But speaking exclusively to MCV, the UK Xbox chief dismissed the claims, restating what he sees as the firm’s ongoing efforts in this area. “I’m a bit bemused by Geoff’s comments if I’m honest,” Thompson revealed. “Since we launched Xbox, we have offered an unsurpassed service that no-one’s ever seen on a console platform before.
“So to say we lack commitment to that arena of the console business is somewhat disingenuous because I think we’ve invested and demonstrated quite visibly how we can drive that community with two million online members.”
And with reference to suggestions that the optional hard drive made the system less attractive to MMO specialists like NCsoft, he added: “People who want to play online gaming over the next two-to-three years will be the ones who buy Xbox 360 with the hard drive.
“Definitely this Christmas Xbox 360 will outsell the Core System by a significant factor. And moving forwards, the people who want to play online games will definitely err towards that console. “I certainly think we’re not only investing in online gaming, we’re the one leading in it and we will be the leader in it in the future.
“So Geoff hasn’t got anything to worry about and should maybe think a bit more deeply about what our product strategy actually looks like, what our service looks like and therefore the opportunity for massively multiplayer environments.”
Need to Know
- Xbox Live currently boasts over two million subscribers
- The service is available out of the box only to those who buy the premium Xbox 360 System.
- Core System owners must buy a hard drive and subscription to go online.
- The Xbox Live marketplace will be available to 360 users from December 2nd, offering over 400 pieces of downloadable content.
- Xbox Live Arcade will launch with over 20 paid-for casual games from day one.
- To play online multiplayer titles, users must purchase Gold membership. This is priced at £39.99 for a full year. Additionally, credit card customers can purchase one- and three-month subs for £4.99 and £14.00 respectively.
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