For a service that had plenty of knockers at launch, Xbox Live has changed market expectations of what a gaming service should be.
And the service is largely credited with keeping the Xbox console alive and competitive in the hyper-competitive market that includes Sony and Nintendo Wii.
Xbox LIVE has grown from a small community of gamers in two countries, playing a handful of games online with their friends, to a worldwide social entertainment network offering online access to gaming, music, movies and TV shows.
Microsoft said it would celebrate the five-year milestone by giving all 8 million customers a free Xbox Live Arcade game – through its new download service.
Starting in early December, all Xbox Live members will receive a free system update that includes a series of new features and updates – including the launch of Xbox Originals,
Xbox Originals will for the first time let consumers download and own full Xbox Games – Halo and Psychonauts.
“In just five short years, Xbox LIVE has revolutionized the way friends and family have fun in the living room,” said Microsoft’s LIVE software and services corporate vice-president John Schappert.
“On its fifth birthday, Xbox LIVE truly is the place for hanging out with friends and enjoying downloadable TV shows, movies, videos, game add-ons and now downloadable Xbox games on demand.”
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