Xbox Live set to roll out in SA
2007-05-09 11:02
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".