We learned earlier via a post on Joystiq that Microsoft will be granting access to twitter and facebook to their Xbox console users who have a Gold Xbox Live membership account when those expanded capabilities are available around Christmas this year. The report further stated that Silver members would have only trial access to the social networking sites. Later we learned in a post on the Multiplay Blog on the MTV site, that Microsoft is back peddling from that report stating the earlier post was ‘incorrect’ because Microsoft is ‘still formulating its plans.’ How Microsoft moves forward with its plan is interesting to us on several levels.
Clearly Microsoft’s move and its aftermath [good or bad] could set a standard for Sony and Nintendo to follow – or not follow. At the same time, it could conceivably give a hyper- boost to both network’s growth by introducing users who spend more time with their gaming console than with their computer or mobile phone. Even more so – a couple hundred thousand [or million] gamers flooding the twitter stream could radically change the conversation in ways we can’t begin to fathom.
Our first gut reaction to this news was wonderment at Microsoft charging for access to the networks. But, in all honesty, that reaction took only moments to fade when we consider the number of paid twitter apps that are currently available. Add to that fact that many, many Xbox owners happily pay the gold membership fee for a chance to play their games in a social environment. However, if paying for access to the networks is a concern of yours, feel free to let us and Microsoft know.
Really, our thoughts have been flying along the lines of how twitter conversations will change – if it will change at all. We wonder how this added tool to access the networks could impact long term growth or if it will inhibit those on the sidelines from joining. In the end we really don’t have the answers. Its Friday afer all and we let our minds wander a little. But, if you have any thoughts we’d sure be interested to hear them. Is Microsoft’s proposed plan a big deal? Or, is it a non-issue?
