| zero129 said: Xbox live is free on PC. Id say a platform that has around 50-60 million users by now combined and clearly will grow is pretty successful. MS doesnt need to make hardware anymore, just look at how many companys are willing to make steambox's id imagine the would be even more companys willing to make xbox consoles since this was MS's original plan for the xbox and they never really wanted to make the hardware themselfs they just wanted a way to get their platform in front of peoples tv's. |
Network services only make money in 3, possibly four ways. Subscriptions, Advertising, and Vending, (possibly attracting investors)
Since XBL is free on PC, Subscriptions aren't a factor, this would be the only thing that really benefits from a high user count on PC. As for vending, due to competition with Steam et al, userbase alone isn't significant.
This is in contrast with XBL on Console, which is a closed plaform, so even disregarding the free accounts every user is more likely to purhase items through XBL.
Btw, Steamboxes are the dreamcasts of this gen, Gaben was just smart enough to trick some pc makers to sink their own money in rather than Steam's.
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