Xbox Live Name Changes to Xbox Network, Referring to Xbox Online Service - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 07 May 2021 / 1,313 Views
Microsoft speaking with The Verge has revealed it is rebranding Xbox Live to Xbox network. This was first noticed by beta testers who saw Xbox network instead of Xbox Live when uploading clips.
"'Xbox network' refers to the underlying Xbox online service, which was updated in the Microsoft Services Agreement," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "The update from 'Xbox Live' to 'Xbox network' is intended to distinguish the underlying service from Xbox Live Gold memberships."
Larry Hryb has been known as "Xbox Live’s Major Nelson" on the internet for many years. He recently changed his name to "Xbox’s Major Nelson."
Microsoft is working on making free-to-play games on Xbox no longer require an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.
More Articles
So they copying Sony by using network in the name?
I don't game on xbox, but even I don't like the name change. The word xbox live, has a certain flair to it, and history. Xbox network, sounds so mediocre.
It feels a little bit like a New Coke situation for Microsoft.
Not a good rebrand, just sounds like a clone of its competition.
Dumb name. Well atleast they claim to be trying to make free to play games not require a sub.
So the only point is so that it differentiates from the Xbox Live subscriptions? Just get rid of subscriptions like that entirely if Game Pass is Xbox's future and there's no need of subscriptions like that on PC.
The way MS words the reasoning makes it seem like Live isn’t going anywhere, like there will still be Xbox Live, but that is the service you use to play online, not the actual network name. I guess this is for the PC and streaming people when xCloud and GamePass hit mobile devices or something.
Horrible. Xbox Live sounds just fine. Plus they are getting rid of Live at some point since its obvious Game Pass is their future goal.
Essay Pro