Xbox LIVE and Windows 8

Xbox LIVE began in 2002 as a feature of the original Xbox console. It was an offshoot of the multiplayer features in the first Halo game, and essentially formalized those features across an online network that other games could then use. But the Xbox LIVE service as we now know it appeared in 2005 alongside the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s second video game console. At that time, Microsoft greatly enhanced Xbox LIVE, providing the core capabilities and experiences that Xbox 360 gamers–and Windows Phone and now Windows 8 games gamers–still enjoy today.

NOTE

Video game historians will note that the first video game console Microsoft contributed to was the Sega Dreamcast. But when the Windows CE‑based environment in that console proved unpopular with game developers, Microsoft took things into its own hands and created the Xbox.

Many of these third‑party services, of course, require a separate subscription as well.

Microsoft also offers two types of Xbox LIVE accounts: a free account that’s simply called Xbox LIVE and a paid account called Xbox LIVE Gold. Xbox LIVE Gold members pay about $50 a year and are rewarded with some unique features. Looking just at the Xbox 360 console, gamers who opt for the Gold subscription get online multiplayer gaming, party and party chat functionality, and video chat capabilities. But they also get access to many multimedia services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, Sky Player (UK only), Last.fm Internet music streaming, Xbox Music and Video services, and a lot more.