Why does xbox Live cost $? Good read

Was surfing the web and came across this: http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/f/why-xbox-live-isnt-free/a-20080617101147502012/p-3



Great article, make sure to read the whole thing (all 3 pages). Basically by charging $50 per user it allows microsoft to run their own matchmaking system which in return leaves game developers without this burden. This equates to more online enabled games on the 360 (developers favor it), and allows low budget games to include online modes for very cheap on their part since there is no continued expense associated with the online gaming system(since m$ is running the matchmaking servers).



All in all that $50 ensures that the 360 will have the highest rate of online playable games. Where as other online networks such as the PS3 require developers to run their own matchmaking servers which in return decreases the amount of online games available on the ps3. Some developers just arn't willing to pay that extra expense to provide online support.



Cliif Notes All in all what you are really paying for is a guarantee to have the most online games of any console

 

Nice, I love xbox live though and never have really thought of $50/year as a bad price, actually a great place. I put the bandwidth to work