Xbox Live keeps SA in limbo
2007-11-19 12:04
Cape Town - Do you have a smart and cost effective way to find out exactly how many Xbox Live gamers there are in SA?
Then maybe you can help Microsoft SA build a case to roll out the subscription-based online gaming Live service here...
"We would love to have this information as it would help to build our business case, but unfortunately no official stats are available.
"If we could find a smart, cost effective and credible means to collect this data, we would love to have the information," Cindy White, Marketing Lead: Entertainment and Devices Microsoft South Africa, told News24.
According to Gavin Mannion, who runs a local website dedicated to console gaming www.lazygamer.co.za, it has been estimated that there are over 30 000 Xbox 360's sold in South Africa and over 2 000 are proven to be connected to Live.
In May Microsoft assured local gamers that the Live service will definitely be launched, but six months down the line gamers are still waiting and word on the web is that it's never going to happen.
However, White said the information is unsubstantiated.
"We recognise the demand for Xbox Live in South Africa but at this point in time there is no confirmation as to when it will arrive."
White stated that it will "eventually" be launched here.
Microsoft SA will also be looking at India, where Xbox Live was recently launched.
"We are delighted that Xbox Live has launched in India (the first of the emerging markets), and we will certainly leverage the learnings, processes as well as engage the teams in India as we continue building our business case."
In the meantime, it's "business" as usual for local Xbox Live
gamers - importing memberships and gamerpoint cards via local
e-retailers or international sites - usually at a high cost - also using workarounds, like registering a UK address to get access to the service.
The petition launched earlier this year to get Microsoft SA's attention is also still up an running at www.sayyoursay.com.