If you waited seven years to buy and original Xbox and were hoping to begin your online multiplayer career with it, you have officially waited too long. An era of online video gaming will come to an end in April as Microsoft reorganizes its Xbox Live services and discontinues support for the first-generation Xbox and its games. The reallocation of resources comes as as the company looks ahead to its Xbox 360-compatible services and makes changes that it claims are necessary for the future.
"I wanted to let you know that on April 15, 2010 Microsoft will discontinue Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox 1 games playable on Xbox 360," Microsoft's Major Nelson wrote on his blog at MajorNelson.com. "Our first step in this process will be to turn off auto-renewals for those members who only use Xbox LIVE on a v1 Xbox."
Major Nelson's post came accompanied by another note from Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten, who explained the process from Microsoft's end in a little more details.
"To reach our aspiration, we need to make changes to the service that are incompatible with our original Xbox v1 games," Whitten said. "We will contact the Xbox LIVE members directly impacted by this change and if this includes you, I encourage you to check your LIVE messages and associated e-mail account over the coming weeks for more details and opportunities. We view you as a partner in this process."
I'd wager "Halo 2" will be among the most missed games to lose XBL support, and Whitten named the title specifically in his message. If online "Halo 2" is one of your favorite past times, the good news is you still have another couple of months to cram in some final marathon sessions.
Do you still access Xbox Live over an original Xbox? When was the last time you played "Halo 2" online? Share your memories and reactions in the comment section below.
Comments
Blink (2/6/2010 2:43:34 AM)
Halo 2 and Crimson Skies... you will be missed. :(