Not free games (except those crash course and harms way kind of games).. but they already showing it that they want to go the other way. They want that you go Gold for games you can not play otherwise. Like Happy Wars. Can't buy it but can play it when you have Gold.

I think that PS+ was probably the safest way for Sony to implement a subscription service during the middle of the generation. Let's be honest, there would have been a tremendous amount of backlash if Sony suddenly decided to restrict online multiplayer to paid subscriptions.

Instead, Sony chose an optional service that rewards people for spending money, through free games and discounts. While it is probably not nearly as profitable as Xbox Live, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the reasons behind the service is to establish stronger brand loyalty among its user base (especially during the transition into the next generation). Much like how Gold subscribers are likely to stick with Microsoft in the next generation, I can see PS+ members more likely to stick with Sony.

Regardless, with Gaikai in the mix, we're probably going to see a dramatic evolution in Sony's subscription model.  Back on topic, I can see Microsoft occassionally offering free games, but I don't think that they would market it as a main feature like Sony does with PS Plus.

The multi award winning "The Walking Dead" Episode 1 is free starting tomorrow March 26 thru April 1. The rest of the episodes will be half price during that time.

Here is the link, but free tomorrow: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/The-Walking-Dead/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802584111de?DownloadType=Game

free is not in Microsoft vocabulary :P
maybe at the end of 360 life-cycle

I do think it's greedy as both their competitors give online play for free. I don't see how anyone can dispute the fact Microsoft's online system is far greedier than Sony's. Getting online play for free rather than having to pay 50$ per year is a pretty good incentive, plus I was also talking about services like Netflix and Hulu. I can't use those on Xbox without gold. With your argument about subscriptions I guess Happy Wars isn't free either, as you lose it when you lose your subscription. As long as I'm keeping my subscription going, I'm considering them free games. Whatever, this thread has gone completely off topic anyways. 

I said "free," not free.

Towards the end of the cycle seems more likely. May help keep Live subscribers.

As the clear market leader Microsoft will continue a successfull strategy that gives great value to its customers. I think Sony will continue to develop ps+ in an effort to compete with live but as it currently stands it will be Sony that will have to continue to find ways to compete with live not the other way around.

Please direct me to this 'great value for money' you speak of. I must have been missing something these past 8 years..

OT: they'll probably offer a few more deals on games and do more promotions as the months go by and the 360 lifetime comes to an end but nowhere near to the value consumers get off playstation plus. 

Sorry, I don't feel trying to run a profitable business is greedy. Take away charging for online play and the 360 might not be a financially worthwhile endeavor. Don't like it, don't pay.

We should call free to play Xbox games "free." As I do with "free" PS Plus game. None of that shit is free if you have to pay a subscription fee to access it.

Microsoft doesnt bend even for their loyal consumers. If they know they have you hook line and sinker they don't wont change their ways. They only change when the competition beats them. Look at Apple, which inspired Microsoft to turn Windows into an IPod.