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Xbox Live Gets Free Online for Select Games 'til Fall
Chris Faylor
52
Update: Microsoft has informed Shacknews that Xbox Live Silver members will only have free multiplayer access to select cross-platform titles--Universe at War, Shadowrun and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition--until the next system update arrives this fall.

"For a limited time, we are offering free online multiplayer on Xbox 360/Games for Windows titles that offer LIVE cross platform play," a representative explained. "This promotion won't last, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of it while they can."

The representative concluded that, "When the new Xbox experience launches this fall all multiplayer gaming on Xbox 360 will be for Gold members only." Original Story: Shacknews has confirmed that Xbox Live Silver members are now able to play some Xbox 360 games online, a feature once reserved for paying Gold subscribers.

Currently, only three titles allow free online play: Universe at War, Shadowrun and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition. Other games, such as Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War, still require a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription for online multiplayer.

It is believed the shift came about as a result of Microsoft's decision to provide all Games for Windows Live members with free online multiplayer, as all three free-to-play Xbox 360 titles allow cross-platform multiplayer with PC gamers.

Microsoft has yet to specify if this is a limited promotion or if all cross-platform games will sport free Xbox 360 online play from now on. Some speculate that this could eventually lead to a completely free Xbox Live experience, similar to what the company has just done for Games for Windows members.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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  • [deleted] 297564118 legacy 10 years
    reply
    July 28, 2008 10:17 AM

    [deleted]

    • f4lln legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
      reply
      July 28, 2008 10:33 AM

      Lost Planet'sonline is a blast, so it will be a great title for people with silver only to test out, but I don't know many people who didn't get rid of Shadowrun while you still could.

      Shadowrun's fate was apparent at release. Great potential, but releasing only 4-5 core maps in a multiplayer only game at full retail price is like....stupid, dono how else to put it.

      No comment on Universe at War, haven't played it.

      • [deleted] 297564118 legacy 10 years
        reply
        July 28, 2008 11:46 AM

        [deleted]

        • Fred Garvin legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
          reply
          July 28, 2008 12:21 PM

          Isn't the online player base bigger on the 360 for CoD4?

          • ElArabDeMagnifico legacy 10 years
            reply
            July 28, 2008 12:33 PM

            I think compared to the PS3 it is, but the 360 and PC are about the same - skipping all the details that is.

            I have no idea where people get the numbers anyway, and it sure as heck is a lot harder to track on PC than it is on the 360.

            In the end though, what does it matter? As long as there are enough servers and players on each then it shouldn't make a big difference. PC has more server space and such anyway so if you are one of those "as much players as possible please!" kind of people even if the PC did have a smaller base, there would be more people online in each server.

            It's balanced enough - I hope my answer with no sources helped :\

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