Will You Get The XBL Starter Pack?

[LynxFX]

From Xbox.com. No longer rumors or speculations.



Microsoft Unveils Xbox™ Live

Heralding the Next Frontier in Video Games

Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. became the first video game company ever to announce a comprehensive online game service fully dedicated to fast-action, always-connected broadband gaming experiences. The online console gaming service, named Xbox™ Live, launches in North America, Japan and Europe this fall for the Xbox video game system and ramps up with consumer beta programs starting this summer.

Xbox™ Live will enable all gamers to find their friends easily; talk to other players during game play through the Xbox Communicator headset; download current statistics, new levels and characters to their Xbox hard drive; and play online.

"Online technology is the next revolution in video games, and it will fundamentally transform gaming into a new form of social entertainment," said J Allard, general manager of Xbox at Microsoft. "Together with our partners we will combine exceptional gaming experiences, a world-class service and a viable business model so all parts of the online ecosystem thrive."

Jump-starting the online title announcements, Allard said Xbox™ Live will support five Xbox™ Live-exclusive games this year: "Unreal Championship" (Infogrames); and "MechAssault™," "Whacked!™," "NFL Fever 2003" and "Midtown Madness® 3" (Microsoft Game Studios). To date, 60 game companies have committed to create games for Xbox™ Live, and at least 50 Xbox™ Live-enabled games are planned to release by the end of next year. Some upcoming Xbox™ Live titles include "Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder™ 2" from Activision, Inc.; "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon™," "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six™ RavenShield™" and "XIII" from Ubi Soft; and "SEGA Sports™ NFL 2K3," "SEGA Sports™ NBA 2K3" and "Phantasy Star™ Online" from SEGA® of America, Inc. As the grand finale to the Xbox™ Live unveiling, Allard announced a lineup of games in the works for the future of the service, including "Star Wars® Galaxies™" (LucasArts Entertainment Company), "Counterstrike" (Valve Software for Microsoft Game Studios), and future versions of Xbox original blockbusters like "Halo™," "RalliSport Challenge," "Amped™" and "Project Gotham Racing™." With the service approach, Xbox™ Live is poised to deliver the most seamless, easy-to-use and consistent online gaming environment for gamers, developers and publishers alike. It was designed by gamers for gamers and includes features such as delivery of real-time scores and statistics so gamers can compare themselves to the best players in the world; quick and easy game launches; fast downloads; the ability to find friends online across games with only one click; and the ability to maintain a single identity across all games with a single password.

Microsoft is building four datacenters — in Seattle and Tukwila, WA, Tokyo and London — in order to run a scalable, secure and gamer-friendly service. Xbox will assist publishers by managing the hosting, networking, security and billing so that game creators can focus on creating awesome game content. Key, consistent features of the Xbox™ Live service across games include the following:

Gamertag. Gamertag is a gamer's unique online ID for all games across the global gaming service.
Friends list. This feature allows gamers to find friends online and invite them to a game — no matter which Xbox™ Live game they're playing.
Xbox Communicator. Voice communication is integrated with all Xbox™ Live multiplayer games and enables voice interaction with teammates and opponents. Key elements of this feature exclusive to Xbox include voice masking, global muting and parental control.
Matchmaking. QuickMatch enables players to enter a multiplay experience with a single button-click, and OptiMatch, an Xbox™ Live exclusive, helps them select games and opponents based on similar skill levels.
High-speed content downloads to the Xbox hard disk. Only Xbox offers console gamers the ability to download and permanently store both free and for-a-fee content that can include new levels, characters, missions and statistics.
Allard painted a bullish picture for the future of online console gaming and the promise of Xbox to lead the category. "Within five years every important game will be online," he said. "There will be new categories of collaborative and competitive console games that are possible only online. The ability to download new worlds, levels, characters, weapons, vehicles, teams, statistics and missions will change the way developers think about creating games, and will change the way gamers play them."

At launch, U.S. consumers can purchase a starter kit for $49.95. For the estimated retail price of a single game, the consumer receives a year's subscription to Xbox™ Live, an Xbox Communicator that plugs into the Xbox controller and facilitates all voice communication with other players, and "ReVolt," a fun online racing game from Acclaim Entertainment Inc. Pricing and specific offers in regions outside the United States will be announced locally at a later date. With a hard drive, Ethernet port and slots for the Xbox Communicator built in to all controllers, Xbox was designed by Microsoft to facilitate online play right out of the box. Moreover, with more than 20 online service sites and 270 million unique monthly users worldwide on the MSN® network of Internet services, and the No. 1 online PC gaming site with Zone.com, Microsoft is uniquely qualified by its resources and experience to lead the way in online console gaming.

Microsoft will be exhibiting new games and the Xbox™ Live online console gaming service at E3, which begins Wednesday, May 22, and runs through Friday, May 24, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. E3 is a trade show open only to professionals in the interactive entertainment industry.

[Xbox Owner]

Thanks for the awesome news!!:D

[wweomaniac]

Finally... I read early this morning at 9 Pm that they would announce it later today. I'll check right now. I was intending on checking right before I went to bed.. but now is even better,

[Shorezy]

Man i've said it before and i'll say it again, I CAN'T WAIT!

[X-Ray]

So we still don't know about a monthly fee. I saw the thing about the starter kit, but what happens after your year is up?

[mtbaird5687]

i heard 9.95 after the first month

[LynxFX]

What happens after a year hasn't been stated yet. Maybe it will be on the 23rd during their day long Xbox Live event. Otherwise that is a full year away anyway. $50 is what gets you going and that includes the communicator and an Xbox Live game (ReVolt). Can't ask for much more than that.

[techie]

Wasn't ReVolt the RC Car game that came out a year or
two ago for the pc?

[wweomaniac]

This is amazing. Its finally been announced.

If you don't know yet.. you get:
- xbox communicator
- ReVolt," a fun online racing game from Acclaim Entertainment Inc.
- one year subscription to XBOX Live
for $49.99 starting this fall.

XBOX LIve games that are coming out this year include:
- Unreal Championship
- Mech Assault
- Whacked
- Midtown Madness 3
- NFL Fever 2003


To date, 60 game companies have committed to create games for Xbox™ Live, and at least 50 Xbox™ Live-enabled games are planned to release by the end of next year. Some upcoming Xbox™ Live titles include
"Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder™ 2"
"Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon™,"
"Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six™ RavenShield™"
"XIII"
"SEGA Sports™ NFL 2K3,"
"SEGA Sports™ NBA 2K3"
"Phantasy Star™ Online"
"Star Wars® Galaxies™"
"Counterstrike"
and future versions of Xbox original blockbusters like "Halo™," "RalliSport Challenge," "Amped™" and "Project Gotham Racing™." <------------





Did I mention you get these perks:
Gamertag. - Gamertag is a gamer's unique online ID for all games across the global gaming service.

Friends list. - This feature allows gamers to find friends online and invite them to a game — no matter which Xbox™ Live game they're playing.

Xbox Communicator. - Voice communication is integrated with all Xbox™ Live multiplayer games and enables voice interaction with teammates and opponents. Key elements of this feature exclusive to Xbox include voice masking, global muting and parental control.

Matchmaking. -QuickMatch enables players to enter a multiplay experience with a single button-click, and OptiMatch, an Xbox™ Live exclusive, helps them select games and opponents based on similar skill levels.

High-speed content downloads to the Xbox hard disk. - Only Xbox offers console gamers the ability to download and permanently store both free and for-a-fee content that can include new levels, characters, missions and statistics.

[Xtopia]

Sweet news! Thanks for the update, Lynfx!:D

[Xtopia]

Is the pope Catholic? Of course, I'm getting get the XBox Live starter kit!!!

[wweomaniac]

So who's the communist?

[wweomaniac]

I wonder if Sum of All Fears will be for XBOX LIVE... hope they shed some light on that. The demo for PC looks so cool!!!!

[Xtopia]

Originally posted by wweomaniac
So who's the communist?


LoL...I don't know...

Master Gracey, your a commy aren't ya? J/K;)

[sinizuh]

You'd be stupid not to buy XBLive Starter kit for only $50... or you don't have broadband... poor poor AOL users.

[wweomaniac]

Originally posted by sinizuh
You'd be stupid not to buy XBLive Starter kit for only $50... or you don't have broadband... poor poor AOL users.
AOL is going to go bankrupt after all those XBOX users switch to broadband. Not that theyre aren't going bankrupt already with their purcahse of itme warner and loss of new customers.. and old ones.

[sinizuh]

after the starter kit year is up, you buy another year :P

Revolt was for PC and DC last year (or 2 years ago)

[squid413]

So who's the communist?

LOL. I was bored.

[Xtopia]

Originally posted by squid413


LOL. I was bored.


I guess so...:confused:

[RadRider]

No way, Xbox Live is the most ass-backward setup ever! 50 bucks! Ha! I'm sticking with Sony. I have to pay 50 bucks for a modem, 50 bucks for a keyboard, 50 bucks for a mouse, plus all the third-party online fees from companies like EA. [/sarcasm]

Of course I'm getting it! What are you? Daft?

[wweomaniac]

Originally posted by RadRider
No way, Xbox Live is the most ass-backward setup ever! 50 bucks! Ha! I'm sticking with Sony. I have to pay 50 bucks for a modem, 50 bucks for a keyboard, 50 bucks for a mouse, plus all the third-party online fees from companies like EA. [/sarcasm]

Of course I'm getting it! What are you? Daft?
whoa.. you scared me there for a second. :)

[X-Ray]

You can bet your left nut I'll get! For 50 bucks this is a bargain!

[tech]

Throwing money towards Bill Gates. Wow!!! I was willing to pay $5 a month plus shell out like $40 for the headset. SWEET DEAL!!!

[DrUnKtAnK]

Originally posted by X-Ray
You can bet your left nut I'll get! For 50 bucks this is a bargain!



Funny shiat....Hell yes, count me in :cool:

[DrUnKtAnK]

2 words: 'HOT DAMN' :eek:

[X-Ray]

Originally posted by DrUnKtAnK




Funny shiat....Hell yes, count me in :cool:

I don't know if I can risk going double or nothing on this bet though!

[Young_Fledgling]

so wait.... say i have a cable modem... do i just like take a cord from my modem to my xbox or something... or do i need a hub? HOW DOES IT WORK?

[Xtopia]

As long as you have a broadband connection, and a cable modem, your set. YOU DONT EVEN NEED A PC! But if you do...you just need a hub/switch. But don't wait for XBox Live...start playing XBox online right now. Go to www.xbconnect.com to d/load the software and go the XBConnect forum here at XBA to get help setttin everything up

[DZNUTZ]

darn tootin!! u bet your bottom dollar i'm gonna buy this .....

quick question though? does aol not support broadband or summin?

[mercsix]

I'm all about this I got 2 xboxes but never anyone to play against this is gonna be sweet.

[Marc]

50 bucks is a bargain. I would pay 50 bucks a year to play online. I'm less than impressed with their line up so far though...

[Highlite23-XBA]

I'm getting it and i don't even have broadband available in my area yet. Hopefully by fall that will change.

[Xtopia]

PM lynfx, highlite. He said there is a company that delievers broadband ANYWHERE! He said, that it runs through a dial up modem, but it is still broadband, and this is FAST. It may not work well with XBConnect or gamespy, but I'm sure it would be fine for XBox Live.

P.S. I believe he said the company was "PCDirect" or something.

[l Maximus l]

Man, I can't believe I finally saw this thread! I know I know I know...But, I've been extremely busy at work today...

I cannot believe how amazing this deal is! I already noticed that this made even Lynxfx happy! (No offense, Lynxfx, but, you were very skeptical at first but made a great argument at the time...but, damn! Did Microsoft come through on a great deal or what?! SWEET!!!)

$50 for a game, the Communicator, and an entire year of XBox Live subscription? Man, Microsoft is not messing around as they know that an on-line forum needs to have players for it to truly be successful. With this deal, there's no doubt that it will be a hit! Sweeeeet!!!

*Max chugs down a frosty beverage in celebration* :p

[LynxFX]

Yeah Max, I was definately the skeptic on this. :) But now it looks like Microsoft is coming through and doing a very good job with it. At this price with the Communicator and free game it is a done deal. Just tell me where to sign Bill. :D

Highlight, the company Xtopia was talking about is DirectPC or now they are called DirecWay. You can find info here. (http://www.satcast.com/direcway/) It is a satellite system. One version has the downstream going through the satellite and the upstream going through a telephone line. The second version has both up and downstream going through the satellite so you can get broadband anywhere. I have no idea what the latency issues are with it though. I've worked with major 12 foot dishes at work out in the field and never had a problem ;) but never tried the little guys. I'm sure someone will try this solution out when Xbox Live goes, well Live.

I think the pricing is comparable to DSL as well. You just need to buy the dish.

[thedrisc]

WOW!!! this is awesome. what a bargin for $50. I deffinatly thought it would 10-15 bucks a month. sweat deal.

just on question I didn't see knights of the old republic listed. is this not a xbox live game or is it comming out next year?

:eek:

[wweomaniac]

HEY!!! This use to be my thread!! Ahhhhhh!!!!!

My poll is closed!!!! Ahhhhh...

This is communist!!!!!!!!!

[chili325]

Thats a great deal for a year subscribtion. I would pay that just for the stuff. Im so excited 4 this to come out that I may mess myself. Well, not that excited.....Rhiiiittte.

[Duke]

I'm excited, but the annonucement just makes the waiting harder.

[RadRider]

Star Wars KOTOR isn't online. Star Wars Galaxies is though, and it looks pretty good too. I don't know when it happened, but somewhere between KOTOR, Galaxies, Jedi Knight II and Episode II I became a Star Wars fan. I'm as shocked as you!

And I'm definitely getting Xbox Live. I hope I get selected as a beta tester, that would rock!

And my online avatar shall be "RadRider". So you can look forward to me taunting you relentlessly, while at the same time having my ass handed to me. I garantee, it will be an experience you won't regret. ;)

[chili325]

Originally posted by sinizuh
You'd be stupid not to buy XBLive Starter kit for only $50... or you don't have broadband... poor poor AOL users.
FYI...I have aol and cable and by having cable it significantly lowers the price of aol.(something about not using their servers) U get the best of both worlds

[RadRider]

But still, AOL... ewww.

[SIVEL]

It takes over your machine and you get that stupid aol pyramid on your IE toolbar. I'll stick with my ISP provider RCN they have great deals I hooked up my home with 2 cable boxes 2 telephone lines and broadband service for 280 every 2 months. But this is the best of the best plan it gives me all channels and free local calls. Im sure they have a better plan for your situation and a cheaper one at that. go to www.rcn.com to see if they service your area!



"The only 2 things I have in this world is my word and my balls and I don't break em fo nobody!" Tony Montana

[Dilr0y]

Well, I just can't wait until Halo 2 goes officially online. Well, Halo 2 has to come out, first. But, yeah. :)

[MerimacHamwich]

The scene is set, its you and three friends all with your headset communicators ready to go online. Then suddenly its a blur and you cant remember the next 10 hours of complete and utter online pleasure. Somewhere between playing NFL Fever2 and Unreal you forgot to go to work and one of your friends passed out with hunger, but its all worth it now isnt it? The only thing you can clearly remember is all of the victory cries and the trash talk you dished out when you got your revenge on that stupid sniper. This is the essence of online gaming through xbox.



At least in my opinion


As for aol eeeeeewwwwwie

[Shorezy]

:eek: I'm gunna go INSANE!! I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!! OH MAN!

The more and more i hear the more i get excited. Thanks for the info. Lynx. This is gunna be amasing.

[Xboxfan123]

Here's a link:

http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=internetnews&StoryID=1003178


I've never seen a console bomb so badly so soon.

[LynxFX]

Activision and EA are idiots, more EA though.

What I find funny is how they mention the current install base. 30 million PS2's versus 4 million Xboxes. Well, how many of those PS2's can get online right now? ZERO. How many of those Xboxes can get online right now? 4 million. Hmmm I think they are missing something.

[Shiz_96]

Originally posted by Xboxfan123
Here's a link:

http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=internetnews&StoryID=1003178


I've never seen a console bomb so badly so soon.

What a joke. I found this must-see XBOX LIVE VIDEO and it's one reason I'm putting it all on xbox. If you haven't seen this video you gotta check it out.

[Shiz_96]

What a joke. Xbox ain't goin nowhere. If you're still not sure why everyone is so worked up about XBOX live and wanna see what it's all about here you go. For those of us who already know what time it is and can't wait for it to come this is just gonna make the wait that much longer. I found this must-see XBOX LIVE VIDEO and it's one reason I'm putting it all on xbox. If you played online games before you ain't seen nothing yet.

Xbox Live video link:
http://xboxmaniak.com/video/www.xboxmaniak.com_sim_online.wmv

[PROUDXBOXOWNER]

microsoft have done it yet again.such a great service,a game and a friggin communicator all for 49.99 thats an awesome deal.

[PROUDXBOXOWNER]

Originally posted by Xboxfan123
Here's a link:

http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=internetnews&StoryID=1003178


I've never seen a console bomb so badly so soon.
c'mon man i feel sorry for ya.i know ur felling like an a$shol-e because u traded in ur box just in time fore xbox live and now u regreat it like sh i t so i have an idea die.

[MixMasta]

who here has signed up to become a potential beta tester??? i know i will sign up soon!

[faceoff508]

I already did!!

[LynxFX]

I signed up too. Hopefully we will get to know pretty quick.

[CRAIG123]

so let me get this straight! all you need is an xbox,the game,and a broadband connection??????

[PROUDXBOXOWNER]

i wanna be a beta tester.i will sign up now.

[MixMasta]

hooray!!! pxo made his sig smaller

[CRAIG123]

????????????

[Shiz_96]

Originally posted by CRAIG123
so let me get this straight! all you need is an xbox,the game,and a broadband connection??????

and a subscription to xbox live, yep that's it.

[Frostberg]

I sure hope I get to be a beta tester!!

[faceoff508]

Xbox Live Gets Rayman Arena
By Press Release
05.27.2002 @ 09:52 AM

Ubi Soft Entertainment, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announces Rayman Arena will propel video games to new heights by taking advantage of the high quality, high speed capabilities built into every Xbox. Rayman Arena, an online multiplayer game based on furious footraces and blistering battles, is due for release on Xbox this fall to coincide with Xbox Live, Microsoft’s online console gaming service enabling exciting new digital experiences at home.

Rayman Arena allows up to four players to battle it out on-line or through split screen in the detailed environments of Rayman’s immersive worlds. The race and battle competitions feature over-the-top risk taking and leaps, stunts, shortcuts, and multiple-opponent action. Gamers can choose from an outrageous cast of characters, each with unique combating capabilities.

“Online console gaming over broadband will change the face of video games forever,” said Laurent Detoc, President, Ubi Soft Entertainment. “With Rayman Arena making it’s debut on Xbox Live, we begin to demonstrate how broadband online video games will have as dramatic an impact on the industry for the current generation of games as the move from 2-D to 3-D graphics did for the last generation.”

Rayman Arena Key Features:
On-line / split screen multiplayer support for up to 4 players


Two modes of gameplay (Race & Battle)


8 playable characters including the cast of Rayman 2 and new characters


Immersive worlds – Battle arenas and racetracks filled with lush colors and detailed environments


True rewarding system – the ability to unlock TRUE rewards such as bonus levels, additional modes, character skins, and bonus characters by achieving the best time and highest scores.

--Teamxbox

[CRAIG123]

Originally posted by Shiz_96


and a subscription to xbox live, yep that's it.

so how do you connect your xbox up to the modem???

[Crazy Joe]

ethernet cable, they might bundle one with the subscription

[Shiz_96]

Originally posted by CRAIG123


so how do you connect your xbox up to the modem???
There's a port on th back of the box that connects straight to the modem or router.

[CRAIG123]

kool. I cant wait!

[xtreme]

i been waiting for this i cant wait to play some football

ohhhhh yeahhhhhhhhhhh


i wonder if there will be a screen limit like there is in
hunters
when playing with mulitplayers


50.00 to start not bad

but they have to keep that price down after that
after all people are playing a good price
for
games
and broadband connection

i pay 54.00 for that a month
so i think that price for after start kit is going to have to stay
low
because i sure wouldnt pay high prices if it was my kid going
on to play games and i think alots of family will fill the same way.
GOT to rember lots of parents hate the idea of kids sitting in front of tv's playing games all day ,
so to get them to invist in XBOX---LIVE they would have to keep the price low
but since the XBOX---LIVE is for me and me only......ohhh yeah

[CoMATOSE]

urr YEAH!!!.........be nice to the deal in europe though

[UnitedKingdom]

And when will that happen in europe??? It will be soooo good to kick someone's ass when that person is on the other side of the planet.:cool: Global whooping!!!

[Shiz_96]

I think it drops in North America, Europe, and Japan at the same time in the fall. They have Fever 2003 scheduled for August 1st and it's an xbox live game so I think that's when xbox live will release.

Let's hope.

[Hugh_Jass]

I'm more into single-player games so I wasn't prepared to pay too much for XBOX Live. $50 is a steal for the voice communicator, a game, and a year of service. At that price I at least have to try it.

[LynxFX]

That's how I looked at it too Hugh_Jass. If it had been announced at $10-$15 a month I don't think I would sign up.

[Fya-Blaze]

I got a question about the xbox live, What if u got more than 1 person using the xbox do they have to use the same Gamer ID, and do I have to pay another $50 to get another Gamer ID.

[LynxFX]

Originally posted by Fya-Blaze
I got a question about the xbox live, What if u got more than 1 person using the xbox do they have to use the same Gamer ID, and do I have to pay another $50 to get another Gamer ID.

That is a good question. There really hasn't been much talk about split screen gaming with LIVE.

My guess would be that if they do support split screen that you would just need the one ID and you would choose names for the rest ingame like you already do with System Link.

[Sparrik]

If you guys think the xbox live lineup is weak... i think u are crazy... well at least if you count the soon to come games. Maybe the launch lineup isnt great but the games soon to follow are awesome (rainbow 6/ghost recon, counterstrike, unreal) I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS CUZ IT IS GOING TO KICK SOO MUCH ARSE. ps2 online is gonna suck, especially compared to xbox online... which brings me to another point. the only good games comin to ps2 online will be... FFXI, whichever tactical shooter it is (too many comin to keep in order), everquest maybe... thats as much as i can thikn of right now...

[styxx_78]

I am in kahutz with Bill.
This guy rocks. Not only does he indirectly pay my salary, but the stuff that his company pumps out kikx butt! (I support MS products)

There are so many flamers out there that are anti Microsoft but they are too blind to realize where the PC and console industry would be with out MS.

The ideas and strategies MS comes out with cease to amaze me! They have got to have THE best marketing on the planet.

Getting people to buy the XBox LIVE! starter kit for $50 is using exactly the same strategy as the XBox itself. Sell the Hardware for cheap and make kazillions on the monthy fees/software sales that start after the first year is up.

As far as next years monthy fee goes, they will have so many loyal, happy, addicted customers to XBox Live! a monthly fee would not deter people from extending their subscription.

I know that if this service is as good as they (Microsoft) say it will be, I will not have a problem paying a monthy fee come next year.

[Frostberg]

SO what happens If I just buy the $50 headset again with a year of service? I dont have to pay monthly fees and then my friend can have a headset!

[Laxeph]

There would be no point to give your friend the headset. If he wants to play on-line he'll get on any way.

[LynxFX]

Originally posted by Frostberg
SO what happens If I just buy the $50 headset again with a year of service? I dont have to pay monthly fees and then my friend can have a headset!

I believe that this is a limited time offer. They did mention that later on they would have other incentives and deals or packages so I'm sure we will always be able to keep the monthly price down.

[Frostberg]

Originally posted by Laxeph
There would be no point to give your friend the headset. If he wants to play on-line he'll get on any way.
I meant for another person to use with my xbox...I'm sure there will be 2+ player Xbox live games...and theres no point if only 1 player has a headset...

And Lynx I see what your saying...the certificate they have in the package probably cant be activated after a certain date or something

[hellook]

this is the greatest day of my life....
need i say more ( i cant even imagen halo 2) covenet tanks and banchys and what ever other suprise's bungi can come up w/

yes i, i think i will start hybernating and try 2 wake up during the fall

and by the way i feel bad 4 u all i am going 2 be kicking all ur asses good luck u will need it

[X-Ray]

We could have an entire forum dedicated to X-Box Live and on-line play. Is a single thread really enough to address such a large topic?

[PROUDXBOXOWNER]

i wanna get it now...

[MixMasta]

Originally posted by X-Ray
We could have an entire forum dedicated to X-Box Live and on-line play. Is a single thread really enough to address such a large topic?

this thread is just to discuss xl pre launch. when it is avaliable im sure there will be a whole forum about it.

[PROUDXBOXOWNER]

Originally posted by MixMasta


this thread is just to discuss xl pre launch. when it is avaliable im sure there will be a whole forum about it.
agreed.

[X-Ray]

Originally posted by MixMasta


this thread is just to discuss xl pre launch. when it is avaliable im sure there will be a whole forum about it.

I see what you're saying, but this thread is already 6 pages long and X-Box Live doesn't launch for like 5 months. My point is, that there is a lot to be said about something this big--even pre-launch. So it might not be a bad idea to expand this excellent thread into an entire forum. But that's just my opinion.:) :cool: ;) :cool: :)

[PROUDXBOXOWNER]

if u really think so create a thread abt it in the ideas/suggestion forum maybe the mods will see and you could have it but not for sure...

[Liquid Gears]

Where do I have to go to get XBox Live??????????????

[Frostberg]

Any store that sells Xbox games should carry the communitor kit. Then you probably need to set up an account with MS online or by phone...whenever the kit comes out, of course...

[hellook]

i am just so confused about will i need an extra cable/big band connnection
i dont think so but what ever i need i will still be playing:cool:

[LynxFX]

Well if you are using your broadband connection for your computer which probably every one is or at least should be doing then you would need to get a hub, switch, or router to split your connection so you can connect your xbox.

If for some insane reason you are only getting broadband for the xbox and xbox only then you will need nothing else besides what your ISP gives you. It would go

Wall --> Broadband Modem --> Xbox.

[Ninja Scroll]

Forgive me for skipping the previous 6 pages (:o ) but I got a question.
Code Monkey was helping me out on this but I wanna make sure of something.
Look, im gettng a laptop (Dell joint http://wwwb.us.dell.com/us/en/dhs/offers/specials_3x_special18.htm ) in August/September just in time for Xbox Live and I wanted to know if getting this laptop is all I will need to get started or if im gonna have to order some more accessories?

Thanks in advance:)

[Casper]

Originally posted by Ninja Scroll
Forgive me for skipping the previous 6 pages (:o ) but I got a question.
Code Monkey was helping me out on this but I wanna make sure of something.
Look, im gettng a laptop (Dell joint http://wwwb.us.dell.com/us/en/dhs/offers/specials_3x_special18.htm ) in August/September just in time for Xbox Live and I wanted to know if getting this laptop is all I will need to get started or if im gonna have to order some more accessories?

Thanks in advance:)

You don't even need a computer for Xbox live....all you need is a broadband connection, CAT 5 cable, and a cable modem....and a subscribtion to XBL....that's it kid...come on now, I thought that the XBA Role Model would be a lil more up on his stuff than that ;)

[thorpe420]

Id buy it and i wouldnt even think about it

[SpartanSniper]

Halo + Online = HEAVEN

777th Spartan Snipers (http://www.bungie.net/perlbin/blam.pl?file=/fanclub/1303)

~ SpartanSniper

[Ninja Scroll]

Originally posted by casper


You don't even need a computer for Xbox live....all you need is a broadband connection, CAT 5 cable, and a cable modem....and a subscribtion to XBL....that's it kid...come on now, I thought that the XBA Role Model would be a lil more up on his stuff than that ;)

:o :o :o

[Frostberg]

Now theres a good response!

[Casper]

Yea, I guess I left him speechless...someone finally called him out ;)

Question: Does anyone know when they will announce the beta testers? I know that there will not be that many, so it will be like winning the lottery :rolleyes: but I also noticed that the option to apply was still on xbox.com :confused:

[anthony_osborn]

hey i dont know if this has been asked before but i was wonderin if you can play xbox live on a 56k modem. i think i read you cant but im not for sure and i kinda need to know cause thats what i have and if you cant then i might not be able to play online for a while. thanks for your help.

[Frostberg]

56k=bad

If you even could play with 56k it would lag up the whole network! Xbox Live is intended for broadband because it is the future, and only broadband can provide instant communications and lag free gameplay. You really should stop living in the past, 56k sucks!

[SpartanSniper]

Originally posted by casper
Yea, I guess I left him speechless...someone finally called him out ;)

Question: Does anyone know when they will announce the beta testers? I know that there will not be that many, so it will be like winning the lottery :rolleyes: but I also noticed that the option to apply was still on xbox.com :confused:

From what I hear in the Xbox.com (http://www.xbox.com ) forums, the people that win the beta testing contest are contacted by mail. They have already chosen some of the winners. (This could all be rumors.):cool:

~ SpartanSniper

[anthony_osborn]

56k=bad, If you even could play with 56k it would lag up the whole network! Xbox Live is intended for broadband because it is the future, and only broadband can provide instant communications and lag free gameplay. You really should stop living in the past, 56k sucks!

Hey, thanks for the info. ya i know it sucks ever since if heard about Xbox Live iv been tryin to talk my parents into gettin DSL or something like that. So hopefully by the time Xbox Live is here i'll have DSL and be able to play. :cool:

[SpartanSniper]

Official Xbox live info from www.XBOX.com (http://www.xbox.com) .
XBOX LIVE SERVICE INFORMATION

The latest answers to your questions about playing games online with Xbox™ Live.


What is Xbox™ Live?


Xbox™ Live is an online console video gaming service. Xbox Live is the only fast-action, always-on, broadband gaming arena where you can simultaneously play, talk and build your legend across games and around the world.

Xbox™ Live will enable all gamers to find their friends easily; talk to other players during game play through the Xbox Communicator headset; download current statistics, new levels and characters to their Xbox hard drive; and play online.


What features will be included in Xbox™ Live games?

Standard Xbox™ Live game features across all Xbox Live multiplayer games include:
Gamertag Gamertag is a gamer's unique online ID for all games across the global gaming service.
Friends list This feature allows gamers to find friends online and invite them to a game — no matter which Xbox™ Live game they're playing.
Xbox Communicator Voice communication is integrated with all Xbox™ Live multiplayer games and enables voice interaction with teammates and opponents. Key elements of this feature exclusive to Xbox include voice masking, global muting and parental control.
Matchmaking Quick Match enables players to enter a multiplay experience with a single button-click, and OptiMatch, an Xbox™ Live exclusive, helps them select games and opponents based on similar skill levels.
High-speed content downloads to the Xbox hard disk Only Xbox offers console gamers the ability to download and permanently store both free and for-a-fee content that can include new levels, characters, missions and statistics.

When will Xbox™ Live be available?

Xbox™ Live, launches in North America, Japan and Europe this fall and ramps up with consumer beta programs starting this summer.


How many Xbox™ Live games will there be?

To date, 60 game companies have committed to developing titles for Xbox™ Live, and at least 50 Xbox Live-enabled games will be available worldwide by holiday 2003.


What games will be available for Xbox™ Live?

Xbox™ Live will support five Xbox™ Live-exclusive games this year: "Unreal Championship" (Infogrames); and "MechAssault™," "Whacked!™," "NFL Fever 2003" and "Midtown Madness® 3" (Microsoft Game Studios).

Some upcoming Xbox™ Live titles include "Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder™ 2" from Activision, Inc.; "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon™," "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six™ RavenShield™" and "XIII" from Ubi Soft; and "SEGA Sports™ NFL 2K3," "SEGA Sports™ NBA 2K3" and "Phantasy Star™ Online" from SEGA® of America, Inc.

The lineup of future games includes "Star Wars® Galaxies™" (LucasArts Entertainment Company), "Counterstrike" (Valve Software for Microsoft Game Studios), and future versions of Xbox original blockbusters like "Halo™," "RalliSport Challenge," "Amped™" and "Project Gotham Racing™."


How do I sign up for Xbox™ Live?

This Fall we are kicking off our service in North America, Japan, and Europe. We will be conducting a consumer beta testing in North America this summer, and a bit later in Europe and Japan. The exact launch dates/timing in the regions will be driven by content availability, but the service will be ready in all three regions this year. Gamers can sign up for the opportunity to participate in this best by registering on the Xbox.com web site. The beta participants will be selected from among this group.


How much does Xbox™ Live cost?

In North America Xbox™ Live will kick off with a launch offer of $49.95, which includes 12 months of service, the Xbox Communicator headset and pack-in games. Stay tuned for further details on Xbox™ Live pricing in Europe and Japan in the months to come.


Cool, isn't it?:cool: YES

~ SpartanSniper

[-WorldSpawn-]

What I would like to know is when will it be launched in Canada? Will it be a simultaneous release with the US, or follow suit a couple weeks later?

[Frostberg]

Originally posted by -WorldSpawn-
What I would like to know is when will it be launched in Canada? Will it be a simultaneous release with the US, or follow suit a couple weeks later?


Question: Will Xbox Live launch in Canada the same time it does in the US?
( Frostberg has joined )
( Kar has joined )
Kar: Hi! Welcome to the Xbox Interactive Online Support. My name is Kar.
Kar: It should, as the launch is for North America.
Frostberg: Ok thanks.
( Frostberg has exited )

[Ninja Scroll]

Originally posted by casper
Yea, I guess I left him speechless...someone finally called him out ;)



True for dat moment, but once XBL debuts you all will be the ones speechless,.. Ninja whoopin dat ass style!:cool:

[Casper]

I got a lil idea my XBA icon - we gotta get a lil click, ghetto style....me, the Ninja Jubei, and the Jjax ' ster....and then lay the smack down on all these XBA'ers, East Coast style...ya hear me?;)

[JJaX]

Originally posted by casper
I got a lil idea my XBA icon - we gotta get a lil click, ghetto style....me, the Ninja Jubei, and the Jjax ' ster....and then lay the smack down on all these XBA'ers, East Coast style...ya hear me?;)

No doubt about it.

East coast!!

JJaX throws up a gang sign

I dont think the west is ready for me.....

[Ninja Scroll]

Originally posted by casper
I got a lil idea my XBA icon - we gotta get a lil click, ghetto style....me, the Ninja Jubei, and the Jjax ' ster....and then lay the smack down on all these XBA'ers, East Coast style...ya hear me?;)
You mean an East Coast Clique? Ninja repin da VA, DC, MD while Jjax reps da Dirty Jersey & Casper Da Infamous Ghost reps NY!

Sounds good to me slim dawg. Whats are crew name gonna be?

Ninja Scroll & his NJ/NY deciples?:D

[JJaX]

Originally posted by Ninja Scroll

You mean an East Coast Clique? Ninja repin da VA, DC, MD while Jjax reps da Dirty Jersey & Casper Da Infamous Ghost reps NY!

Sounds good to me slim dawg. Whats are crew name gonna be?

Ninja Scroll & his NJ/NY deciples?:D

No no no.........

JJaX and his cronies?

[Casper]

Yeah, we can 3 on 3 against DZ Nuts, Maxy-XBA, and one of those other West Side bums...they couldn't handle the Dirty Jersey and NY clan....no way no how ;)

I did like that old Darth JjaX and his Deciphles reference I heard a lil while back

[Ninja Scroll]

Okay, okay, ..so what game we gonna do this 3 on 3 with? NFL 2K3? Unreal Championship? which one?

And what's da teams? Ninja Jubei, Casper, & JJAx VS. waximus, dznutz, & some other gump?

That sounds like a miss match homies!:cool:

[JJaX]

Originally posted by Ninja Scroll
Okay, okay, ..so what game we gonna do this 3 on 3 with? NFL 2K3? Unreal Championship? which one?

And what's da teams? Ninja Jubei, Casper, & JJAx VS. waximus, dznutz, & some other gump?

That sounds like a miss match homies!:cool:

Its a tad bit to early to be picking teams, Cause ill be sitting here for months thinking about kicking some ass. But Unreal Championship seems to be what im gonna get into. Being i loved unreal Tournament and i was nasty like a stank b1tch with 30 f'n husbands ;)

[Frostberg]

Frosty is gonna f^*k you all up!

[Casper]

Originally posted by Ninja Scroll
Okay, okay, ..so what game we gonna do this 3 on 3 with? NFL 2K3? Unreal Championship? which one?

And what's da teams? Ninja Jubei, Casper, & JJAx VS. waximus, dznutz, & some other gump?

That sounds like a miss match homies!:cool:

I say we play both games....but I gotta hope that I at least get to beta test this first. Maybe I can talk my boss into getting me a t1- line and work from home more often ;)


And Frosty, don't sing it.... BRING IT :cool:

[Frostberg]

Oh I'm right here...waiting for XBL...I wish everyone who applied got in to be an XBL beta tester...more like a stress test...

[Hugh_Jass]

Did you notice on the front page there was a press release stating that the Japanese version of XBOX Live would come bundled with PSO? That is going to really hurt Nintendo.

Gamer: "Nintendo, what is your online strategy?"

Nintendo: "PSO"

Gamer: "So, if I buy a Game Cube I can only play PSO online but if I buy an XBOX I can play PSO and 21 other titles?"

Nintendo: "Er... it's purple, too."

[Ninja Scroll]

Originally posted by Hugh_Jass
Did you notice on the front page there was a press release stating that the Japanese version of XBOX Live would come bundled with PSO? That is going to really hurt Nintendo.

Gamer: "Nintendo, what is your online strategy?"

Nintendo: "PSO"

Gamer: "So, if I buy a Game Cube I can only play PSO online but if I buy an XBOX I can play PSO and 21 other titles?"

Nintendo: "Er... it's purple, too."

Is that right? Well what about us US gamers? I wanna free PSO too..:( , but im not sure about Nintendo. I have a KiddyCube, but I never bought it with the intentions of doing online.
We all know when it comes to online gaming Sega Dreamcast's SegaNet owns all.













Er,...I mean Xbox Live! :D

[Ninja Scroll]

Originally posted by Frostberg
Oh I'm right here...waiting for XBL...I wish everyone who applied got in to be an XBL beta tester...more like a stress test...

Im personally not worried about being one of the beta testers,..as a matter of fact I never registered for it.
Im more worried about getting my user game. Either Ninja Scroll or Ninja Jubei.

[LynxFX]

Originally posted by Ninja Scroll


Is that right? Well what about us US gamers? I wanna free PSO too..:(

We get Revolt.



Interesting news about the Beta testers.

You do pay $49 for the kit which is exactly like the retail XBL kit. It comes with:
Xbox Communicator
Revolt
Coupon for 1 year subscription to LIVE.

As a Beta tester you do not have to pay for the service until it goes official (minus the $50 initial kit). Once it does, you use your coupon and your '1 year' begins then. So if beta testing lasts 4 months then you in turn get 16 months of LIVE gaming for the price of 12.

They should also be announcing Beta testers in the next few weeks.

[Frostberg]

Originally posted by Ninja Scroll


Im personally not worried about being one of the beta testers,..as a matter of fact I never registered for it.
Im more worried about getting my user game. Either Ninja Scroll or Ninja Jubei.
Really? Is it that popular? I had no idea...just get it before the Japs do! I think XBA live will launch absolutely first in North American with other regions to fall closely behind...so you better buy the kit the first day you can if you want to be sure...it would suck if I have to call up Ninja Jubei980987401926 to kick his ass!

[Frostberg]

Originally posted by Lynxfx


We get Revolt.



Hey, isn't Revolt just a cheap demo type of game? I havent heard much about it...will it actually be good or is it just to showcase off XBL until you get enough money to buy real games?

[Ninja Scroll]

Originally posted by Frostberg

Really? Is it that popular? I had no idea...just get it before the Japs do! I think XBA live will launch absolutely first in North American with other regions to fall closely behind...so you better buy the kit the first day you can if you want to be sure...it would suck if I have to call up Ninja Jubei980987401926 to kick his ass!

LOL, slim... I would never sell my self out like dat to call myself something and a rack of numbers following it jsut to have a name!:rolleyes:

Yeah, XBL is officially going to kick off in the US before anywhere else.
So we get Revolt for free with the kit! Isnt Revolt a crapy racer or something like dat?

[LynxFX]

Originally posted by Frostberg


Hey, isn't Revolt just a cheap demo type of game? I havent heard much about it...will it actually be good or is it just to showcase off XBL until you get enough money to buy real games?

I have no idea. It is a full game but how good it is, who knows. Probably just a run of the mill racing type game.

[JJaX]

http://gamespot.com/gamespot/filters/products/0,11114,198470,00.html

Re-volt was that crap ass car racing game with remote control cars. It plays like RC Pro am on NES, or rock N roll racing on SNES.

[Masta Chief]

I would go live if I could but my dad is too retarded to relize there is more to live then just going online. :(

[The Dragon AKA]

THE xbox online service was 1 of the top 2 reasons why I got the xbox, the first being someone owed me one from a bet :D:D

[The Dragon AKA]

Originally posted by Ninja Scroll

You mean an East Coast Clique? Ninja repin da VA, DC, MD while Jjax reps da Dirty Jersey & Casper Da Infamous Ghost reps NY!

Sounds good to me slim dawg. Whats are crew name gonna be?

Ninja Scroll & his NJ/NY deciples?:D

Yo any o' y'all out there wanna go PAC West Coast style?

I come from the West Side,
An' you an' I both know it's the Best Side ;)

[2k2freak23]

How much do you have to pay for re subscription after the first purchase?

[LynxFX]

Originally posted by 2k2freak23
How much do you have to pay for re subscription after the first purchase?

No one knows yet. They did say that after the initial $50 for communicator and a year subscription that there would be other deals and packages on a regular basis so it will probably even out to be $50 a year. Probably won't find that out until late 2003 anyway.

[Shiz_96]

Subsciption will be 9.99, same as Seganet.

[The Dragon AKA]

Originally posted by Shiz_96
Subsciption will be 9.99, same as Seganet.

I don't think it's gonna be 50 bucks a year. I heard something similar to what Shiz posted, 10-15 dwallas.

[Landc]

when the hell does xbox live launch? here in the USA. and most importantly what the hell am i gonna do!? cause i cant get broadband in this bleepidy place i live!!!

[Hugh_Jass]

November

[Masta Chief]

Where th heck are you gettin $50 dollars a year..It is around 120..that is if you round up.. But they do have this thing where first subscribers get like a $50 deal with a free communicator...but you have to get live right as it launches or something..

[Hugh_Jass]

The XBOX Live kit is $50 and it includes a year of service.

The beta kit is also $50 and includes a year of service plus the beta period.

After the first year there may be a monthly fee.

[Masta Chief]

Yeah..I have to give major props to offical xbox magazine. I read the article they had on xbox live..My dad said he will think about it and that I can't be on it all the time...Well that is where before school plays in.. I can get atleast one round.

[Anthony4sho]

XBL's gonna be raw as hell. I just got my cable modem today so i'm defenitly gonna be the first one in line.

[No Fear 23]

im confused. do we have to have broadband or cable modem, or both of them?? If one of em, which one would be better? and how much does each of em cost?

[Masta Chief]

Cable is broadband...

[No Fear 23]

Originally posted by Masta Chief
Cable is broadband...

oh duh. i dont know much about computers.

BTW, how much do those cost for once a month??

[Feel_the_Payne]

D@mn it sucks when you hear all this good news and you can't get broadband because your dad decides to move to the middle of nowhere.:eek:

[Feel_the_Payne]

Broadband is just another name for a fast connection. You can get direct tv dsl which runs through an existing phoneline connection for 29.99 a month for the first 6 months and 49.99 after that. Its probally around 40 times faster than dial-up but you have to live around or in a big city with around 20,000 people or more but i can't get because the nearest damn city with that many people is 90 miles away

[E-Xbox]

hell yea!!
i cant wait for this to come out..
its gonna be sooo sick!!!

peace

[Masta Chief]

I have dsl with another Phone line..I forgot how much it is though..Pretty fast..For me I just have to feed my dad good stuff about live and "be good"..Then I will 'prolly get it..I hope..

[[[DA]]L{}GIC{R}]

And an xbox ud better get XBL or get left behind! U would be a fool not to have it! ps2 can have there 56k hook up. Only real players will shootem up on xbox LIVE! Muah ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa :mad: