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Microsoft’s New Year’s Resolution

Posted by John Constantine

For the second time in history, an American company has created a massively successful videogame console. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is, without doubt, America’s greatest triumph since the Atari 2600. Of course, this is discounting personal computers of all stripes, and even the achievements of Microsoft’s first green-tinged box devoted to gaming. But 28 million consoles sold worldwide is a monumental feat for any gaming machine and, contrary to some speculation late last year, it looks like the system’s sales have yet to plateau. As far as creativity and growth of the medium, Microsoft pioneered downloadable content on home consoles, established one of the first easily accessible independent games services, and brought online gaming into more homes than ever before. Not to mention how they’ve published some of the most enjoyable traditional gaming fare — shooters like Halo 3 and Gears of War as well as RPGs like Fable 2 — of the last two years. Yes, kudos to you Microsoft. Ya done good.

BUT YOU CAN DO BETTER! What’s up with 2009, guys? Halo Wars? That’s what you’ve got? Where’s Alan Wake, you punks! Ninja Blade? How about a freaking action game without a ninja in it?! Geez!

Okay, okay. I am calm now. I am fine. Announcing some great first-party software for the 360 would be a pretty logical resolution for Bill Gates’ house of pancakes. But I was thinking more along the lines of modernization.

Microsoft should resolve to make Xbox Live free to all Xbox 360 owners in 2009. At the very least, they should expand on Xbox Live Silver Memberships, allowing more games to be played online at no additional cost as they did with Street Fighter HD Remix. Alternatively, they could start adding more perks, such as free Arcade downloads with Gold memberships. Regardless, now that Xbox Live has proven itself, it is time to stop charging players needlessly. There is absolutely no reason that Xbox owners should have to pay for multiplayer in 2009. Hell, if nothing else, making Xbox Live free would give the entire world one fewer reason to buy a Playstation 3.

Think about it, Microsoft. Oh, and announce some more first-party titles already. Not Too Human 2.

Related links:

Virtual Console New Year's Resolutions
Nintendo’s New Year’s Resolution
The New XBox Experience: A Brief Reaction

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Posted Jan 06 2009, 05:00 PM

Filed under: playstation 3, microsoft, xbox 360, halo 3, super street fighter II turbo hd remix, atari, xbox live, too human, atari 2600, alan wake, fable ii, xbox live silver, bill gates, xbox live gold

Comments

Demaar said:

That's a damn fine point. My first year of live membership runs out this April, I ain't renewing it. All the multiplayer gaming I do is within my home.

January 7, 2009 12:54 AM

about the blogger

John Constantine, our superhero, was raised by birds and then attended Penn State University. He is currently working on a novel about a fictional city that exists only in his mind. John has an astonishingly extensive knowledge of Scientology. Ultimately he would like to learn how to effectively use his brain. He continues to keep Wu-Tang's secret to himself.

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