A little under a month and 5 years ago the Xbox 360 launched and revolutionized the idea of online play, which started on the original Xbox. Now, Xbox Live has grown and evolved into something many gamers consider the epitome of console, online play. The popularity of the service is confirmed now that almost half of all Xbox Live members are Gold subscribers.
According to IGN, Microsoft’s Dennis Durkin, head of Interactive Entertainment Business, spoke at the Credit Suisse Annual Technology Conference in Phoenix Arizona earlier today.
At the conference he made mention that almost half of their 25 million members are now paying Microsoft $60 a year to be a part of the Xbox LIVE Gold service. If that many users are paying for the service, Microsoft’s yearly revenue will be around $750 Million, not including all purchases that players make using DLC and games on their Xbox’s.
Microsoft recently increased their yearly pricing for Xbox LIVE gold around the world, stating that these services showed that users are getting a lot of content for their money. The company also introduced a lower priced family subscription, that allows up to four other members to have access to a gold account.
Xbox LIVE Gold allows members to not only play games online, but also gives them access to a host of services including ESPN in the U.S, Last.FM and more in Europe.
