XBOX Live for the UK BT Openworld Only!!!

[EvilBoB]

Got this from ADSLGUIDE.ORG - Looks like the ass-wipes are gonna go with BTOW only!

The XBox Live gaming experience is to launch with BT Openworld as its only UK provider for ADSL connectivity. The system is due to be available in a 'Live Test Drive Phase' after November 30th, and for full retail release on March 14th 2003.

As well as allowing online multiplayer gaming, the system will also allow users to download current statistics, new levels and characters to their Xbox hard disc.

Now that sucks big time!

[joshm74]

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[Yazmon]

Im not sure if its exclusive, it probably just means the XBox will come with OpenWorld software for people who dont have broadband...?

LONDON, Sept 24 (Reuters) - UK Internet service provider BT Openworld said on Tuesday it would provide broadband access for Microsoft's highly touted online gaming service Xbox Live, due for pilot release in Europe at the end of November.

The deal between the U.S. software giant and BT Group Plc is an attempt by Britain's former telecoms monopoly to tap into the lucrative video games market as it tries to sell high-speed Internet access to the mass market.

Microsoft has said online gaming is a major part of its strategy to make money out of its loss-making games arm. The Xbox Live service will be available in a test phase from November 30, with a full retail launch due on March 14, 2003.

Microsoft has scheduled a news conference in Seville for 1900 GMT on Tuesday, where they are expected to identify broadband partners in Germany and France.

Xbox Live will allow gamers with a broadband connection to play against others online, talk to the players through a headset, and download statistics and gaming upgrades to their Xbox hard disc.

Xbox is now available in Europe for an estimated street price of 249.99 euros ($246) or 159.99 pounds ($249).

Industry estimates say Microsoft is losing between $76 and $150 for every Xbox console sold.

Sony Corp <6758.T> and Nintendo <7974.T> are also planning major online gaming initiatives, but the design of the broadband-compatible Xbox gives Microsoft an early leg-up.

"This is the first time that console gamers in the UK have been able to have this broadband multi-player experience," Duncan Ingram, Openworld consumer senior vice-president, said.

Openworld has at least 170,000 broadband users, according to recent figures.

[Sam_41]

good post Yazmon- looks like it will wotk with NTL broadband too.

[Kalier]

hhmmm also on the Team xbox site it says telewest have got the deal aswell.

[PhAtfiSh]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/27275.html

stupid post

[EvilBoB]

Originally posted by PhAtfiSh
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/27275.html

stupid post

Hmm.... That's not a very polite thing to say!

BTo is currently Microsoft's only partner in the UK that is providing an ADSL connection for the service.

Microsoft is looking to sign up other service providers before Xbox Live is made available commercially next year.

well thank god for that

[Yazmon]

Heh, it would apear ASDLGuide read the BT news announcing they will be a partner and though it was exclusive. Doh!

SEVILLE, Spain, Sept 24 (Reuters) - U.S. software giant Microsoft said on Tuesday its highly-touted online gaming platform Xbox Live will begin its pilot in select European countries in November with a commercial launch in March.

Microsoft said a host of Internet service providers in Britain, France and Germany will help it kick off the pilot, for which it is seeking 3,000 participants.

Microsoft has said online gaming is a major part of its strategy to make money out of its loss-making games arm. It plans to roll out Xbox Live in eight European countries, including Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden, by the end of 2003, the company said.

In Britain, Microsoft will team with broadband providers BT Group , Telewest and NTL. In France, it will partner with leading ISP Wanadoo and smaller independent Noos, said Sandy Duncan, the European general manager for Xbox.

The company, which held a news conference in Seville, Spain, did not announce its partners for Germany.

Xbox Live will allow gamers with a broadband connection to play against others online, talk to the players through a headset, and download statistics and gaming upgrades to their Xbox hard disc.

Xbox is available in Europe for 250 euros ($246) or 160 pounds ($249).

The company will sell an Xbox Live kit at stores, which includes a game, a one-year subscription for multi-player online gaming, for 59 euros in continental Europe and 39 pounds in Britain.

Though a small market at the moment, online gaming is an area of the market Microsoft is keen to exploit over the coming coming years. Industry estimates say Microsoft is currently losing between $76 and $150 for every Xbox console sold.

Sony Corp <6758.T> and Nintendo <7974.T> are also planning major online gaming initiatives, but the design of the broadband-compatible Xbox gives Microsoft an early leg-up.

Also on Tuesday, Microsoft confirmed it has purchased British games developer Rare Ltd for $375 million. Microsoft, which has a relative dearth of exclusive game titles, will have Rare's upcoming "Kameo" game added to its library when it's released in a couple months, the company said.

Ed Fries, who heads Xbox games development, said Microsoft will have 175 games for Xbox by year-end, and that another 300 more were currently in development.

[gooch]

Martintana

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hhmmm also on the Team xbox site it says telewest have got the deal aswell.

Yea i read that as well.
So wonder why NTL arnt getting on the Band wagon.?
Kin Wankers......!