Microsoft increases Xbox Live Gold price

Major Nelson has proclaimed that a price change is coming to Xbox LIVE -  and it’s for the worse for us gamers. The Xbox LIVE Gold fee is increasing in certain territories starting November 1st, 2010.This has brought out criticism from both loyal Xbox owners and those who hate the fact you have to pay for LIVE anyway. Major Nelson had the following to say regarding the increase:

Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I thought the whole point of subscription services was to get access to a maintained and improved service? The new full pricing structure is detailed below:

US
1M Gold: $7.99 – Now $9.99
3M Gold: $19.99 – Now $24.99
12M Gold: $49.99 – Now $59.99

UK
1M Gold: Was 4.99 GBP – Now 5.99 GBP

Canada
1M Gold: Was $8.99 CAD – Now $9.99 CAD

Mexico
12M Gold: Was 499 Pesos – Now 599 Pesos
* Now refers to 1st November 2010 onwards