Xbox Live set to roll out in SA

2007-05-09 11:02

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Xbox 360 gets an upgrade

Ilse Arendse

Cape Town - Xbox 360 gamers who have launched an online petition to get Microsoft to roll out the Xbox Live service in SA, should hang tight.

Cindy White, Xbox 360 Group Manager, has thanked local gamers for their support and told News24 that they're "100% committed to bringing the service to South Africa".

"The Xbox team is currently working to an international roll-out plan for Xbox Live. South Africa is included in this roll-out, however we are unable to confirm exact dates for availability and functionality at this stage," White told News24.

South African Xbox 360 gamers created an online petition on Monday to get Microsoft's attention to launch its Xbox Live service here.

Xbox Live is a subscription-based online gaming service for Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles. It allows players to play games with or against other Xbox Live players from around the world.

According to the petition website, gamers have been forced to import memberships and gamerpoint cards via local e-retailers or international sites - usually at a high cost.

SA gamers also have to use workarounds, like registering a UK address to get access to the service, a gamer told News24 via e-mail.

The gamers appealed to Microsoft to:

Issue a statement that clarifies the status of the Xbox Live launch for South Africa and puts all the rumours currently circulating to rest;

Set up local billing facilities and pricing models as soon as possible to encourage the growth of the local Xbox 360 community; and

Make provision for existing users to easily migrate their profiles from other countries to the local Xbox Live service (for free or as close to free as possible).

According to the gamers, XBox Live is one of the main incentives for buying an Xbox 360 and without the service it gives them a lesser product.

But White said: "Xbox 360 is a true next-generation digital entertainment experience, that with or without Live the experiences can be enjoyed."

Microsoft SA also committed to keep gamers updated "as and when we have more information".

- News24

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Well I have signed the petition , I had a taste of Xbox live when I first got my box as I had trial cards, it was the next level in gaming! But now the trial cards are finished and i was using I burst to play and experienced a lot of lag as I was on overseas servers , If we got a local live service lagging issues would be a thing of the past! Now all we need is cheaper ADSL charges and we set.... AS IF THOUGH Telskum's rates are through the roof!

Xbox Live is one of the main reasons for buying an Xbox 360. My brother in London says it's the best experience ever, playing Gears of War with a headset to bark orders at online teammates, or taunting online rivals in Test Drive Unlimited - and it would give me an opportunity to at least "spend time" with my brother who is halfway around the globe! If they can give us an underground train, then they can give us a network for gaming!

This is something that will boost the Xbox360 sales for sure!My bro wanted an 360 but then said not until they get local Live supported. I don't see why some countries like ourselves have to jump through hoops to get basic features that other countries have. Don't tell me it's a lack of interest. Look at this community you have here. Thank you for this site Xbox360 community! I'm off to go sign that petition.

The main reason the petition was started is because Microsoft is going to block the South African IP's from there xbox life servers in other counties. Basically blocking all South Africans form playing online. Microsoft is being forced by the music industry to ban the users, because they have different pricing structures for music in different countries. And xbox life will start to sell music, pretty soon.

Thanks a lot, for giving the matter some attention News24 and Ilse Arendse. We appreciate the assistance. Please also do a follow up story; as myself, and I am sure other XBOX LIVE fans, are afraid that this is a tap on the head to keep us content.

In reference to "Xbox 360 is a true next-generation digital entertainment experience, that with or without Live the experiences can be enjoyed." It's obvious that White has no idea what a big part Live plays in the overall enjoyment of the console. A core factor of Next Gen (or current gen, depending on your p.o.v.) is online capabilities. Now if you drop that part or do not support it you cannot call it Next Gen.

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