The online gaming component of Microsoft’s entertainment initiatives reaches a milestone.
With the Xbox 360 en route this November, Microsoft has attracted more users to its Xbox Live online game service, according to the company.
Microsoft has doubled its membership over the course of a year, a pace the company says is equal to adding a member every 30 seconds. Senior VP of Home and Entertainment and chief Xbox officer Robbie Bach acknowledged the mark in a statement:
“Reaching the 2 million member milestone in such a short time speaks volumes about the depth and vibrancy of the Xbox Live community. This enormous growth is a true testament to the compelling content and engaging experiences enabled through Xbox Live today.
“The service is inspired by the creative power of the individual and fueled by the passion of a worldwide community.”
The Xbox Live service supports current Xbox owners and will be available to future Xbox 360 gamers. Multiplayer titles announced for the Xbox 360 include “Madden NFL 06,” “Call of Duty 2,” and Microsoft’s “Perfect Dark: Zero.”
The subscription-based service presents Microsoft with the solution to the financial concerns of developing a new console. Microsoft, like Sony, seems to understand it can command a certain price in the marketplace. But that price likely won’t be one that allows for a profit on the hardware.
Reportedly, both Microsoft and Sony lose money on the console hardware, but make it back in game licenses. Sony, the market leader, has a much greater number of titles available for its PlayStation line. Microsoft may see Xbox Live as the way to parley a loss-leader console into a continued stream of subscription revenue from gamers.
David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.
