I've said for months and months now that the NeXbox will be paid through by XBL like a cell phone plan. $99 a year. has been my prediction for a long time.

So these hypothetical gamers have an issue with paying $50-60 a year for XBL but would not instead opt for a PS3 because it's a little more expensive? If they cared so much about money, wouldn't they understand that after just a 2-3 years, the PS3 then becomes the cheaper option as XBL subscriptions come and go? Yet they still go with the Xbox and Live. Must be some strange reason why.

And yeah I think the price will go up but I also think MS will have a cable TV type of variety package deal. Something strictly for gaming, something more for TV entertainment, something for movies, something for music, and then some all encompassing God tier subscription.

Depends on what it gives. If it's getting more expensive with the same stuff, definitely no. It's ok the way it is now.

I won't pay less than now, that's for sure.

Xbox had Live since 2002......people knew what they were getting into when they bought 360, regardless of its price compared to PS3, since it continues to outsell PS3 in the biggest video game market. Resorting to the marketing excuse is a fools response and frankly a overused crutch.  Its not like it came as a surprise.....

Perhaps, I dont know, heres a crazy thought, maybe what Live offers is worth paying for? I know, I know, crazy theories right?

This is more likely. According the the thread by JayWood which had Microsoft's leaked roadmap leading up to 2015, there will be a lot more options with Xbox Live to "Enjoy multiple experiences at a time. Mix and match services based on your needs."

As long as this tiered service plan doesn't ramp up prices too-much for that extra content, and allows cheaper options for barebones Live chat+online gaming or whatnot, I think this is the best option.

You install a new premium content app, it prompts you on first load that you need to pay an aditional $1.50 per month or $10 per year. You pay/accept and move on with your premium content or you decline and keep your current level. This makes sense to me. Much more like a Cable TV/Cell Phone plan where you can always add/remove features to adjust your bill.

With Inflation it should go up another $10 in 8 years or so. I would be happy if MS threw in a Xbox Plus with Gold to help justify the price to Sony fans....which happen to be ironically the biggest complainers about Live.

sunk cost fallacy

Steam (steambox), PSN, Nintendo network are FREE ...... but XBOX live cost $$$ ? That doesn't bother anyone?

I gladly pay for Xbox Live, because it is the best service in this industry.
Yeah, I played on Steam, PSN and Battle.net. XBL is head and shoulders above those.

I am a XBL gold member for 8 years now and don't regret a single day.