Xbox Live Hits 2 Million Subscribers

Microsoft announced recently that its Xbox Live subscription service has reached more than 2 million gamers, doubling the subscription level it first reported last year. That equates to a new member every 30 seconds, according to the company. Microsoft launched the Xbox Live service in 2003, providing subscribers with the ability to play Xbox Live-enabled games against one another over the Internet. The service costs $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Xbox Live has also allowed publishers to keep Xbox games up-to-date. Members can download free updates and purchase premium content--including extra levels, new maps and weapons, and other features--for many games. An updated and expanded Xbox Live will be a key component of the software giant’s upcoming next-generation console, the Xbox 360. By this holiday season, more than 300 games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 will be Xbox Live-enabled, Microsoft says.