Many have wondered when (if ever) Microsoft would open up its Xbox Live network as a free service to all Xbox 360 owners. Sure, as a Silver Xbox Live member you can access the network for free downloads, but if you want online multiplayer you need to become a Gold (paying) member. Sony's PlayStation Network, on the other hand, remains completely free. Rather than going free, however, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter believes Microsoft will actually raise the price on Xbox Live.
Speaking on GTTV's Bonus Round [thanks CVG], Pachter commented, "You can't hook a guy into Xbox Live Gold if he's playing on a PC... that's the other problem - you really want to hook every gamer who has a 360, you want them to buy all their games on 360, play everything multiplayer, pay you 50 bucks a year so that, in a couple years, it's a 100 bucks a year. And that's going up, we all know that ... it's a profit deal."
Microsoft has been in a great position with Xbox Live as the leader in online gaming. There are over 20 million members worldwide and that number continues to grow as Microsoft gradually enhances the offerings on the service (Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, etc.). While many are willing to pay the $50 annual subscription, Microsoft would be wise not to get too greedy. We'd like to see a completely free option, supported by more advertising on the network.
