Recent rumors have surfaced about the specifications of the next Xbox. Unfortunately for gamers who were expecting new information to surface, what was revealed is the same old stuff we already knew. Edge’s report did include something that made me think about a working theory i have about the Xbox Live service and its future. It has been stated that a “new iteration of Xbox Live” will be important to the next Xbox. This could mean that the service will look and work differently than the current generation version we all know and love (or love to hate).

With all the news Microsoft has made about their plans to entertain their fanbase, I believe a couple of scenarios will come out of all this. Either the price of Xbox Live will rise or paying yearly could be replaced with a monthly subscription plan. This is speculation on my part of course.

Here are some reasons I believe you will be paying more for Xbox Live next generation:

1. Xbox Live will be jam-packed with apps and features when the next generation arrives. Netflix, Comcast, HBO, ESPN, and YouTube are available on the service, and recently RedBox Instant has joined the ranks. Microsoft will also be launching 40 new apps this year alone. “Value” could be used to justify price changes of any kind.

2. Microsoft’s Xbox Entertainment Studio is creating interactive television and original programming for subscribers.

3. Microsoft acquired R2 Studios, a company that was working on technology allowing digital media to be shared on TV’s and automation devices to allow users to control heating and lighting of their homes via remote control and an Android app. Blake Krikorian, founder of R2 Studios, is now working with a small team within Microsoft. The features I just stated would work perfectly with Microsoft’s SmartGlass app that was announced at E3 2012, and who knows if advanced features will be announced for it. Let’s say, controlling your home’s environment?

I just don’t see Microsoft loading up their next Xbox with new features and content without affecting the cost of a Xbox Live subscription, so the real question here is will the service still be worth paying for next generation?

http://www.gamesonsmash.com/2013/02/will-you-be-paying-more-for-xbox-live-next-generation/

It should be pay for what you want. Online multiplayer a certain price. Streaming content another. And so on.

No and i hope the "Silver" Service will be better when i buy my NextBox a few years after the PS4.
Cause PSN+ is far superior to the current XboxLive Gold and im just happy i only payed like 20 Euro for 1 year gold thanks to good connections.It wasn't worth more - Probably even less especially outside the USA were you only have 1/3 or less of the Apps they have.
And i don't think they can compete with PSN+ cause Sony is putting a lot of effort in it FOR their community.

They surely need different models -  XboxLive Silver > XboxLive Gaming/Gold > XboxLive Entertainment > XboxLive Complete  if they go more expensive cause i think there are a lot of people who don't care for gaming or entertainment.
Last year Microsoft said the 360 is used more for TV Apps than Gaming - I don't think the people who use their 360 for Media Apps will change that with NextBox.

That's how it 'should' be, but with millions of people happy to pay for the service it's not really out of the realm of the possibilities if they try and raise the price by let's say 10 dollars/euros per year.

It should be free to play games online. When you spend £40 on a game you are also paying for the multiplayer in that price. You shouldn't be charged again. If MS raise the price it would be insane.

Why would Microsoft be insane? Their customers are paying and loving it from what i hear, so why not? It would be irrational for them not to try and raise the price.

What if they do that in next year?

Which is why i say they should raise the price. Microsoft fans are happy to oblige and aren't making any objections like you're saying.

Depends on how much. If it's significant enough of a leap, I will probably be switching over to Sony. I have a pretty good gaming PC now anyway, and most of the good Xbox games can be found on PC. I'm already considering switching but a major increase in XBL while PSN is still free would only seal the deal for me.

I pay $0 right now, and that's as high as I'm going.