year old kids are on screaming at you that you suck, you're gay, that you're a n****r, and other wonderful terms. In fact, the chances of playing a game online with xbox live and NOT running into these types of people are insanely low. I hate playing on live due to this crap. Ive never, not even once, experienced that on the PSN and ive had a PS3 since shortly after launch.

[Raconteur]

Oh yeah, I remember that.
I think they should have just kept Diamond and added to it to make it more desirable for a small upgrade fee and stop there for good.
Hopefully though, this is just a rumor, and MS won't keep coming out with dumb schemes to get more cash.

[Raconteur]

Having no mic in every box is a god-send. If you've played on live long enough, you know how many 12-13 year old kids are on screaming at you that you suck, you're gay, that you're a n****r, and other wonderful terms. In fact, the chances of playing a game online with xbox live and NOT running into these types of people are insanely low. I hate playing on live due to this crap. Ive never, not even once, experienced that on the PSN and ive had a PS3 since shortly after launch.
I heard crap talking in PSN when people actually DID talk, so it's everywhere. And yeah, maybe mics that aren't in the PS3 box is a good idea, but whoever wants one, on either system, can easily buy one cheap if need be, so there's no big deal.
Yeah, there's tons of idiots on live, but usually, I don't mind. I can simply ignore them, or have fun with them if I want. I end up meeting a lot more cool people versus retarded people and just end up getting an elite friend list and playing strictly with friends. There goes that problem.

I'd rather feel like I'm playing with people, whether annoying or not, but that's my personal preference.

[fatmanforlife99]

I do think that if MS was to release a premium service, we'd probably all get a week/month of it for free, to entice us towards it, and then be returned to regular gold after that trial.




Ummm.... we already have a premium service, it's called XBOX Live Gold. Not sure if you have ever heard of it. :roll: If this is even remotely true, the better connectivity part just pisses me off. It's just another way to milk us. Hopefully this is not true, they will loose a customer if this happens.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Having no mic in every box is a god-send. If you've played on live long enough, you know how many 12-13 year old kids are on screaming at you that you suck, you're gay, that you're a n****r, and other wonderful terms. In fact, the chances of playing a game online with xbox live and NOT running into these types of people are insanely low. I hate playing on live due to this crap. Ive never, not even once, experienced that on the PSN and ive had a PS3 since shortly after launch.

I've definitely experienced it a little on the PSN, but not nearly as much. Most of the time, I don't even plug my headset in while playing XBL. The other day, though, I was trying to get my idiot teammate in RE5 VS to actually stay with me, so I plugged it in. Later on, I was playing another match, and some little kid was just humming...humming a song...all game. It seems like almost everytime I plug the 360 headset in, someone gets muted.

[Malik112099]

Having no mic in every box is a god-send. If you've played on live long enough, you know how many 12-13 year old kids are on screaming at you that you suck, you're gay, that you're a n****r, and other wonderful terms. In fact, the chances of playing a game online with xbox live and NOT running into these types of people are insanely low. I hate playing on live due to this crap. Ive never, not even once, experienced that on the PSN and ive had a PS3 since shortly after launch.


Lies. I get that shit on PSN all the time. Sony made a service specifically for it - it's called Home. Also, there is this nice little mute feature on Xbox Live that you can use on the annoying people.

[Raconteur]

I can't believe you guys are threatening to stop your Live service if MS introduces a better plan. They aren't forcing you to do it or making you pay more or less for anything.
That's retarded. Start crying if it does become an announcement and if they start taking gold features away, but you're all just speculating now for no reason.

[fatmanforlife99]

Thats why I said if this is true. I already have to pay 50 bucks so people can lag everywhere on my my favorite games. IDK about you, but it kinda ruins the fucking experience.

[craigbezzle]

If you've ever played MGO as in-depth as I have, you know damn well PSN is not perfect. I would gladly pay $50/year for PSN if it was on the same level as XBL.

[bigdaddybruce44]

If you've ever played MGO as in-depth as I have, you know damn well PSN is not perfect. I would gladly pay $50/year for PSN if it was on the same level as XBL.

I don't think one person in this thread once said the PSN is perfect. But I played MGO for at least an hour a day for about a month straight when it came out. Never once thought my experience would be any different on the 360.

[BostonCollegeFan]

The idiots who say Killzone 2's online is broken are fucking retarded and are proabably a particapant in their states mental health program.

Seriously, how hard is it to turn on Killzone 2, go to "Warzone" or whatever it's called then "Join Game"? Oh and there's nothing wrong with the voice chat, the only reason you'd call someone on a phone was if you were cheating, which means you're a dick and no one cares what you think anyways.

Also XBLG is wayyyy too much money. $7 a month adds up to almost $80 a year, that's ridiculous. I know you can get it for cheap on cag, but I'd rather spend $50 on a new game than just the ability to play games. This is why i'll be buying all my future third party games on PS3.

[whoknows]

As far as MGO goes, that game had a terrible online service. I barely played due to it. With PSN though, it really depends on the game with how good the online is. A game like COD4 works just as well on PSN as it does on Live. (and yes, I've played both.)


I rarely play online though, which is why I'd never ever pay to play online. Main reason I never payed for Live when I had my 360.

[Raconteur]

Thats why I said if this is true. I already have to pay 50 bucks so people can lag everywhere on my my favorite games. IDK about you, but it kinda ruins the fucking experience.
It's your choice you pay 50 bucks for LIVE, no one is forcing you to do so, so I don't see the problem? If you don't like the price or lag, then simply, don't?

Personally, I pay much cheaper for it than you, and I hardly EVER get lag. I'm sorry your experience has been crappy on Xbox Live though, but it's ultimately you're decision to pay to play, and if it doesn't meet your standards, you don't have to keep paying for it.

And again, no one is forcing you to pay extra for a better service, IF it even does come out. Stop trying to act like a victim.

[fatmanforlife99]

Look, I have never had any problem with PSN, not one. Killzone 2, Resistance 1&2 and Warhawk are games I play a lot and they all work smooth. When you pop in Halo 3 or some Halo Wars you get dickheads who lag out on purpose or because they live in some far away location. I know your going to say "use the better connection option" that shit does not work at all. You either cant find a game game in 30 mins or you still get matched up with people who lag out. I love XBL, don't get me wrong fucking bad ass service, but you cant sit here and say, I will pay for a better connection when your already paying 50 bucks a year. Like I said earlier, if this is true, I wont extend my membership.

[fatmanforlife99]

It's your choice you pay 50 bucks for LIVE, no one is forcing you to do so, so I don't see the problem? If you don't like the price or lag, then simply, don't?

Personally, I pay much cheaper for it than you, and I hardly EVER get lag. I'm sorry your experience has been crappy on Xbox Live though, but it's ultimately you're decision to pay to play, and if it doesn't meet your standards, you don't have to keep paying for it.

And again, no one is forcing you to pay extra for a better service, IF it even does come out. Stop trying to act like a victim.


Look don't be a dick about either. Nobody is forcing you to live. You play Halo 3 right? everybody has experienced lag, I don't care who you are or what you say, you have. It's a service I enjoy, I dont mind paying it, but what is pissing me off is to pay MORE MONEY for a better connection makes no sense to me.

[Raconteur]

The idiots who say Killzone 2's online is broken are fucking retarded and are proabably a particapant in their states mental health program.

Seriously, how hard is it to turn on Killzone 2, go to "Warzone" or whatever it's called then "Join Game"? Oh and there's nothing wrong with the voice chat, the only reason you'd call someone on a phone was if you were cheating, which means you're a dick and no one cares what you think anyways.

Also XBLG is wayyyy too much money. $7 a month adds up to almost $80 a year, that's ridiculous. I know you can get it for cheap on cag, but I'd rather spend $50 on a new game than just the ability to play games. This is why i'll be buying all my future third party games on PS3.
Chill out dude, stop being so aggressive.
If you look it at that way, then yeah, it's overpriced. You can now buy cards for 25-35 easy online. It's changed since the original billing. I think that it's a great price for over a years service, though not perfect, of course. I'd never pay over $50 for XBL, personally, and now that I have been paying in the $20 range for it the past 3 years, I probably wouldn't ever pay over $40 for it again. Forget $80, buy the cards online.
Some people want free stuff, and don't like MS or their business, so $5 a year would probably be too much for them. No biggie.

A game like COD4 works just as well on PSN as it does on Live. (and yes, I've played both.)
They're pretty much identical, sure, but some things make a difference to some people.
Online interface, controller design, and online features.
So yeah, those who don't care, you're probably going to get the same experience, but it does make a difference ultimately to many people who do care. It's all preference, really. I prefer the 360 controller, so that's a no brainer to me. I also explained why I prefer the 360 interface and features over the PSN, so that is another no brainer for me. But there are people who either don't know or don't care between the two and will have fun either way. Props to them. ;)

[Raconteur]

Look don't be a dick about either. Nobody is forcing you to live. You play Halo 3 right? everybody has experienced lag, I don't care who you are or what you say, you have. It's a service I enjoy, I dont mind paying it, but what is pissing me off is to pay MORE MONEY for a better connection makes no sense to me.
I'm not being a dick, I'm just telling you to stop whining about things. :roll:

Now, let's look at it a different light, since you don't seem to get it.

Don't you have to pay more for your ISP to give you a better connection if you want one? Yes.
More is usually more, correct?
Does it suck? Duh. But it's business.

They aren't forcing you to pay more for more though, if you want to upgrade, you can. If you don't, you can stick to the cheapest plan for all they care. If MS does include this plan as an option, then they can, and it's legit. It will suck, yes, I know. I'm paying customer myself, but why wouldn't they? Personally, if nothing sticks out to me worth upgrading, and the price is too much, I'll skip it. Big deal.

[fatmanforlife99]

Yeah, but my ISP always meets my standards. XBL, doesn't. Look I am not whining contrary to what you think.

Look all I am saying is why charge more money for something I already Pay 40-50 bucks a year and slap a "OHHHH VIP" tag on and say you will get a better connection. As a customer I hope you agree with this statement. You know that would not be fair at all to the millions of people who hop on everyday. I should already have a MORE better connection.

[Scorch]

This is going to be their way of securing DLC to consumers. You won't have to be on the same console, but you will have to be signed in to Live.

So, you know, when you take your 360 to your friend's house for a Rock Band night, all of your DLC won't show up because they don't have the internet at their house.

Damn it.

[Jesus_S_Preston]

So in a year or so after this launches, we'll need a VIP membership to download demos the first 6 months they're out, get any free content, or doing anything else besides straight up playing games online, I'm guessing?

KthxNO.

[BostonCollegeFan]

This is going to be their way of securing DLC to consumers. You won't have to be on the same console, but you will have to be signed in to Live.

So, you know, when you take your 360 to your friend's house for a Rock Band night, all of your DLC won't show up because they don't have the internet at their house.

Damn it.


I still think it's bs alone that when your bring your HD over you can't your DLC unless you have an internet connection :/.

[bigdaddybruce44]

So in a year or so after this launches, we'll need a VIP membership to download demos the first 6 months they're out, get any free content, or doing anything else besides straight up playing games online, I'm guessing?

KthxNO.

Exactly. This is my concern. We already see the hardball they were willing to play with Silver members in terms of content. I wouldn't doubt if they do the same to Gold members to "motivate" us to get VIP.

[ninjalunchbox79]

Yeah, but my ISP always meets my standards. XBL, doesn't. Look I am not whining contrary to what you think.

Look all I am saying is why charge more money for something I already Pay 40-50 bucks a year and slap a "OHHHH VIP" tag on and say you will get a better connection. As a customer I hope you agree with this statement. You know that would not be fair at all to the millions of people who hop on everyday. I should already have a MORE better connection.


I dont think they can control your connection , but then again stranger shit has happened. XBL gold is already a pretty good service for what you pay for , me ive shopped around & have picked up 13 months of live for a lil less than $30 , now my internet service is a different story. The location im at I pay pretty good money for my internet service. Most of the games I choose on GOW & other games I experince lag at the least once a day a lil more sometimes. But on a business standpoint why would Microsoft come out with this XBLG vip status . . . it sounds useless to me , thats my opinion . . .

[dtcarson]

* Online storage - why? Maybe I'm the wrong demographic, but I don't go to people's houses and need access to my DLC all that often. And if it's online, that's more bandwidth being used which many ISPs might not like, and of course you have to be online and Live has to be up.
* Brand new matchmaking option - I don't really have any complaints about the current one, it's better implemented in some games than others. I'll reserve judgment till I hear details.
* Free invitations to silver members - what's the point?
* Better connectivity - I don't like this one. This either means "we can do better, but we haven't bothered to", or "we'll cripple the regular Goldies".

13 months is 35-50 bucks depending on where you buy it. "Pennies a day". I would like it to be free, but I don't think that's an unreasonable price for the service provided (I'm more up in arms about 20.00 nontransferrable DLC content/games.)
I'm curious, I wonder how many people complain about Live's pennies a day, but have also been playing World of Warcraft for fifteen bucks a month for years. To me, *that's* a waste of money. Multiple hundreds of dollars for one game? Don't think so.

I could definitely see MS trying to "disincentivize" the regular Gold membership in favor of the Ultra Super Cool Kids Premium VIP Club.

I think they'd get some push back from the game publishers if the limit demo downloads that much/

[Raconteur]

Yeah, but my ISP always meets my standards. XBL, doesn't. Look I am not whining contrary to what you think.

Look all I am saying is why charge more money for something I already Pay 40-50 bucks a year and slap a "OHHHH VIP" tag on and say you will get a better connection. As a customer I hope you agree with this statement. You know that would not be fair at all to the millions of people who hop on everyday. I should already have a MORE better connection.
I told you I understand, but I am saying they aren't forcing you to get VIP, so there's no harm. If it does come out, and you don't want to buy it, then don't. I'm sure there'll be millions of people out there in the same boat, me included.

[dtcarson]

Devil's advocate, though--most ISPs have tiered service....I can get 5K dl for $$, .750k for $, and 10MB for $$$ from RoadRunner. I assume all they do is cap my max transfer rate or something.

Offering more functionality/features for more money, I'm fine with...that's business. But the current Live offerings or service levels shouldn't change.

[fatmanforlife99]

I told you I understand, but I am saying they aren't forcing you to get VIP, so there's no harm. If it does come out, and you don't want to buy it, then don't. I'm sure there'll be millions of people out there in the same boat, me included.


Will you stop saying "NOBODY'S FORCING YOU TO", I know this man. Like a poster said a couple posts up, if they can do a better job at making the games run more smooth, why charge for it? Answer that please, that is what I am "complaining" about.

[Raconteur]

I'll give you the answer. BUISNESS.
Life isn't fair, I don't know if you're 12, or 20 and live in your mom's basement still, but that's the way it goes. It's been like this for a long time now, and will never change.

Why is ANY DLC priced? Hmm....
Oh, business! Yeah, welcome to the real world, it sucks! :D

Should it be free? I guess? I'd love it to be, but I paid $XX.XX for a game with content already on it. That was MY choice, no one MADE me buy that game. If any other content outside of that disc comes out for it, they can charge whatever price they want it to be. And again, it'll be MY CHOICE ALONE to buy it. I won't be forced to pay for it. The minute I do, I will take my money and time elsewhere. Not cry on a forums about it. Do something about it if you don't like it, and that's putting your money where your mouth is. Typing will get you nowhere.

Trust me, I'm on your side, but I get sick of all the whining that "this should be free", " I shouldn't HAVE to pay for this". Well great news, you don't HAVE to do anything. I'm sorry if you feel entitled for all extra things in life, but that won't always be the case. You'll have to make important decisions on when and where your money goes and if it's worth it to you. Anything on the disc that you paid for, is yours. Anything extra the people take time to make, whether it's a minutes after release or a year, doesn't have to be free. It'd be nice if it were, and the devs get props for cheap or free things in reasonable time, but it's whatever they chose, you're not entitled to it, just because you bought the game.

Same goes with this VIP shit.

[shinryuu]

Did this rumor come from Souljah Boy or something?

[LinkinPrime]

The "better connectivity" feature, makes it sound like complete bullshit.

[Demolition Man]

This whole "VIP Membership" sounds like complete bullshit to me.

[Strider Turbulence]

At the risk of adding gasoline to the fire, XBL really is just a better overall online service than PSN. Play HD remix and SF4 on xbox 360 and ps3. For whatever reason PS3 has connection issues with HD remix and desycning/rollback or whatever, is really bad at the start of a lot of matches. It does work itself out as the matches go on, but it's still annoying.

SF4 on ps3 on average seems to have more input lag than the 360 version, no matter how solid the connection appears to be. Normal attacks that I wanna use as anti air comes out too slow to be of use against obvious jumpers, despite it working perfectly offline and I don't even bother with complicated combos online anymore. I'm sure most people won't notice it, but when your game revolves more than dragon punching + jumping and sweeping (which works too well since the damned lag makes quickly shifting from standing block to low block hard) it's very noticeable and annoying. Puzzle Fighter on PSN felt like it had more lag, but I dunno, it's been a while since I played it. The disconnectors were out of hand on that game though.



I dunno how I feel about this rumored VIP membership, but I play PS3 SF at a friend's house and those issues annoy us to no end.

[SuxoR]

I don't have an Xbox yet but always pay attention to this stuff since being a PC gamer online play is really important to me

This looks really fake to me every feature except the online storage are completely useless

I do have the feeling there is something coming but I hope for you guys it isn't this haha

[sendme]

Huh? You don't have to be signed in there, do you? I'm not. I added the text to the OP, anyway.

Guess you don't. It does not come up right in IE8 and all I saw on the page was to log in.

[Raconteur]

I wouldn't even classify that as opinion.. everyone knows XBL is better than PSN. You get what you paid for.
It does have more features and a smoother overall experience. That's fact not opinion. But, not everyone seems care about those features, and as long as they are playing a human on the otherside for free, than they're 100% happy. Others are willing to put up 20-40 bucks to have more, so it really just depends on the person playing I guess. But yeah, over-all, LIVE offers more.

[Bluth Superfan]

I guess it was only a matter of time until MS did this. Some of the posts in this thread make me think that most people will gladly pay for it too.

However someone wants to spend their money is usually okay with me but I really think this LIVE stuff is totally out of control.

[Raconteur]

I don't have an Xbox yet but always pay attention to this stuff since being a PC gamer online play is really important to me

This looks really fake to me every feature except the online storage are completely useless

I do have the feeling there is something coming but I hope for you guys it isn't this haha

I too believe this is fake, and hope it is.
It's sad some idiot out there can just make something believable up and it spreads across the net as gospel. But, it IS the internet, so not to hard to believe, really. :lol: And for all we know, it could be true!

Anyways, the only new feature I am aware of coming out here soon, is prime-time. I highly doubt they'd add something like this right after or before, but it is MS after-all.

[JJSP]

Microsoft can't handle DRM and usage on my own system, what makes you think they'll do any better with fantasy storage?

No thanks. I'll continue to gladly pay <$50 for XBL.

[Raconteur]

1. Yes, you actually did say that you wanted it free.
2. I'm 23, you need to have some respect when you speak to me.
Don't bother man, he may claim to be 20, but I've hard more intelligent arguments with kids who admit they're 12. :D

[dallascowboys]

Doesn't seem like a reputable source. Look at all the gramatical errors.

[rvdrock]

Why are you STILL talking like this is REAL...its not, its fake as is most content from that website...someone needs to close this topic

[Galego23]

5 pages over a rumor on a website with no credible sources.

Brilliant guys!

[kevlar51]

yep, won't trust a site that has no grasp of word usage.

[Thongsy]

5 pages over a rumor on a website with no credible sources.

Brilliant guys!

Well that's how the xbox fanboys and SDF rolls, they love arguing.

[Raconteur]

I'm pretty sure it's fake. But we're free to discuss this as long as we want. Why does it need to be closed just because it's not officially announced yet? This is a game forum, correct?

Well that's how the xbox fanboys and SDF rolls, they love arguing.
Or useless posts like this. :roll:

[Soodmeg]

Wow, this thread turned to shit rather quickly didnt it.


On topic. I am on the fence about this. Although I would hate to have to pay more (depending on how much more is) to get dedicated serves (something I think we should already have) I dont see a problem with it unless they start taking away gold features.

I dont really mind because every single service based company on the planet does this. There has always been a small, medium and large as well as a bronze sliver gold package of some sort.

Its a easy way to get maximum money from people who are willing to pay it yet still keep the people who want to pay less.

[soonersfan60]

Wouldn't online storage help with transfers to a new system once you get RROD?

[Raconteur]

They just need to do something about that license crap.

[Keavy_Rain]

They just need to do something about that license crap.
You get one free license transfer per year and you're supposed to get one with each repair, but I never got the ones with the repair to work and had to use up my freebie.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/licensemigration/default.htm If you need to use your freebie.

As for this whole "VIP" thing, I have two things to say:

1. I highly doubt this is real. There's too much wrong with the site and the information, which other CAG's have pointed out.

2. Why would MS strip Gold privileges if it were real? I can see stripping Silver privilages, since they pay nothing, but us Gold members give them money just to have a gold bar on our gamertag. If they add another tier of service I imagine they'll add stuff to that tier that does not exist on Gold or Silver instead of stripping Gold of features.

P.S. Fatman, you make me laugh and that makes you AOK in my book.

[Raconteur]

Yeah I know it's a once per year. It's understandable, but a pain. It'd just save a lot of troubles if they lifted it, or changed it a bit.

[xjadenx]

Are you kidding? They charge a flat annual fee for unlimited online gaming that amounts to a little less than $1 per week. In days gone by, before the internet, arcades were the multiplayer experience of choice and we would have blown way more than $1 a week at an arcade.

You want free online gaming? That's what PCs are for.

The better connectivity thing I agree with you 100% on though. I honestly think it will be moot though since the ISP plays as big a part in connectivity as anything.

You have to use a PC because, what? PCs go to a different internet?

[docvinh]

You have to use a PC because, what? PCs go to a different internet?

I think he meant that pc gaming online is free.

[Mr. Anderson]

If Microsoft tries this, I'll just game on my PC.

[PhreQuencYViii]

But their past actions have shown they will aggressively make the more expensive membership more attractive by taking things away from other members.

The original Xbox didn't even have a free membership. What have they taken away?

If this was real dedicated servers would make sense. I can see XBL gold going down as well, but dedicated would be really nice.

"According to a post over at Hip Hop Game Show"

Hmmmm...

[blitz6speed]

If they made gold free but took away features like 5 people groups and crap like that, but let you play online, id say that microsoft would be genius. The retards would still pay monthly for the VIP status, and everyone else who just wants to play online would win. Of course, they'll likely do the opposite and charge more by taking Gold features away and forcing you to pay for them in the VIP.

E3 is going to be fun.

[Hydro2Oxide]

This is goofy. Live is already a P2P service save a few services, regular live should be free and this should be implemented as the pay. Or reduce the current price and make this the 50$ a year.

[hostyl1]

I'm pretty sure that if the current Live Gold was stripped in any way, I'd abandon the service. As it is, I dont really play online too much anyway. I wouldn't have gold at all except I've only paid an average of $25/yr thanks to CAG. I have membership til 11/2010. At that point, my 360 will be out of warranty anyway so I think I'll be jumping to the PS3.

But hey, if it gets MS more money, I'm all for it. I need their stock price to rise :).

[bigdaddybruce44]

The original Xbox didn't even have a free membership. What have they taken away?

What are you talking about? We're not talking about the original Xbox. We're talking about Silver and Gold on the 360. And they have taken away access to content, either on a timed or permanent basis, from Silver members. They also have sales on content that only Gold members can partake in, despite the fact that the content often has nothing to do with playing online.

[pot]

What are you talking about? We're not talking about the original Xbox. We're talking about Silver and Gold on the 360. And they have taken away access to content, either on a timed or permanent basis, from Silver members. They also have sales on content that only Gold members can partake in, despite the fact that the content often has nothing to do with playing online.

Of course you are going to make something that costs money more attractive over something that is free. And what content has been "taken away" on a permanent basis? All demos are able to DLed by a silver Member a week later and offering a deal on a game only to gold members is not "taking away" anything from a silver member. They can still buy that game, just at at the regular price. Someone paying for Gold SHOULD get benefits over someone who is not. Plain and simple IMO.

Why pay for Gold if you got the same features as a free Silver subscribeR? It makes no sense.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Why pay for Gold if you got the same features as a free Silver subscribeR? It makes no sense.

How exactly do you overlook the main difference...the biggest difference between...Silver and Gold? It's online play. That was the difference long before they started taking access to stuff away from Silver members. Wow...

[pot]

How exactly do you overlook the main difference...the biggest difference between...Silver and Gold? It's online play. That was the difference long before they started taking access to stuff away from Silver members. Wow...

MS has always said Gold membership gets you online play and other perks. I don't see the big deal here. Of course you are going to get EXTRA things when you pay for something over someone who doesn't, online play included. Xbox online play has never been included, on both xbox systems, for free so how could that be considered something that was taken away?

"Xbox LIVE Gold Membership is a premium membership that lets you play games with friends online. Gold membership includes all the features of the free LIVE membership plus additional benefits and features."

[crunchb3rry]

Why pay for Gold if you got the same features as a free Silver subscribeR? It makes no sense.

Reminds me of Sony's Gamers Advisory Panel. Made you feel all special but any prizes or betas were also offered to Underground members. So GAP was essentially a complete waste of time. And the people there are so brainwashed it's unreal. They'd jump off bridges for Sony. Creeped me out too much so I hauled ass on outta there.

[pot]

Reminds me of Sony's Gamers Advisory Panel. Made you feel all special but any prizes or betas were also offered to Underground members. So GAP was essentially a complete waste of time. And the people there are so brainwashed it's unreal. They'd jump off bridges for Sony. Creeped me out too much so I hauled ass on outta there.

LOL Ahh I remember that Panel! This VIP crap sounds bogus, anyway gonna go back watching Band of Brothers on PS3. BoB in 1080p and 5.1 DTS HD master audio = heaven.

[Maklershed]

Also XBLG is wayyyy too much money. $7 a month adds up to almost $80 a year, that's ridiculous. I know you can get it for cheap on cag, but I'd rather spend $50 on a new game than just the ability to play games. This is why i'll be buying all my future third party games on PS3.


Thirteen months of Xbox Live is and has been $38.99 on Amazon since October.

[Temporaryscars]

The idiots who say Killzone 2's online is broken are fucking retarded and are proabably a particapant in their states mental health program.

Seriously, how hard is it to turn on Killzone 2, go to "Warzone" or whatever it's called then "Join Game"? Oh and there's nothing wrong with the voice chat, the only reason you'd call someone on a phone was if you were cheating, which means you're a dick and no one cares what you think anyways.

Also XBLG is wayyyy too much money. $7 a month adds up to almost $80 a year, that's ridiculous. I know you can get it for cheap on cag, but I'd rather spend $50 on a new game than just the ability to play games. This is why i'll be buying all my future third party games on PS3.

$80 a year? Wtf are you talking about?

[Rocko]

The idiots who say Killzone 2's online is broken are fucking retarded and are proabably a particapant in their states mental health program.

Also XBLG is wayyyy too much money. $7 a month adds up to almost $80 a year, that's ridiculous. I know you can get it for cheap on cag, but I'd rather spend $50 on a new game than just the ability to play games. This is why i'll be buying all my future third party games on PS3.
It's really ironic how you call someone retarded, and then go on to say that XBL Gold costs $80 per year.

[Maklershed]

From the Uncharted 2 thread ....

BostonCollegeFan (for the 10th time): I pay $80 a year for XBL because I can't afford to buy a 12 month card.

Me: Why dont you just get one from Amazon for $38.99

BCF: I can't buy stuff online.

Me: You just posted a thread saying you were gonna buy $20 HDMI cables from Amazon

BCF: I'm ok with paying $20 on Amazon but anything more than that and I fear I'll be a victim of identity theft.

:rofl:

(yet we're the idiots for thinking that Killzone 2, a game in which you can't party up, has flaws)

[ohboy10451]

I usually support everything Microsoft but this doesn't sound too enticing

[prmononoke]

The idiots who say Killzone 2's online is broken are fucking retarded and are proabably a particapant in their states mental health program.

Seriously, how hard is it to turn on Killzone 2, go to "Warzone" or whatever it's called then "Join Game"? Oh and there's nothing wrong with the voice chat, the only reason you'd call someone on a phone was if you were cheating, which means you're a dick and no one cares what you think anyways.

Also XBLG is wayyyy too much money. $7 a month adds up to almost $80 a year, that's ridiculous. I know you can get it for cheap on cag, but I'd rather spend $50 on a new game than just the ability to play games. This is why i'll be buying all my future third party games on PS3.

Your stubborn idiocy is so ridiculous.

[h3llbring3r]

Also XBLG is wayyyy too much money. $7 a month adds up to almost $80 a year, that's ridiculous. \
I don't know what's more moronic, someone who would actually spend $7 month after month for an entire year of XBL or the people who keep quoting that x 12 as the cost of an annual subscription. It's right up there with a poser-mobile level of idiocy.

[manthing]

What's even funnier, is that fucktard BCF dude doesn't know LIVE costs $8 a month.

:lol:

[h3llbring3r]

I smell a ban for general Douche-Baggery cooking in the kitchen. It's NeoGaf all over again B.C. Fan. LOL. ;)

[crystalklear64]

The ability to play online with silver members would be cool.

Just have one person buy a VIP membership and share it out with silver members.

[Raconteur]

Just hearing that crystal, makes the whole thing sounds like a lie. There's no they would do that, unless the VIP was extremely costly for them to lose out money on silvers upgrading to gold.

[h3llbring3r]

I think there is no point for it.I would not buy it
First day here: Welcome to CAG.
Alt?

[tiredfornow]

Your stubborn idiocy is so ridiculous.I would be really pissed off if Harmonix raped my daughter and wife then executed them in front of me too, man.

I like how he got upset over me calling him poor in the MvC2 thread, but here he is calling everybody who thinks Killzone 2 is broken "fucking retards". 8-)

[Sharp Katana]

so what about Gold membership? Is it going to be obsolete? If it means gold members get less privileges, F that! And I'd like to know the cost as well, I'm set for 2 more years until the xbox 720 is (supposedly) available.

[lilboo]

Eh, I rather see a price before I have any form of opinion on this matter. A price and what content would be taken away (..or given?) to current gold members. On top of the "heyyy gold member, you wanna upgrade to VIP for X% off?"

There's a lot of if, so, I'll wait.

[PhreQuencYViii]

What are you talking about? We're not talking about the original Xbox. We're talking about Silver and Gold on the 360. And they have taken away access to content, either on a timed or permanent basis, from Silver members. They also have sales on content that only Gold members can partake in, despite the fact that the content often has nothing to do with playing online.

Xbox Live has spanned the original Xbox and the Xbox 360. What I meant was that if anything they added a free service. It does suck that stuff is time based, but really, chances are the people who want to remain silver don't really mind that and usually don't use there system too much. I don't think that since the launch of the 360 silver members have really lost features they previously have had, unless I'm wrong, I guess. I never stayed Silver.

My point is that silver is a lot better then what there used to be, which was nothing.

BTW, anyone remember the Xbox Live Diamond card? That was kind of like a VIP thing, except it was really damn lame. I think now they make you pay for the card too.

[Nealocus123]

Fuck that. If they do this, i'll gladly switch over to PSN once i get my PS3 later this year. It's bad enough they charge us to play online...

Trust me, shelling out a measly $50 a year to get XBL trumps a free PSN any day of the week. Not only is the entire interface just plan nicer on a 360, but most cross platform games like CoD have a 50x larger player base on the Xbox.

[Jbently]

The only way I could possibly see this VIP membership working is if MS offers a small discount on DLC like maybe 5% or something. That way it gives the heavy DLC users an incentive to upgrade for whatever MS plans on charging for this service, assuming that the users will buy enough DLC with the discount to offset the cost of membership upgrade.