Microsoft have today announced that Xbox Live Gold subscription fees for gamers based in the US, UK, Canada and Mexico will increase from November 1st this year.
US gamers currently pay USD $49.95 for a 12-month Gold subscription - this is set to rise to USD $59.95. Likewise, the 3-month sub will go up from USD $19.95 to USD $24.95, and the cost of a 1-month subscription increases to USD $9.99 from USD $7.99.
As part of the announcement, Microsoft have stated "this price increase only affects Xbox LIVE Members in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom or the United States", which bodes well for Kiwi gamers. We have approached Microsoft New Zealand for comment, and will update this article when we hear back.
In addition, Microsoft are providing existing subscribers with the ability to lock in their current subscription rate with an additional discount, presumably to offset some of the backlash likely as a result of the price increase.
Although the Xbox Live service has been in operation for eight years without a price hike, it's disappointing that despite retaining a high level of popularity and increasing in size, the larger subscriber base hasn't allowed Microsoft to cut subscription costs rather than raise them.
An explanation for this fee increase has not been forthcoming from Microsoft at this time, and without adequately explaining why such a move is necessary, they're risking the alienation of their loyal Gold user base who will naturally assume this move is designed to capitalise on the forthcoming Halo: Reach release.
In any case, whether or not existing New Zealand subscription costs will be maintained after the increase in GST to 15%, due on October 1st is anyone's guess.
** UPDATE ** Microsoft New Zealand have informed us that "there is nothing to announce at this time for NZ."
