Gamespot says XBox Live is garbage compared to PS+ and should be dumped next gen

[Sonikku]

Live Gold isn't even that expensive. It works out to like a dollar a month.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334688

 

[purbeast0]

wonder if all the netflix people will cry about this too if they don't have the right isp.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2295232

 

[zerocool84]

Live Gold isn't even that expensive. It works out to like a dollar a month.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334688

That's only for two months and only if you use Silver/Free XBL.

 

[Sonikku]

When your two months are up you go back to Silver and renew for $2 again. 🙂 Even for those that need more consistancy, year long plan deals for $35 pop up on cheap ass gamer on a regular basis. Paying $50 a year for live is just plain silly.

 

[arredondo]

since this is so hard for you to grasp, i'll say it in one sentence.

you have to pay the xbl sub in order to use the netflix software on microsoft's console.

please prove me wrong.

if you do not pay the fee, you cannot use the software in their ecosystem. it is "their" software in the sense that they distribute it and control that. just because you pay netflix to subscribe to them does not mean you paid to use their software on the xbox360 platform. sort of like just because i bought SSF4 on ps3 does not mean i automatically get it for free on 360. i had to purchase them both separately.

What is there to prove wrong? You have to pay Microsoft yearly to use Netflix and to have access to the online features of every game (Edit: on the X360). That's the stupidity I've pointed out throughout the thread. What's pathetic about this arrangement is that you can play 99% of all games with online features over the internet on every other system without paying a fee to the system manufacturer (same is true for streaming subscribed media content).

So pointing out that XBL is the bad apple in the barrel by charging yearly (while increasing the fees and adding more video commercials) when every other option out there charges $0 is why XBL for online gaming and streaming subscribed media is nothing to brag about.

Also, its pretty hilarious how desperate you are to make this debate strictly about Netflix while ignoring the most offensive restriction that I point out in every post: charging gamers extra to play online in games they have already fully paid for. Again, every other option out there (PlayStations, Wiis, Dreamcast, Genesis, Apple products, Steam, and Microsoft's own Games for Windows Live etc.) don't punish gamers by restricting access to online content on games they own.

I guess even you can't seem to defend the indefensible when it comes to this point. XBL attacking people's pocketbooks in this way is 100% Grade A, USDA Choice B.S.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

If approx. $4 a month is something you will not pay on principle, that is completely understandable. Voting with your wallet is your best avenue for getting companies to listen to you. However, the characterization of XBL as garbage is hyperbole, nothing more.

 

[Veliko]

What is there to prove wrong? You have to pay Microsoft yearly to use Netflix

No, you do not.

You can use Netflix without paying a single penny to Microsoft.

Also, its pretty hilarious how desperate you are to make this debate strictly about Netflix while ignoring the most offensive restriction that I point out in every post: charging gamers extra to play online in games they have already fully paid for. Again, every other option out there (PlayStations, Wiis, Dreamcast, Genesis, Apple products, Steam, and Microsoft's own Games for Windows Live etc.) don't punish gamers by restricting access to online content on games they own.

Actually, Sega were charging for access to PSOv2 and up, as do many MMOs.

I guess even you can't seem to defend the indefensible when it comes to this point. XBL attacking people's pocketbooks in this way is 100% Grade A, USDA Choice B.S.

A spot of childish hyperbole, methinks.

 

[exar333]

For a measly $40/year I am happy to get a better, more reliable, and more integrated solution. I like the BD player on the PS3, but the controller is garbage. XBL is worth that small amount of money. For those that can't afford it, we'll then a console is probably not what you should be focused on. It's peanuts for not having extended outages, more chat/group functions, but some free games wold be nice.

I do agree that requiring gold for Netflix is silly...

Keep in mind that MS also offers very cheap entry systems with Gold subscription agreements. Sheeple do like this (cell phones anyone?) and keeps the cost to buy low with a low monthly bill.

 

[arredondo]

No, you do not.

You can use Netflix without paying a single penny to Microsoft.

Anyone following this thread knows I am talking about the restrictions on the X360. You're just being semantical for whatever reason.

Actually, Sega were charging for access to PSOv2 and up, as do many MMOs.

I also said 99% of the games don't charge online. This of course does not include MMOs and other specialized games. No one is referring to individual publishers/developers of games in this thread, just the portals used to access online features (i.e. Steam, consoles, XBL, PSN, etc.).

Pay attention or don't bother wasting everyone's time by either pointing out the glaringly obvious or misunderstanding the topic of discussion. Next thing you know you'll run a spell check on my posts and think you've contributed something of substance to the discussion.

A spot of childish hyperbole, methinks.

Okie dokie.

 

[arredondo]

If approx. $4 a month is something you will not pay on principle, that is completely understandable. Voting with your wallet is your best avenue for getting companies to listen to you. However, the characterization of XBL as garbage is hyperbole, nothing more.

I'm pretty specific at what I am arguing against. As I said earlier, I am not against XBL per se. If they removed access to online play at least for non Microsoft games as well as subscribed streaming services from XBL Gold to be in line with the entire industry that allow access to these features for free, I'd have no issue whatsoever.

But Microsoft knows what will happen if they do without replacing it with tremendous value as Sony has done with the great sales and free downloads available to PS+ members: XBL Gold subscriptions would dry up DRAMATICALLY.

Instead, they choose to hold a gun to consumers' collective heads in the sense that if they don't pay up yearly, they will get penalized by not getting access to software on the X360 that they already paid for. Unbelievable.

Just about everyone who have PS+ sign up because they want it. A lot of those who have XBL sign up because access to online features in software they paid for is being held hostage.

 

[Veliko]

Anyone following this thread knows I am talking about the restrictions on the X360. You're just being semantical for whatever reason.

And anyone following the thread also knows that this whole nonsense about Netflix is exactly that - complete and utter nonsense.

If there was an additional fee on top of the cost of XBL to access Netflix, then yes you could legitimately say that MS are charging you to access Netflix. However, they are not doing this and so your point is entirely redundant.

I also said 99% of the games don't charge online. This of course does not include MMOs and other specialized games. No one is referring to individual publishers/developers of games in this thread, just the portals used to access online features (i.e. Steam, consoles, XBL, PSN, etc.).

Pay attention or don't bother wasting everyone's time by either pointing out the glaringly obvious or misunderstanding the topic of discussion. Next thing you know you'll run a spell check on my posts and think you've contributed something of substance to the discussion.

Then I suggest you actually say something of substance instead of just repeating yourself over and over again.

Charging for access to online games is either good or bad. You can't have it so that monthly MMO charges are all fine and dandy, whilst a far smaller charge to play online with the 360 is bad.

 

[Veliko]

Instead, they choose to hold a gun to consumers' collective heads in the sense that if they don't pay up yearly, they will get penalized by not getting access to software on the X360 that they already paid for. Unbelievable.

Just about everyone who have PS+ sign up because they want it. A lot of those who have XBL sign up because access to online features in software they paid for is being held hostage.

You are talking complete and utter bilge.

 

[BD2003]

I just wish I never bought into XBL. Sony did everything they could to screw up the first few years of the PS3, so I started investing in 360. Had I known they'd turn it around by the end of the generation Id probably have stuck it out. It's hard to peel yourself away when not paying for XBL makes a huge part of your library useless.

 

[Venom20]

This is the main reason I never purchased an xbox. I'm firmly against paying for something I've already paid for (ie MMOs, access to a network to play my already purchased games, etc).

Although until I read this thread, I never know you needed XBL to use your netflix subscription on the Xbox. Seems like some sort of dirty move, but taht's just my opinion. I suppose people who have netflix and no xbl can always crowd around their computer monitors instead of their tv's, but that seems backwards. to this end, if this is how M$ continues for hte 720, I'm going to be sticking with my PS.

Just my $0.02.

 

[BD2003]

This is the main reason I never purchased an xbox. I'm firmly against paying for something I've already paid for (ie MMOs, access to a network to play my already purchased games, etc).

Although until I read this thread, I never know you needed XBL to use your netflix subscription on the Xbox. Seems like some sort of dirty move, but taht's just my opinion. I suppose people who have netflix and no xbl can always crowd around their computer monitors instead of their tv's, but that seems backwards. to this end, if this is how M$ continues for hte 720, I'm going to be sticking with my PS.

Just my $0.02.

Back in the day, the 360 was one of the first devices connected to your TV that could get netflix. And there were bazillions of them out there. So it was a huge selling point at the time, and it took a year or two for everyone else to catch up, and for Netflix to be ubiquitous.

That its still behind a paywall in 2013 is completely ridiculous though.

 

[cmdrdredd]

For a measly $40/year I am happy to get a better, more reliable, and more integrated solution. I like the BD player on the PS3, but the controller is garbage. XBL is worth that small amount of money. For those that can't afford it, we'll then a console is probably not what you should be focused on. It's peanuts for not having extended outages, more chat/group functions, but some free games wold be nice.

I do agree that requiring gold for Netflix is silly...

Keep in mind that MS also offers very cheap entry systems with Gold subscription agreements. Sheeple do like this (cell phones anyone?) and keeps the cost to buy low with a low monthly bill.

I'd argue that the PS3 controller is superior for action games based on the fact that the controller is lighter (less fatigue), and the buttons more responsive and don't get spongy over time. Plus the d-pad is usable. The only xbox d-pad worth anything is on the limited edition Halo 4 controllers.

And anyone following the thread also knows that this whole nonsense about Netflix is exactly that - complete and utter nonsense.

If there was an additional fee on top of the cost of XBL to access Netflix, then yes you could legitimately say that MS are charging you to access Netflix. However, they are not doing this and so your point is entirely redundant.

It's not. Lets say you pay for a subscription to a magazine. Then you have to pay a fee for a delivery service to obtain it. Wouldn't that be silly? Of course. Especially when someone else can subscribe to the same magazine but since they are in another zip code, they get free delivery.

PSN is garbage too. I won't even connect mine to the internet anymore because it always wants to download some huge update.

This argument is bogus...Xbox gets updates just the same.

 

[ManBearPig]

I always thought PS+ would be stupid, but I've actually found some games I really like on it.

 

[arredondo]

If there was an additional fee on top of the cost of XBL to access Netflix, then yes you could legitimately say that MS are charging you to access Netflix. However, they are not doing this and so your point is entirely redundant.

The costs for accessing Netflix and the online features of games you own is embedded in XBL Gold. If they weren't, then you could access them with a free XBL account.

Put another way, if Microsoft announced that in order to play any content - solo, local co-op & vs., or online - on any game disc you purchased for the XBox 720, you are forced to pay yearly for XBL Gold. No think for a second: would you be here defending that ridiculous scenario by claiming that MS is not charging you to access any and all of the content on game discs you bought? How about if they announced the X720 won't do anything at all if you turn it on without an XBL Gold subscription?

On the XBox 360, that ridiculous scenario exists right now when it comes to access to the online features of game discs you've bought and any streaming media services on XBL that you directly subscribe to separately. Not PS3, not Steam, not Vita, not iStuff, not WiiU. Whether the restrictions are partial as it is now or full as described above, it is stupid to place the features of stuff you paid for already behind an additional, unnecessary pay wall.

Which points out why one of the dumbest counter response to critics of this extortion that I see pop up in this thread says essentially: "Look how smart I is! Microsoft wants to charge me $60 a year to fully enjoy stuff I already paid for and own, but I am giving them only $40 because of my crazy skillz at finding a deal. Let me point and laugh at all those dummies paying full price!"

😵

Charging for access to online games is either good or bad. You can't have it so that monthly MMO charges are all fine and dandy, whilst a far smaller charge to play online with the 360 is bad.

Perpetual games like MMOs (whether with a monthly charge, micro transactions, and/or episodic DLC purchases) can't exist without revenue coming in that directly supports the new content being generated and the servers maintaining used to support the game.

Microsoft does not generate any new content for all of the 3rd party games you bought, nor do they put up servers so that you can enjoy Netflix or play Madden or Street Fighter online (which are peer-to-peer anyway). Why do they then charge you extra when no other company does it? They are extortionists, in between you and your purchased content saying "Pay me or else you can't access these pre-purchased features!"

 

[Veliko]

The costs for accessing Netflix and the online features of games you own is embedded in XBL Gold. If they weren't, then you could access them with a free XBL account.

Put another way, if Microsoft announced that in order to play any content - solo, local co-op & vs., or online - on any game disc you purchased for the XBox 720, you are forced to pay yearly for XBL Gold. No think for a second: would you be here defending that ridiculous scenario by claiming that MS is not charging you to access any and all of the content on game discs you bought? How about if they announced the X720 won't do anything at all if you turn it on without an XBL Gold subscription?

On the XBox 360, that ridiculous scenario exists right now when it comes to access to the online features of game discs you've bought and any streaming media services on XBL that you directly subscribe to separately. Not PS3, not Steam, not Vita, not iStuff, not WiiU. Whether the restrictions are partial as it is now or full as described above, it is stupid to place the features of stuff you paid for already behind an additional, unnecessary pay wall.

Which points out why one of the dumbest counter response to critics of this extortion that I see pop up in this thread says essentially: "Look how smart I is! Microsoft wants to charge me $60 a year to fully enjoy stuff I already paid for and own, but I am giving them only $40 because of my crazy skillz at finding a deal. Let me point and laugh at all those dummies paying full price!"

How old are you?

Perpetual games like MMOs (whether with a monthly charge, micro transactions, and/or episodic DLC purchases) can't exist without revenue coming in that directly supports the new content being generated and the servers maintaining used to support the game.

Microsoft does not generate any new content for all of the 3rd party games you bought, nor do they put up servers so that you can enjoy Netflix or play Madden or Street Fighter online (which are peer-to-peer anyway). Why do they then charge you extra when no other company does it? They are extortionists, in between you and your purchased content saying "Pay me or else you can't access these pre-purchased features!"

And yet plenty of MMOs don't have a monthly subscription fee, so once again you're talking complete and utter bobbins.

 

[American Gunner]

I'd argue that the PS3 controller is superior for action games based on the fact that the controller is lighter (less fatigue), and the buttons more responsive and don't get spongy over time. Plus the d-pad is usable. The only xbox d-pad worth anything is on the limited edition Halo 4 controllers.

This argument is bogus...Xbox gets updates just the same.

I would disagree with the controller, but that's my opinion. However, PSN updates are really long, it seems to take them a lot longer for system and game updates.

 

[purbeast0]

It's not. Lets say you pay for a subscription to a magazine. Then you have to pay a fee for a delivery service to obtain it. Wouldn't that be silly? Of course. Especially when someone else can subscribe to the same magazine but since they are in another zip code, they get free delivery.

that is a terrible analogy.

you don't NEED xbox360 to use netflix. you can use it a variety of other ways with no other cost. netflix for xbox360 is simply an added feature of xbox live gold.

 

[arredondo]

And yet plenty of MMOs don't have a monthly subscription fee, so once again you're talking complete and utter bobbins.

Lrn2Read:

...whether with a monthly charge, micro transactions, and/or episodic DLC purchases...

Subscription MMOs like WoW have regular separate charges. Some MMOs, like Vindictus, live off of micro-transactions. There are others that don't have a subscription fee, but make money from both micro-transactions and paid episodic DLC, like Guild Wars and DC Universe Online.

 

[Bman123]

The biggest thing that made me go with xbox over PS3 was the party chat. It's nice to be able to talk to friends while someone is in a different game or just bullshitting in a lobby with a bunch of people that you personally know.

If PS+ didn't give away the free games then PS wouldn't even be considered. Peer to Peer sucks ass on every system anyways

 

[Fingolfin269]

If this thread is any indication then Gamespot's plan to pick a touchy subject in order to drive traffic to their site probably worked.

 

[Veliko]

Lrn2Read:


Subscription MMOs like WoW have regular separate charges. Some MMOs, like Vindictus, live off of micro-transactions. There are others that don't have a subscription fee, but make money from both micro-transactions and paid episodic DLC, like Guild Wars and DC Universe Online.

Wait, so hold on.

Charging people for meaningless trinkets like mounts and costumes that only have value in one, single game is fine, but an annual fee that allows you to play all your Xbox 360 games is bad...?