Why do I have to pay to play my games online?.

It's not going to change anytime soon, go play on PSN or Wii U

I guess they think they are providing some type of service that covers more than just the ability to play online but for someone like myself I use my Xbox for playing games and playing online, nothing else. All those other tabs available when I log in are just a waste, if I want those services thats what my computer or tablet are for. Unfortunately I think the current trend is to turn game consoles into all round entertainment devices. I play Xbox because I prefer the games and I just like the system better. Online play should be free, don't see it changing though.

[quote user="MatrixedYOU"]

PLEASE, attempt to justify Microsoft's reasoning for requiring a paid subscription to play games online.

[/quote]

Okay,  lets go!  They charge because they are funding their services and endeavors.  They charge for it cause they want to succeed in being a business.   I can say,  all my 5$ go to one of the best entertainment venues ever.  If I told you I hope Live steps up for next gen that would be the truth,  I would be sad not to see a good Xbox Console next gen.  65$ for one year of xbox live...  It's just not as bad as all you guys make it out to be.  Now DLC, map pass', and pay to unlock,  those exist on all gaming systems and those are the real problem In My Opinion.

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The first two sentences are the justification,  you can disagree but at that point this is no longer a conversation.

[quote user="epiXtactic"]

[quote user="MatrixedYOU"]

PLEASE, attempt to justify Microsoft's reasoning for requiring a paid subscription to play games online.

[/quote]

Okay,  lets go!  They charge because they are funding their services and endeavors.  They charge for it cause they want to succeed in being a business.   I can say,  all my 5$ go to one of the best entertainment venues ever.  If I told you I hope Live steps up for next gen that would be the truth,  I would be sad not to see a good Xbox Console next gen.  65$ for one year of xbox live...  It's just not as bad as all you guys make it out to be.  Now DLC, map pass', and pay to unlock,  those exist on all gaming systems and those are the real problem In My Opinion.

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The first two sentences are the justification,  you can disagree but at that point this is no longer a conversation.

[/quote]

They charge because they can.  I mean, charging for Netflix usage.  That is the reason I do not use it for Netflix.  I have an xbox and gold but I can use my pc, PS3, tablet, or most other connected devices for that.  Not to mention many other features.  That is the main reason the my mother does not have an xbox.  She would have one and use it for Netflix and other such services but she would have to pay for gold so I purchased her a PS3 instead.  Her pc could not handle it as it is just outdated and slow for streaming and such.

As for being a business and wanting to succeed.  Sure, and that makes sense.  And early on it was great.  Now, however I am going to have to let my wife and 3 kids live expire.  They have friends that are letting it expire.  And this could be an issue.  They are wanting to wait for PS4 and nextbox and see if Sony provides cross-game chat and parties.  That may be the deal breaker.  If it does and their friends do switch, like they say, then it will be 4 PS4 and 1 nextbox instead of 4 nextbox and 1 PS4.  Currently have 4 Xbox 360's that we play online here together with.  Only 1 PS3 currently.

And DLC, map pass, and pay to unlock is fine by me.  I can pay or not and still play the game.  Plus, DLC and maps add to the game.  I guess if you are of the mindset that the Live fee should get you something like DLC or something then yes I could see that.  But currently I cannot see may unique features it now adds.  I would say game discounts but they tend to be better other places.  I would say online play but other avenues are just as good now.  I would say Netflix, etc, but those can be used on other devices without pay.  The one feature I think keeps my family and friends going (actually from talking to them I am absolutely positive) is cross game chat. 

Xbox Live currently hit the 46 million subscribers. I dont think we will miss you one bit there OP.

The 46 million is nowhere near the number who pay for gold, so you might.

Multiplayer, if nothing else, should require no additional cost for Silvers.  Only roughly half of the 360s sold are online.  Meanwhile the multiplayer lobbies of many great games are ghost towns.  The lifeblood of any multiplayer game is it's community.  You need more people playing.  You need new players to try the multiplayer component, and like it enough to stick around. More people playing is better for everyone.

Keep the apps and party chat for Gold.  Those who only pay for Gold for multiplayer may no longer subscribe, but MS would make their money back from that greatly expanded pool of potential customers for map packs and other DLC.

Going into this next console generation, the ability to play online without additional cost will be an even bigger selling point that it was last go around.  Lastly, PSN isn't free.  It's simply included in the price of the console and games, which makes much more sense than buying a game on a system that locks half of the on-disc content behind another pay wall.

There are some who say that Gold fee somehow makes Live better than PSN, or at least that they feel it must be.  Those of us who have both know that PSN is just as good.  

[quote user="PICK 34"]

The 46 million is nowhere near the number who pay for gold, so you might.

[/quote]

[quote user="Bluntman1138"]

Xbox Live currently hit the 46 million subscribers. I dont think we will miss you one bit there OP.

[/quote]

Subscribers would imply people that are paying would it not? Members are free players subscribers are payers?

OP. For one wouldn't aren't people less likely to use mods for fear of being banned and needing to pay to play online again?

From what I see, by paying for LIVE, I am investing in the continued success of an online gaming community service that has brought me tons of enterntainment, humor, and joy (when I win) for only a few bucks a month.  PSN has had server issues, stolen/hacked accounts, and other issues that have turned me cold from even looking at the Sony product (I used to be a major PS2 fan, then converted appropriately.  :)

OP, honestly it is your choice.  You are the one who is either going to regret paying or regret not switching.

[quote user="B4RevenantGamer"]Subscribers would imply people that are paying would it not?[/quote]It would not.

Microsoft does not break out the number of Gold vs the number of Silver members when it comes to XBOX Live. There are occasional hits given as to the breakdown. The hints are usually 50% gold, 50% silver. 46 million XBOX Live subscribers means roughly 23 million Gold subscribers.