101-1011: See also: Xbox network § Xbox_Play_Anywhere [REDACTED] This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page . ( Learn how and when to remove these messages ) [REDACTED] This article needs to be updated . Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. ( May 2023 ) [REDACTED] This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Play Anywhere" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR ( September 2012 ) ( Learn how and when to remove this message ) ( Learn how and when to remove this message ) Xbox Play Anywhere , formerly Live Anywhere ,
202-510: A Microsoft Account ) Cross-platform chat, with text, voice, and video Unified friends list and message system Single, worldwide currency for purchasing virtual games, music, videos and content ( Microsoft Points ) Cross-platform multiplayer online gaming, including game invites See also [ edit ] Xbox Network Microsoft Points Microsoft Account External links [ edit ] ExtremeTech article describing Live Anywhere concept Archived 2009-02-28 at
303-557: A Windows 10 PC (running Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later) through Microsoft Store using the same Microsoft account at no additional charge, and vice versa. The scheme also promotes the ability to synchronize save data, achievements, and downloadable content between Windows 10 and Xbox One versions of a game. Microsoft announced in March 2019 that it would be providing Xbox Live SDKs for iOS and Android mobile devices, allowing developers on those platforms to integrate most services of
404-509: A Windows 10 PC (running Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later) through Microsoft Store using the same Microsoft account at no additional charge, and vice versa. The scheme also promotes the ability to synchronize save data, achievements, and downloadable content between Windows 10 and Xbox One versions of a game. Microsoft announced in March 2019 that it would be providing Xbox Live SDKs for iOS and Android mobile devices, allowing developers on those platforms to integrate most services of
505-629: A denial-of-service attack . Functionality was restored on December 28, with some users experiencing difficulties in the days that followed. A group called, "The Phantom Squad" has threatened to disrupt the Xbox Live network through a denial-of-service attack on December 25, 2015. In 2019, the Official Xbox Magazine revealed that Xbox Live would be made cross platform, and will serve Android , iOS and Nintendo Switch . Microsoft added Xbox Live Gold to its Xbox Game Pass program as part of
606-512: A denial-of-service attack . Functionality was restored on December 28, with some users experiencing difficulties in the days that followed. A group called, "The Phantom Squad" has threatened to disrupt the Xbox Live network through a denial-of-service attack on December 25, 2015. In 2019, the Official Xbox Magazine revealed that Xbox Live would be made cross platform, and will serve Android , iOS and Nintendo Switch . Microsoft added Xbox Live Gold to its Xbox Game Pass program as part of
707-579: A dial-up modem while a later-released broadband adapter was neither widely supported nor widely available. Downloadable content was available, though limited in size due to the narrowband connection and the size limitations of a memory card . The PlayStation 2 did not initially ship with built-in networking capabilities. Microsoft, however, hoped that the Xbox would succeed where the Dreamcast had failed. The company determined that intense online gaming required
808-480: A dial-up modem while a later-released broadband adapter was neither widely supported nor widely available. Downloadable content was available, though limited in size due to the narrowband connection and the size limitations of a memory card . The PlayStation 2 did not initially ship with built-in networking capabilities. Microsoft, however, hoped that the Xbox would succeed where the Dreamcast had failed. The company determined that intense online gaming required
909-422: A mathematical model of uncertainty to address weaknesses in existing ranking systems such as Elo . For example, a new player joining million-player leagues can be ranked correctly in fewer than 20 games. It can predict the probability of each game outcome, which enhances competitive matchmaking, making it possible to assemble skill-balanced teams from a group of players with different abilities. When matchmaking,
1010-422: A mathematical model of uncertainty to address weaknesses in existing ranking systems such as Elo . For example, a new player joining million-player leagues can be ranked correctly in fewer than 20 games. It can predict the probability of each game outcome, which enhances competitive matchmaking, making it possible to assemble skill-balanced teams from a group of players with different abilities. When matchmaking,
1111-6201: A Month with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play" . Xbox Wire . Retrieved 2023-05-08 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link ) ^ "Xbox Play Anywhere | Xbox" . Xbox.com . Archived from the original on 2023-05-08 . Retrieved 2023-05-08 . ^ "Goodbye, Windows 10 Mobile" . CNET . Retrieved 2023-05-08 . v t e Microsoft Gaming A division of Microsoft Xbox series Xbox Controller Games World Collection Technical specifications Xbox 360 Launch Technical problems Applications Controller Accessories HD DVD Player Wireless Headset Wireless Racing Wheel Xbox Live Vision Games Backward compatible Kinect Fun Labs Technical specifications Xbox One Applications Xbox Wireless Controller special editions Accessories Games Best-selling Xbox One X enhanced Backward compatible Xbox Series X/S Applications Xbox Wireless Controller special editions Accessories Games Backward compatible Others System software Kinect Adaptive Controller Xbox app games Platinum Hits Windows Games for Windows games GFWL games Microsoft SideWinder Games included with Windows Other platforms Xbox on Windows Phone Zune games Online services Avatars Games Store Xbox network/Xbox Live Arcade Indie Games Anywhere Xbox Game Pass Xbox Cloud Gaming Windows Games on Demand games Mixer MSN Games Game Room Promotions OurColony Official Xbox Magazine Xbox Exhibition "X" Show Summer of Arcade Developer tools DirectX Xbox Development Kit XNA Game Studio ID@Xbox Games Microsoft Gaming Activision ZeniMax Media Blizzard Entertainment King Xbox Game Studios Developers and publishers Xbox Game Studios The Coalition The Initiative Compulsion Games Double Fine Halo Studios InXile Entertainment Mojang Studios Ninja Theory Obsidian Entertainment Playground Games Rare Turn 10 Studios Undead Labs World's Edge ZeniMax Media Arkane Studios Bethesda Softworks Bethesda Game Studios Austin Dallas id Software MachineGames ZeniMax Online Studios Activision Blizzard Activision Activision Shanghai Studios Beenox Demonware Digital Legends Entertainment Elsewhere Entertainment High Moon Studios Infinity Ward Raven Software Sledgehammer Games Solid State Studios Treyarch Blizzard Entertainment Blizzard Albany Blizzard Boston King Former studios Alpha Dog Games Arkane Austin Tango Gameworks Toys for Bob Roundhouse Studios Unionization efforts Worker organization Microsoft and unions § United States v t e Microsoft Corporation History Outline People Founders Bill Gates Paul Allen Board of directors Satya Nadella (Chairman and CEO) Reid Hoffman Sandi Peterson Penny Pritzker Carlos A. Rodriguez Charles Scharf John W. Stanton John W. Thompson Emma Walmsley Padmasree Warrior Senior leadership team Satya Nadella (CEO) Takeshi Numoto (CMO) Scott Guthrie Carolina Dybeck Happe (COO) Amy Hood (CFO) Kevin Scott (CTO) Brad Smith (CLO) Harry Shum Phil Spencer Kathleen Hogan (CPO) Corporate VPs Joe Belfiore Richard Rashid (SVP) César Cernuda Employee groups Global LGBTQIA+ Employee & Allies at Microsoft Microsoft and unions Products Hardware Azure Kinect HoloLens LifeCam Surface Duo Go Hub Laptop Laptop Go Neo Pro Studio Xbox Software Clipchamp Dynamics 365 Havok Microsoft 365 Office Teams Open source software Power Platform Servers Start Tay Visual Studio Visual Studio Code Windows Xbox OS Programming languages BASIC VB.NET VBA VBScript Visual Basic C# C/AL a.k.a. Navision Attain F# MVPL Power Fx PowerShell Q# Transact-SQL TypeScript Visual J++ Visual J# Web properties Azure Bing Copilot GitHub Learn Channel 9 Developer Network TechNet LinkedIn LinkedIn Learning MSN Outlook.com Store Translator Company Conferences Build Ignite Inspire MIX PDC WinHEC Divisions .NET Foundation Digital Crimes Unit Engineering groups Mobile Skype unit Gaming Activision Blizzard Xbox Game Studios ZeniMax Media Garage Outercurve Foundation Press Research Retail stores Estates Microsoft campus Microsoft Egypt Microsoft India Microsoft Japan Campaigns " Where do you want to go today? " (1994) " Champagne " (2002) " Mojave Experiment " (2006) " I'm
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#17328593080471212-2898: A PC " (2008) " Scroogled " (2012) Criticism Bundling of Microsoft Windows Clippy iLoo Internet Explorer Microsoft Bob _NSAKEY Windows XP Vista 10 Litigation Alcatel-Lucent v. Microsoft Apple v. Microsoft Microsoft v. Commission FTC v. Microsoft Microsoft v. Lindows Microsoft v. MikeRoweSoft Microsoft v. Shah United States v. Microsoft (2001 antitrust case) Microsoft v. United States (2018 data privacy case) Acquisitions 6Wunderkinder Access Software Acompli Activision Blizzard acquisition Altamira Software AltspaceVR aQuantive Azyxxi Beam The Blue Ribbon SoundWorks Bungie Clipchamp Colloquis Compulsion Games Connectix Consumers Software Danger Double Fine Farecast FASA Studio Fast Search & Transfer Firefly Forethought GIANT Company Software GitHub Great Plains Software GreenButton Groove Networks Havok Group High Heat Major League Baseball Hotmail inXile Entertainment Jellyfish.com LinkedIn LinkExchange Lionhead Studios Maluuba Massive Incorporated Metaswitch Mobile Data Labs Mojang Studios Ninja Theory Nokia Devices and Services npm Nuance Communications Obsidian Entertainment Onfolio Pando Networks Perceptive Pixel PlaceWare Playground Games Powerset Press Play ProClarity Rare Revolution Analytics RiskIQ ScreenTonic Secure Islands Simplygon Skype Sunrise Atelier SwiftKey TakeLessons Teleo Tellme Networks Twisted Pixel Games Undead Labs Vermeer Technologies Visio Corporation Vivaty VoloMetrix VXtreme WebTV Networks Winternals Software Xamarin Xandr AppNexus Yammer Yupi ZeniMax Media [REDACTED] Category Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Play_Anywhere&oldid=1232776949 " Categories : Games for Windows Xbox network Windows Mobile Hidden categories: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list Misplaced Pages articles in need of updating from May 2023 All Misplaced Pages articles in need of updating Articles needing additional references from September 2012 All articles needing additional references Articles with multiple maintenance issues Webarchive template wayback links Xbox network#Xbox Play Anywhere The Xbox network , formerly known and commonly referred to as Xbox Live ,
1313-428: A free Xbox Live Arcade game to all Xbox Live users as compensation, in an open letter to all Xbox Live members from Marc Whitten, Xbox LIVE General Manager. Increased demand from Xbox 360 purchasers (the largest number of new user sign-ups in the history of Xbox Live) was given as the reason for the downtime. On January 18, 2008, Microsoft announced Undertow would be offered free to both Gold and Free members for
1414-428: A free Xbox Live Arcade game to all Xbox Live users as compensation, in an open letter to all Xbox Live members from Marc Whitten, Xbox LIVE General Manager. Increased demand from Xbox 360 purchasers (the largest number of new user sign-ups in the history of Xbox Live) was given as the reason for the downtime. On January 18, 2008, Microsoft announced Undertow would be offered free to both Gold and Free members for
1515-428: A headset and communication, a feature that was still in its infancy. Leading up to the launch, Microsoft enlisted several waves of beta testers to improve the service and receive feature feedback. The first wave of beta testers were given Re-Volt ! (which was never released officially) and NFL Fever 2003 to beta test. Once beta testing concluded, Microsoft sent these beta testers a translucent orange memory card,
1616-428: A headset and communication, a feature that was still in its infancy. Leading up to the launch, Microsoft enlisted several waves of beta testers to improve the service and receive feature feedback. The first wave of beta testers were given Re-Volt ! (which was never released officially) and NFL Fever 2003 to beta test. Once beta testing concluded, Microsoft sent these beta testers a translucent orange memory card,
1717-582: A headset carrying case, and a beta tester t-shirt with the slogan "I've got great hands". When the service debuted, it lacked much of the functionality that later titles included, but Xbox Live grew and evolved on the Xbox and many aspects of the service were included with the Xbox 360 console out of the box, rather than through a later update. Microsoft granted Live-related patent that gives Xbox 360 users access to watch other gamers compete against each other over Xbox Live. The packaging for playable Xbox Live titles on
1818-536: A headset carrying case, and a beta tester t-shirt with the slogan "I've got great hands". When the service debuted, it lacked much of the functionality that later titles included, but Xbox Live grew and evolved on the Xbox and many aspects of the service were included with the Xbox 360 console out of the box, rather than through a later update. Microsoft granted Live-related patent that gives Xbox 360 users access to watch other gamers compete against each other over Xbox Live. The packaging for playable Xbox Live titles on
1919-546: A limited form of Xbox Live "awareness". In July 2004, Xbox Live had reached 1 million online users. In July 2005, Xbox Live had reached 2 million online users. On November 15, 2007, Microsoft celebrated Xbox Live's 5th anniversary by offering its then over 8 million subscribers the title Carcassonne free of charge and awarding gamers who had subscribed to Live since its inception 500 free Microsoft Points . Due to intermittent service interruptions during late December 2007 and early January 2008, Microsoft promised to offer
2020-546: A limited form of Xbox Live "awareness". In July 2004, Xbox Live had reached 1 million online users. In July 2005, Xbox Live had reached 2 million online users. On November 15, 2007, Microsoft celebrated Xbox Live's 5th anniversary by offering its then over 8 million subscribers the title Carcassonne free of charge and awarding gamers who had subscribed to Live since its inception 500 free Microsoft Points . Due to intermittent service interruptions during late December 2007 and early January 2008, Microsoft promised to offer
2121-541: A long-term project expected to be rolled out over several years". While a concept service for mobile devices was demonstrated at E3 2006 and CES 2006 on a Motorola Q mobile phone, it never released. On February 15, 2010, Microsoft announced its new mobile operating system , Windows Phone . With Windows Phone 7 and Windows Mobile 10, Microsoft integrated full Xbox Live functionality. Windows Phone has since been discontinued. Xbox Live The Xbox network , formerly known and commonly referred to as Xbox Live ,
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#17328593080472222-545: A new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription tier in April 2019. On January 22, 2021, Microsoft planned to increase the prices for the Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, as follows: by $ 1 for the monthly subscription ($ 10.99 from $ 9.99), by $ 5 for the 3-month subscription ($ 29.99 from $ 24.99), by $ 20 for the 6-month subscription ($ 59.99 from $ 39.99), and by $ 60 (double the price) for the 12-month subscription ($ 119.99 from $ 59.99). However,
2323-440: A new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription tier in April 2019. On January 22, 2021, Microsoft planned to increase the prices for the Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, as follows: by $ 1 for the monthly subscription ($ 10.99 from $ 9.99), by $ 5 for the 3-month subscription ($ 29.99 from $ 24.99), by $ 20 for the 6-month subscription ($ 59.99 from $ 39.99), and by $ 60 (double the price) for the 12-month subscription ($ 119.99 from $ 59.99). However,
2424-478: A pilot project, which allows the user to change their region and maintain their Xbox network profile. Subscriptions, such as that for Xbox Music, cannot be transferred with this method. On May 18, 2011, Microsoft announced that it planned to launch Xbox network in the Middle East within the next twelve months, but it never occurred during that time period. However, on October 20, 2012, Microsoft officially announced
2525-424: A pilot project, which allows the user to change their region and maintain their Xbox network profile. Subscriptions, such as that for Xbox Music, cannot be transferred with this method. On May 18, 2011, Microsoft announced that it planned to launch Xbox network in the Middle East within the next twelve months, but it never occurred during that time period. However, on October 20, 2012, Microsoft officially announced
2626-487: A variable number of Achievements, while each Xbox Live Arcade title contained 12 Achievements totaling 200G. On February 1, 2007, Microsoft announced on their Gamerscore Blog some new policies that developers must follow related to Gamerscore and Achievements in future releases. All regular disc-based games must have 1,000 Gamerscore points in the base game; the title can ship with fewer than 1,000 points, but anything added later must be free. Game developers also now have
2727-487: A variable number of Achievements, while each Xbox Live Arcade title contained 12 Achievements totaling 200G. On February 1, 2007, Microsoft announced on their Gamerscore Blog some new policies that developers must follow related to Gamerscore and Achievements in future releases. All regular disc-based games must have 1,000 Gamerscore points in the base game; the title can ship with fewer than 1,000 points, but anything added later must be free. Game developers also now have
2828-421: A vision of making premium download content and add-ons that would attract many new customers. Based on this reasoning, the console included a standard Ethernet port (10/100) in order to provide connectivity to common broadband networks , but did not include a modem or any dial-up support, and its online service was designed to support broadband users only. Critics scoffed at it, citing poor broadband adoption at
2929-421: A vision of making premium download content and add-ons that would attract many new customers. Based on this reasoning, the console included a standard Ethernet port (10/100) in order to provide connectivity to common broadband networks , but did not include a modem or any dial-up support, and its online service was designed to support broadband users only. Critics scoffed at it, citing poor broadband adoption at
3030-521: A year ago, during the Dive into Media conference in Southern California. In June 2014, Microsoft retracted the Xbox Live Gold requirements to access streaming media apps (including Netflix , Hulu , YouTube , Internet Explorer, Skype, and others), though various rental or subscription fees may still apply. On December 25, 2014, both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live suffered network disruption after
3131-412: A year ago, during the Dive into Media conference in Southern California. In June 2014, Microsoft retracted the Xbox Live Gold requirements to access streaming media apps (including Netflix , Hulu , YouTube , Internet Explorer, Skype, and others), though various rental or subscription fees may still apply. On December 25, 2014, both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live suffered network disruption after
Play Anywhere - Misplaced Pages Continue
3232-473: Is an achievements point accumulation system that reflects the number of achievements accumulated by a user on Xbox through the displaying of the number of points accumulated. These Achievement points are awarded for the completion of game-specific challenges, such as beating a level or amassing a specified number of wins against other players in online matches and other various in game challenges. Initially, retail Xbox 360 games offered up to 1,000G spread over
3333-473: Is an achievements point accumulation system that reflects the number of achievements accumulated by a user on Xbox through the displaying of the number of points accumulated. These Achievement points are awarded for the completion of game-specific challenges, such as beating a level or amassing a specified number of wins against other players in online matches and other various in game challenges. Initially, retail Xbox 360 games offered up to 1,000G spread over
3434-534: Is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Gaming for the Xbox brand. It was first made available to the original Xbox console on November 15, 2002. An updated version of the service, adding the Xbox Live Marketplace , became available with the Xbox 360 console launch in November 2005, and a further enhanced version was released in 2013 with
3535-420: Is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Gaming for the Xbox brand. It was first made available to the original Xbox console on November 15, 2002. An updated version of the service, adding the Xbox Live Marketplace , became available with the Xbox 360 console launch in November 2005, and a further enhanced version was released in 2013 with
3636-1304: Is an ongoing initiative by Microsoft Gaming to bring the cross-platform Xbox network (formerly Xbox Live) service to a wide variety of Microsoft platforms and devices, chiefly the Xbox Series X|S , Windows 11 , Xbox One , and Windows 10 . Platforms [ edit ] Platform Service Name Launch Discontinued Windows 11 Xbox Network October 5, 2021 Xbox Series X|S Xbox Network November 10, 2020 Windows 10 Xbox Network July 29, 2015 Xbox One Xbox Live November 22, 2013 Windows 8 and 8.1 Xbox on Windows October 26, 2012 Before May 8, 2023 Windows Phone , 10 Mobile Xbox on Windows Phone October 21, 2010 Before October 8, 2017 Zune Zune Social September 16, 2008 September 4, 2011 Windows XP , Vista , 7 Games for Windows – Live May 22, 2007 Before May 8, 2023 Xbox 360 Xbox Live November 22, 2005 July 29, 2024 Xbox Xbox Live November 15, 2001 April 15, 2010 Features [ edit ] Single identity ( Gamertag ) across all platforms (tied to
3737-439: Is available as both a free service and a subscription-based service known as Xbox Game Pass Core . In 2021, Microsoft renamed Xbox Live as simply the "Xbox network" to cover all of its services related to Xbox, and began slowly phasing out all "Live" branding until it was fully removed in 2023. The Xbox network is available in 42 countries and territories. '*' = Country where Xbox network and Store are officially available, but
3838-439: Is available as both a free service and a subscription-based service known as Xbox Game Pass Core . In 2021, Microsoft renamed Xbox Live as simply the "Xbox network" to cover all of its services related to Xbox, and began slowly phasing out all "Live" branding until it was fully removed in 2023. The Xbox network is available in 42 countries and territories. '*' = Country where Xbox network and Store are officially available, but
3939-528: Is for casual gamers, Family is for family-friendly gamers (without profanity, etc.), Pro is for competitive gamers who enjoy a challenge, and Underground is for no-holds-barred gaming where anything goes (as long as it does not violate the Xbox Live Terms of Use). However, in practice these gamer zones were displayed only on the Gamercard of the player, and did not tend to affect the gameplay experience or
4040-418: Is for casual gamers, Family is for family-friendly gamers (without profanity, etc.), Pro is for competitive gamers who enjoy a challenge, and Underground is for no-holds-barred gaming where anything goes (as long as it does not violate the Xbox Live Terms of Use). However, in practice these gamer zones were displayed only on the Gamercard of the player, and did not tend to affect the gameplay experience or
4141-605: Is now used to cross over the Xbox ecosystem into PC gaming, in addition to handhelds and mobile phones as part of the Play Anywhere initiative. Microsoft's former mobile operating system , Windows Phone , included full Xbox Live functionality until it was discontinued. The service shut down for the original Xbox on April 15, 2010, and original Xbox Games are now only playable online through Insignia , an unofficial Xbox Live replacement service, or through local area network (LAN) tunneling applications. Xbox network service
Play Anywhere - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-550: Is now used to cross over the Xbox ecosystem into PC gaming, in addition to handhelds and mobile phones as part of the Play Anywhere initiative. Microsoft's former mobile operating system , Windows Phone , included full Xbox Live functionality until it was discontinued. The service shut down for the original Xbox on April 15, 2010, and original Xbox Games are now only playable online through Insignia , an unofficial Xbox Live replacement service, or through local area network (LAN) tunneling applications. Xbox network service
4343-469: Is offered from MTV , VH1 , Comedy Central , Turner Broadcasting and CBS ; and movie content is Warner Bros. , Paramount and Disney , along with other publishers. Originally called Live Anywhere, Play Anywhere is a cross-platform service allowing owners of Xbox and Windows games the ability to use said games on either operating system. Under the scheme, supported games purchased digitally on Microsoft Store for Xbox One can also be downloaded on
4444-469: Is offered from MTV , VH1 , Comedy Central , Turner Broadcasting and CBS ; and movie content is Warner Bros. , Paramount and Disney , along with other publishers. Originally called Live Anywhere, Play Anywhere is a cross-platform service allowing owners of Xbox and Windows games the ability to use said games on either operating system. Under the scheme, supported games purchased digitally on Microsoft Store for Xbox One can also be downloaded on
4545-802: The Wayback Machine Video of a Live client running on a mobile device Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine Original Xbox Live To Shut Down References [ edit ] ^ Boddy, Zachary (2021-03-22). "Microsoft officially ends 'Xbox Live' brand, changes to 'Xbox network' " . Windows Central . Retrieved 2023-05-08 . ^ Blog, Windows Experience (2021-08-31). "Windows 11 available on October 5" . Windows Experience Blog . Retrieved 2023-05-08 . ^ Xbox, Phil Spencer, Head of (2020-09-09). "Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X Launch November 10, Starting at $ 24.99
4646-498: The Xbox One . The service is used on the latest Xbox Series X and Series S and, in addition to a Microsoft account , is the account for Xbox ecosystem; accounts can store games and other content. The service was extended in 2007 across the Windows platform, named Games for Windows – Live , now defunct, which made most aspects of the system available on Windows computers. The Xbox app
4747-399: The Xbox One . The service is used on the latest Xbox Series X and Series S and, in addition to a Microsoft account , is the account for Xbox ecosystem; accounts can store games and other content. The service was extended in 2007 across the Windows platform, named Games for Windows – Live , now defunct, which made most aspects of the system available on Windows computers. The Xbox app
4848-504: The 6-month and 12-month subscription price increases would not affect existing subscribers when they resubscribed at the same level, nor those already subscribed through the Xbox Games Pass Ultimate program. However, after complaints from the Xbox community, Microsoft made an announcement on the same day that they revoked their decision, and that they would not increase the prices of any of the subscriptions, thus they would remain
4949-437: The 6-month and 12-month subscription price increases would not affect existing subscribers when they resubscribed at the same level, nor those already subscribed through the Xbox Games Pass Ultimate program. However, after complaints from the Xbox community, Microsoft made an announcement on the same day that they revoked their decision, and that they would not increase the prices of any of the subscriptions, thus they would remain
5050-666: The Store is in Global currency USD, not in local currency. Users from other countries are not officially supported, although it is possible for them to access Xbox network if they provide an address located in a country where Xbox network is officially available. The country selected during account creation affects the payment options, content, and services available to the user. Previously, users were unable to change their account region, but in October 2012, Microsoft introduced an account migration tool as
5151-519: The Store is in Global currency USD, not in local currency. Users from other countries are not officially supported, although it is possible for them to access Xbox network if they provide an address located in a country where Xbox network is officially available. The country selected during account creation affects the payment options, content, and services available to the user. Previously, users were unable to change their account region, but in October 2012, Microsoft introduced an account migration tool as
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#17328593080475252-463: The Video Marketplace. They expire in 14 days after download or at the end of the first 24 hours after the movie has begun playing, whichever comes first. Television episodes can be purchased to own, and are transferable to an unlimited number of consoles. Downloaded files use 5.1 surround audio and are encoded using VC-1 for video at 720p, with a bitrate of 6.8 Mbit/s. Television content
5353-403: The Video Marketplace. They expire in 14 days after download or at the end of the first 24 hours after the movie has begun playing, whichever comes first. Television episodes can be purchased to own, and are transferable to an unlimited number of consoles. Downloaded files use 5.1 surround audio and are encoded using VC-1 for video at 720p, with a bitrate of 6.8 Mbit/s. Television content
5454-507: The Xbox 360. Launched in the United States on November 22, 2006, the first anniversary of the Xbox 360's launch, the service allows users in the United States to download high-definition and standard-definition television shows for purchase and movies for rental onto an Xbox 360 console for viewing. With the exception of short clips, content is not currently available for streaming, and must be downloaded. Movies are available for rental from
5555-451: The Xbox 360. Launched in the United States on November 22, 2006, the first anniversary of the Xbox 360's launch, the service allows users in the United States to download high-definition and standard-definition television shows for purchase and movies for rental onto an Xbox 360 console for viewing. With the exception of short clips, content is not currently available for streaming, and must be downloaded. Movies are available for rental from
5656-508: The Xbox Game Pass subscription). A gamertag is the universal name for a player's username on the Xbox network. A gamertag is a unique identifier, and can include numbers, letters, and spaces. Gamertags can be changed using an Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360 console (first time is free, all other changes afterwards are charged), while the Xbox 360 supports eight Xbox network-enabled profiles per memory unit and thirty-two profiles on
5757-451: The Xbox Game Pass subscription). A gamertag is the universal name for a player's username on the Xbox network. A gamertag is a unique identifier, and can include numbers, letters, and spaces. Gamertags can be changed using an Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360 console (first time is free, all other changes afterwards are charged), while the Xbox 360 supports eight Xbox network-enabled profiles per memory unit and thirty-two profiles on
5858-401: The Xbox app, subject to Xbox approval. Users were formerly forbidden to use strings such as gay or refer to homosexuality in any way in their gamertag or profile due to it being considered "content of a sexual nature", even if the string occurs in a legitimate surname. Incidents where a woman was suspended from the service for identifying herself as a lesbian , and an incident where a male user
5959-401: The Xbox app, subject to Xbox approval. Users were formerly forbidden to use strings such as gay or refer to homosexuality in any way in their gamertag or profile due to it being considered "content of a sexual nature", even if the string occurs in a legitimate surname. Incidents where a woman was suspended from the service for identifying herself as a lesbian , and an incident where a male user
6060-698: The Xbox network into their applications and games. Microsoft also stated that they were looking to bring this functionality to the Nintendo Switch , anticipating this to be a post-launch feature for the Switch port of Cuphead . Play Anywhere was originally released as Live Anywhere as a cross-platform initiative to bring the Xbox network to a wide variety of Microsoft platforms and devices, including Xbox , Xbox 360 , Microsoft Windows ( XP SP2 /SP3, Vista and 7 ), Windows Phone , and Zune . Microsoft's Chris Early said of Live Anywhere in 2006 that "it [was]
6161-592: The Xbox network into their applications and games. Microsoft also stated that they were looking to bring this functionality to the Nintendo Switch , anticipating this to be a post-launch feature for the Switch port of Cuphead . Play Anywhere was originally released as Live Anywhere as a cross-platform initiative to bring the Xbox network to a wide variety of Microsoft platforms and devices, including Xbox , Xbox 360 , Microsoft Windows ( XP SP2 /SP3, Vista and 7 ), Windows Phone , and Zune . Microsoft's Chris Early said of Live Anywhere in 2006 that "it [was]
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#17328593080476262-646: The first player in history to reach 1 million Gamerscore. The Gamecard is an information panel used to summarize one's user profile on Microsoft's Xbox network. The pieces of information on a Gamercard include: A player's Gamercard can be viewed via the guide, the Xbox app, or online through Xbox.com. Similarly, Mac OS X users were able to download widgets that display their Xbox Live Gamercard within Mac OS X 's Dashboard . These can be downloaded onto any Mac with OS X 10.4 or higher via Apple's widget download page . On Xbox 360, there were four Gamer Zones; Recreation
6363-598: The first player in history to reach 1 million Gamerscore. The Gamecard is an information panel used to summarize one's user profile on Microsoft's Xbox network. The pieces of information on a Gamercard include: A player's Gamercard can be viewed via the guide, the Xbox app, or online through Xbox.com. Similarly, Mac OS X users were able to download widgets that display their Xbox Live Gamercard within Mac OS X 's Dashboard . These can be downloaded onto any Mac with OS X 10.4 or higher via Apple's widget download page . On Xbox 360, there were four Gamer Zones; Recreation
6464-542: The first time since its inception. The basic service was also renamed. Prior to October 2010, the free service was known as Xbox Live Silver . It was announced on June 10, 2011, that the service is going to be fully integrated into Microsoft's Windows 8 . In October 2011, Microsoft announced live streaming cable television with various providers. In February 2013, Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, shared that Xbox Live members now number 46 million, up 15 percent from
6565-542: The first time since its inception. The basic service was also renamed. Prior to October 2010, the free service was known as Xbox Live Silver . It was announced on June 10, 2011, that the service is going to be fully integrated into Microsoft's Windows 8 . In October 2011, Microsoft announced live streaming cable television with various providers. In February 2013, Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, shared that Xbox Live members now number 46 million, up 15 percent from
6666-467: The hard drive. A player's Gamertag account status can be checked using a variety of online tools, which is useful especially when looking for a new gamertag, or confirming that a gamertag exists. Using a valid gamertag, any player can be found and messaged from within the network. There are also several websites which allow users of gamertags to upload photos and information about themselves. Gamertags also contain avatar images (or "gamer pictures"), with
6767-467: The hard drive. A player's Gamertag account status can be checked using a variety of online tools, which is useful especially when looking for a new gamertag, or confirming that a gamertag exists. Using a valid gamertag, any player can be found and messaged from within the network. There are also several websites which allow users of gamertags to upload photos and information about themselves. Gamertags also contain avatar images (or "gamer pictures"), with
6868-508: The matching of players in online games . TrueSkill is a ranking and matchmaking system which was first implemented as part of the Xbox 360's Live service. Developed at Microsoft Research Cambridge ( United Kingdom ), the TrueSkill ranking system is now used in over 150 titles for the Xbox 360 and was used in the Games for Windows – Live game Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II . It uses
6969-409: The matching of players in online games . TrueSkill is a ranking and matchmaking system which was first implemented as part of the Xbox 360's Live service. Developed at Microsoft Research Cambridge ( United Kingdom ), the TrueSkill ranking system is now used in over 150 titles for the Xbox 360 and was used in the Games for Windows – Live game Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II . It uses
7070-643: The option of adding up to 250 points via downloadable content every quarter after the first year of release (for a total of 1,750 points). Xbox Live Arcade titles also allowed players to obtain Gamerscore, initially up to 200 Gamerscore with additional points up to 50 Gamerscore via downloadable content (for a total of 250 points), but some XBLA games now contain up to 400 Gamerscore without DLC. On March 25, 2008, Microsoft cracked down on "Gamerscore cheaters" (those who used external tools to artificially inflate their Gamerscore), and reduced their Gamerscores to zero without
7171-590: The option of adding up to 250 points via downloadable content every quarter after the first year of release (for a total of 1,750 points). Xbox Live Arcade titles also allowed players to obtain Gamerscore, initially up to 200 Gamerscore with additional points up to 50 Gamerscore via downloadable content (for a total of 250 points), but some XBLA games now contain up to 400 Gamerscore without DLC. On March 25, 2008, Microsoft cracked down on "Gamerscore cheaters" (those who used external tools to artificially inflate their Gamerscore), and reduced their Gamerscores to zero without
7272-523: The option to recover the scores that had been "earned", and branded the player by denoting on their Gamertag that they were a "Cheater". The development of the Gamerscore system had created a new niche in the internet economy. Many websites have been created to provide gamers with tips and tricks for getting achievement points. Some sites are solely devoted to these achievement guides, and some blogs provide gaming guides in addition to their other content. On March 13, 2014, Ray Cox IV or "Stallion83" became
7373-523: The option to recover the scores that had been "earned", and branded the player by denoting on their Gamertag that they were a "Cheater". The development of the Gamerscore system had created a new niche in the internet economy. Many websites have been created to provide gamers with tips and tricks for getting achievement points. Some sites are solely devoted to these achievement guides, and some blogs provide gaming guides in addition to their other content. On March 13, 2014, Ray Cox IV or "Stallion83" became
7474-399: The original Xbox console featured a trademark luminescent orange-gold bar underneath the Xbox header. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and Brute Force sported a Live "bubble" design, as they only featured downloadable content. It was changed later, wherein all Xbox Live titles included the universal orange-gold Live bar. By the time of the Xbox 360, all titles were required to provide at least
7575-399: The original Xbox console featured a trademark luminescent orange-gold bar underneath the Xbox header. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and Brute Force sported a Live "bubble" design, as they only featured downloadable content. It was changed later, wherein all Xbox Live titles included the universal orange-gold Live bar. By the time of the Xbox 360, all titles were required to provide at least
7676-561: The same as they were. Microsoft officially announced that they would be branding Xbox Live as "Xbox network" in March 2021 as to cover all the services related to Xbox and not just Xbox Live. Xbox Live Gold would remain the same name and to distinguish the subscription program from the set of services. Microsoft also stated that with this, it will eliminate the requirement to have Xbox Live Gold to play free-to-play games on Xbox consoles. By January 2021, Microsoft reported that there were more than 100 million Xbox users (including those through
7777-561: The same as they were. Microsoft officially announced that they would be branding Xbox Live as "Xbox network" in March 2021 as to cover all the services related to Xbox and not just Xbox Live. Xbox Live Gold would remain the same name and to distinguish the subscription program from the set of services. Microsoft also stated that with this, it will eliminate the requirement to have Xbox Live Gold to play free-to-play games on Xbox consoles. By January 2021, Microsoft reported that there were more than 100 million Xbox users (including those through
7878-399: The same day, Larry Hyrb , Xbox Live's Major Nelson, announced on his blog that Xbox Live support for the original Xbox would be discontinued on April 15, 2010, including online play through backwards compatibility on the Xbox 360 and all downloadable content for original Xbox games. In August 2010, Microsoft announced an increase to the cost of Xbox Live Gold in several countries by 20%, for
7979-399: The same day, Larry Hyrb , Xbox Live's Major Nelson, announced on his blog that Xbox Live support for the original Xbox would be discontinued on April 15, 2010, including online play through backwards compatibility on the Xbox 360 and all downloadable content for original Xbox games. In August 2010, Microsoft announced an increase to the cost of Xbox Live Gold in several countries by 20%, for
8080-622: The service will be launching in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in three days time. On November 4, Microsoft announced that the service would be launched on November 29 in Argentina and Israel . The service also appeared in the following month in Slovakia and Turkey . The service was launched in China in late 2014. As Microsoft developed the original Xbox console, online gaming
8181-412: The service will be launching in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in three days time. On November 4, Microsoft announced that the service would be launched on November 29 in Argentina and Israel . The service also appeared in the following month in Slovakia and Turkey . The service was launched in China in late 2014. As Microsoft developed the original Xbox console, online gaming
8282-472: The stock images sometimes associated with certain games or game characters. On Xbox 360, individual gamerpics are available, but they are usually bundled into packs. It is also possible to take "Public" pictures (which are shown to all that view a profile, unless the user has a different "personal" picture set) which can be taken of avatars while using the avatar editor. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, players are able to upload custom images of their choice through
8383-472: The stock images sometimes associated with certain games or game characters. On Xbox 360, individual gamerpics are available, but they are usually bundled into packs. It is also possible to take "Public" pictures (which are shown to all that view a profile, unless the user has a different "personal" picture set) which can be taken of avatars while using the avatar editor. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, players are able to upload custom images of their choice through
8484-735: The system attempts to match individuals based on their estimated skill level. If two individuals are competing head-to-head and have the same estimated skill level with low estimate uncertainty, they should each have roughly a 50% chance of winning a match. In this way, the system attempts to make every match as competitive as possible. In order to prevent abuse of the system, the majority of ranked games have relatively limited options for matchmaking. By design, players cannot easily play with their friends in ranked games. However, these countermeasures have failed due to techniques such as alternate account(s) and system flaws where each system has its own individual TrueSkill rating. To provide less competitive games,
8585-735: The system attempts to match individuals based on their estimated skill level. If two individuals are competing head-to-head and have the same estimated skill level with low estimate uncertainty, they should each have roughly a 50% chance of winning a match. In this way, the system attempts to make every match as competitive as possible. In order to prevent abuse of the system, the majority of ranked games have relatively limited options for matchmaking. By design, players cannot easily play with their friends in ranked games. However, these countermeasures have failed due to techniques such as alternate account(s) and system flaws where each system has its own individual TrueSkill rating. To provide less competitive games,
8686-668: The system supports unranked Player Matches , which allow individuals of any skill level to be paired (often including "guests" on an account). Such matches do not contribute to the TrueSkill rating. The Microsoft Store is the current digital marketplace for the Xbox ecosystem starting in 2017 for the Xbox One. It is available on consoles and on Xbox's website (as well as its own website), offering games from across all of Xbox's generations, in addition to movies, television shows, and multiple apps available as streaming services for music or television. Xbox Games Store (formerly Xbox Live Marketplace)
8787-617: The system supports unranked Player Matches , which allow individuals of any skill level to be paired (often including "guests" on an account). Such matches do not contribute to the TrueSkill rating. The Microsoft Store is the current digital marketplace for the Xbox ecosystem starting in 2017 for the Xbox One. It is available on consoles and on Xbox's website (as well as its own website), offering games from across all of Xbox's generations, in addition to movies, television shows, and multiple apps available as streaming services for music or television. Xbox Games Store (formerly Xbox Live Marketplace)
8888-458: The throughput of a broadband connection and the storage space of a hard disk drive , and thus these features would be vital to the new platform. This would allow not only for significant downloadable content, such as new levels, maps, weapons, challenges and characters, to be downloaded quickly and stored, but also would make it possible to standardize bandwidth intensive features such as voice communication. Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates both had
8989-458: The throughput of a broadband connection and the storage space of a hard disk drive , and thus these features would be vital to the new platform. This would allow not only for significant downloadable content, such as new levels, maps, weapons, challenges and characters, to be downloaded quickly and stored, but also would make it possible to standardize bandwidth intensive features such as voice communication. Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates both had
9090-421: The turn of the century. When the Xbox launched on November 15, 2001, the as-yet unnamed online service was destined for a Summer 2002 deployment. Xbox Live was finally given a name at E3 2002 when the service was unveiled in its entirety. Sound-dampened booths and broadband-connected Xbox consoles—featuring an early version of Unreal Championship —demonstrated the service on the show floor. The Epic title
9191-421: The turn of the century. When the Xbox launched on November 15, 2001, the as-yet unnamed online service was destined for a Summer 2002 deployment. Xbox Live was finally given a name at E3 2002 when the service was unveiled in its entirety. Sound-dampened booths and broadband-connected Xbox consoles—featuring an early version of Unreal Championship —demonstrated the service on the show floor. The Epic title
9292-439: The week starting January 23 through January 27 as compensation. On November 12, 2009, Dennis Durkin, COO of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business, announced that November 10, 2009, the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 marked the busiest day ever on Xbox Live, with over two million active users simultaneously. On February 5, 2010, Marc Whitten announced that Xbox Live had reached 23 million members. On
9393-439: The week starting January 23 through January 27 as compensation. On November 12, 2009, Dennis Durkin, COO of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business, announced that November 10, 2009, the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 marked the busiest day ever on Xbox Live, with over two million active users simultaneously. On February 5, 2010, Marc Whitten announced that Xbox Live had reached 23 million members. On
9494-618: Was a unified storefront for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One which offered both free and premium content for download including Xbox Live Arcade titles, Xbox indie games , original Xbox games , Xbox 360 game demos, game expansion material (e.g. extra maps, vehicles, songs), trailers, gamer pictures and themes, television shows, music videos , movie rentals, Apps and games and more. On November 6, 2006, Microsoft announced Microsoft Movies & TV (Microsoft Films & TV in other supported countries) (formerly Xbox Video Marketplace, Xbox Video and Zune Video), an exclusive video store accessible through
9595-618: Was a unified storefront for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One which offered both free and premium content for download including Xbox Live Arcade titles, Xbox indie games , original Xbox games , Xbox 360 game demos, game expansion material (e.g. extra maps, vehicles, songs), trailers, gamer pictures and themes, television shows, music videos , movie rentals, Apps and games and more. On November 6, 2006, Microsoft announced Microsoft Movies & TV (Microsoft Films & TV in other supported countries) (formerly Xbox Video Marketplace, Xbox Video and Zune Video), an exclusive video store accessible through
9696-633: Was designated as one of the key pillars for the greater Xbox strategy. Sega had made an attempt to capitalize on the ever-growing online gaming scene when it launched the Dreamcast video game console in 1999, including online support as standard, with the SegaNet service in North America and Dreamarena in Europe. Nevertheless, due to lack of widespread broadband adoption at the time, the Dreamcast shipped with only
9797-428: Was designated as one of the key pillars for the greater Xbox strategy. Sega had made an attempt to capitalize on the ever-growing online gaming scene when it launched the Dreamcast video game console in 1999, including online support as standard, with the SegaNet service in North America and Dreamarena in Europe. Nevertheless, due to lack of widespread broadband adoption at the time, the Dreamcast shipped with only
9898-436: Was one of the flagship titles for the service, which was slated for a debut on November 15, 2002, marking the anniversary of the Xbox launch. Microsoft announced that 50 Xbox Live titles would be available by the end of 2003. Utilizing the required broadband bandwidth, Xbox Live featured a unified gaming "Friends List", as well as a single identity across all titles (regardless of the publisher), and standardized voice chat with
9999-436: Was one of the flagship titles for the service, which was slated for a debut on November 15, 2002, marking the anniversary of the Xbox launch. Microsoft announced that 50 Xbox Live titles would be available by the end of 2003. Utilizing the required broadband bandwidth, Xbox Live featured a unified gaming "Friends List", as well as a single identity across all titles (regardless of the publisher), and standardized voice chat with
10100-604: Was suspended for using his surname "Gaywood" in his username attracted controversy. In February 2009, Xbox Live Lead Program Manager for Enforcement Stephen Toulouse clarified the service's policy on sexual identification, stating that "Expression of any sexual orientation [...] is not allowed in Gamertags" but that the company is "examining how we can provide it in a way that won't get misused". Changes announced in March 2010 permit Xbox Live members to express sexual orientation in their gamertags and profiles. The Gamerscore (G)
10201-552: Was suspended for using his surname "Gaywood" in his username attracted controversy. In February 2009, Xbox Live Lead Program Manager for Enforcement Stephen Toulouse clarified the service's policy on sexual identification, stating that "Expression of any sexual orientation [...] is not allowed in Gamertags" but that the company is "examining how we can provide it in a way that won't get misused". Changes announced in March 2010 permit Xbox Live members to express sexual orientation in their gamertags and profiles. The Gamerscore (G)
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