Variety: Xbox Live generates at least 5 times the revenue of PSN

by David Hinkle { Feb 26th 2009 at 1:40PM }

Xbots, arm up! You've just received a new salvo of ammo for your ongoing crusade against those Sony Cronies: Xbox Live has generated a lot more money than PSN, according to Variety's math. (Of course, dear Xbox Fanboy, let us remind you that this victory comes at the expense of your wallet.) Variety did some quick estimations based on Sony's recent 20 million registrations announcement and Microsoft's reported earnings from Xbox Live. PSN has generated $180 million for Sony, whereas Xbox Live has made Microsoft a tidy sum in excess of $1 billion.

PSN, which includes both PS3 and PSP users, has been active for 40 percent of Xbox Live's current lifespan, however, Sony's service has only managed to generate 20 percent as much revenue. Of course, PSN is free, so registrations don't generate any revenue for Sony, unlike Xbox Live, which costs $50 per year for a premium, Gold subscription. It's not known how much of Xbox Live's total revenue is attributed to Gold subscribers' annual fees.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/xbox-live-generates-at-least-5-times-the-revenue-of-psn/

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Discuss.

Not really new news.

wait a payed service makes more money then a free service...... THAT MADNESS!!!!

I hope I'm not going too far out on a limb when I say that most of that comes from supscriptions, if both services were free or the same price, story might be different?

There are still more 360's out there and even if the prices were same/free, there is also a lot more content on Live.

However, I'm not that positive considering Home is also a money-maker for Sony.

I would say XBL Arcade games definetely help as well. Does the PS3 have points cards like XBOX? I know that makes it easier to buy various DLC, rather than having to use a credit card.

I always wondered what the Sony equivalent of an Xbot was. Now I know: Sony Cronies.

Conservative estimate of XBox live Gold subscribers = 7-8M (anyone have accurate numbers?)

At $50 each, that is roughly $350M to $400M in yearly Live subscriptions.

Your $50 is really paying off for M$. You should be proud.

1 billion - 400 million = 600 million earned without subscriptions.

This also goes to show that arcade games sell more on 360 and thus makes more for some indie developers.