Microsoft has announced the subscription charges for Xbox 360's 'XBox Live Gold' service - the full version of the machine's online community set-up, which allows users to take part in multiplayer gaming sessions. An annual subscription will be £39.99, working out at around £3 a month. Those without credit cards will be happy to know that there are alternative payment methods - as the press release explains:
"Microsoft also today announced that credit cards will no longer be required to create an account on Xbox Live for Xbox 360, removing one of the biggest barriers to entry. Gamers can purchase 12-month Xbox Live subscription cards via cash or other payment methods at any participating retail store. Subscriptions will also be available for purchase by credit card in one-month, three-month and 12-month increments through the Xbox Live Dashboard."
The release also takes the oppertunity to re-iterate Microsoft's plans for a pre-Christmas 360 launch in Europe - just in case you were in any doubt...
So, three quid a month for next-gen HD multiplayer gaming... A bargain?
