The Xbox network, previously called Xbox Live, is an online gaming and media service created by Microsoft Gaming for Xbox consoles. It was first introduced with the original Xbox on November 15, 2002. An improved version with the Xbox Live Marketplace became available when the Xbox 360 launched in November 2005, and another updated version was released with the Xbox One in 2013. The service is currently used on the Xbox Series X and Series S. A Microsoft account is required to access the Xbox ecosystem, which allows users to store games and other content.
In 2007, the service was expanded to Windows computers under the name Games for Windows – Live, which is no longer available. Today, the Microsoft Store and Xbox app connect the Xbox ecosystem to PC gaming, handhelds, and mobile phones through the Play Anywhere initiative. Microsoft’s former mobile operating system, Windows Phone, included full Xbox Live features until it was discontinued. The original Xbox version of the service ended on April 15, 2010. Original Xbox games can now only be played online through Insignia, an unofficial replacement service, or using local area network (LAN) tunneling tools.
The Xbox network is available as a free service and as a paid subscription called Xbox Game Pass Essential. In 2021, Microsoft changed the name from Xbox Live to "Xbox network" to include all Xbox-related services. The "Live" branding was gradually removed and fully phased out by 2023.
Availability
The Xbox network is available in 41 countries and territories, divided as follows:
- Seven in the Americas
- Nine in the Asia-Pacific region
- Three in the Middle East:
- Israel
- Saudi Arabia *
- United Arab Emirates *
*Note: In these countries, the Xbox network and Store are officially available, but the Store uses U.S. dollars (USD), not the local currency.
Users from countries not listed are not officially supported. However, they may access the Xbox network if they provide an address in a country where the service is available. The region selected during account creation affects payment options, content, and services. In October 2012, Microsoft introduced a tool that allows users to change their account region and keep their Xbox profile. However, subscriptions like Xbox Music cannot be transferred with this tool.
On May 18, 2011, Microsoft announced plans to launch the Xbox network in the Middle East within one year, but this did not happen. On October 20, 2012, Microsoft announced the service would launch in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia three days later. On November 4, the service was set to launch in Argentina and Israel on November 29. It later became available in Slovakia and Turkey the following month. The service launched in China without Game Pass in late 2014.
On March 5, 2022, the Xbox team announced that all Xbox network services in Russia were suspended in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
History
Microsoft created the original Xbox console with online gaming as a key part of its plan. Earlier, Sega tried to take advantage of the growing online gaming trend by launching the Dreamcast in 1999. The Dreamcast included online support through services like SegaNet in North America and Dreamarena in Europe. However, because few people had broadband internet at the time, the Dreamcast came with only a dial-up modem. A later broadband adapter was not widely available or supported. Downloadable content was possible, but limited because of slow internet speeds and memory card size limits. The PlayStation 2 did not include built-in networking features when it was first released.
Microsoft wanted the Xbox to succeed where the Dreamcast had failed. The company believed that online gaming needed a broadband connection and a hard disk drive for storage. These features would allow faster downloads of content like new levels, maps, and characters, as well as support for voice chat. Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates aimed to create downloadable content that would attract more customers. To support broadband users, the Xbox included a standard Ethernet port (10/100) but no modem or dial-up support. Critics questioned this choice because broadband adoption was still low in the early 2000s.
The Xbox launched on November 15, 2001, with an online service planned for a Summer 2002 release. At E3 2002, the service was named Xbox Live. Demonstrations used sound-dampened booths and Xbox consoles with an early version of Unreal Championship, a key game for the service. Xbox Live was set to launch on November 15, 2002, one year after the Xbox’s release. Microsoft planned to offer 50 Xbox Live titles by the end of 2003. The service included a shared "Friends List," a single identity for all games, and standardized voice chat. These features were new at the time.
Before the launch, Microsoft tested Xbox Live with beta testers. Early testers played games like Re-Volt and NFL Fever 2003. After testing, they received a memory card, a headset case, and a shirt with the slogan "I've got great hands." When Xbox Live launched, it had limited features, but it improved over time. Many features from Xbox Live were included in the Xbox 360 by default, not through updates. Microsoft also received a patent that allowed Xbox 360 users to watch others play online.
Packaging for Xbox Live games on the original Xbox had a bright orange-gold bar under the Xbox logo. Games like Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and Brute Force had a "bubble" design because they only included downloadable content. Later, all Xbox Live games used the universal orange-gold bar. By the time of the Xbox 360, all games needed to include some form of Xbox Live support. In July 2004, Xbox Live had 1 million users. By July 2005, the number reached 2 million.
On November 15, 2007, Microsoft celebrated Xbox Live’s 5th anniversary by giving its 8 million subscribers the game Carcassonne for free. Subscribers who joined from the start received 500 Microsoft Points. In late 2007 and early 2008, service outages occurred, so Microsoft offered a free Xbox Live Arcade game to all users as compensation. High demand for the Xbox 360 was cited as the cause. On January 23, 2008, the game Undertow was given free to all users for a week.
On November 10, 2009, the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 marked the busiest day on Xbox Live, with over 2 million users online at once. On February 5, 2010, Microsoft announced that Xbox Live had 23 million members. That same day, support for the original Xbox was discontinued on April 15, 2010, including online play and downloadable content.
In August 2010, Xbox Live Gold costs increased by 20% in some countries. The free service was renamed from "Xbox Live Silver" to "Xbox Live Free." In June 2011, Xbox Live was fully integrated into Windows 8. In October 2011, Microsoft announced live streaming of cable TV with providers.
In February 2013, Xbox Live had 46 million members. In June 2014, Microsoft removed the need for Xbox Live Gold to use streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, though some fees still applied. On December 25, 2014, both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live faced outages due to a denial-of-service attack. A group called "The Phantom Squad" threatened similar attacks in 2015.
In 2019, Xbox Live became cross-platform, supporting Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. Xbox Live Gold was added to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in April 2019. In January 2021, Microsoft planned to raise Xbox Live Gold prices but later canceled the changes after feedback from users.
User information
A gamertag is the special name a player uses on the Xbox network. It is a unique name that can include numbers, letters, and spaces. Gamertags can be changed using an Xbox console (the first change is free, but later changes cost money). The Xbox 360 can store up to eight profiles on a memory unit and thirty-two profiles on the hard drive.
A player’s gamertag status can be checked using online tools. This helps when looking for a new gamertag or confirming if a gamertag is already taken. With a valid gamertag, players can be found and messaged through the network. Some websites let users upload photos and information about themselves.
Gamertags include avatar images, which are sometimes linked to specific games or characters. On the Xbox 360, individual avatar images are usually sold in packs. Players can also take "Public" pictures, which appear on their profile unless they choose a different "personal" picture. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, players can upload custom images through the Xbox app, but these must be approved by Xbox.
In the past, users could not use words like "gay" or refer to homosexuality in their gamertag or profile because it was considered "content of a sexual nature." This rule caused controversy, such as when a woman was suspended for identifying as a lesbian and when a man was suspended for using his surname "Gaywood." In 2009, Xbox Live clarified that expressing sexual orientation in gamertags was not allowed, but the company planned to find ways to allow it without misuse. In 2010, policies changed to permit users to express their sexual orientation in gamertags and profiles.
Gamerscore (G) is a system that tracks points earned by completing challenges in games. Points are given for tasks like beating a level or winning matches. At first, retail Xbox 360 games had up to 1,000G spread across achievements, while Xbox Live Arcade titles had 12 achievements totaling 200G. In 2007, Microsoft updated rules so that all disc-based games must have 1,000G in the base game, with additional points available through downloadable content. Some Xbox Live Arcade games now offer up to 400G without downloadable content.
In 2008, Microsoft removed Gamerscore points from players who cheated using tools to inflate their scores. These players were labeled as "Cheaters" on their gamertags and lost all their points.
The Gamerscore system created new websites that help players earn achievement points. Some sites focus only on achievement guides, while others include gaming tips with other content.
On March 13, 2014, Ray Cox IV, known as "Stallion83," became the first player to reach 1 million Gamerscore.
A Gamercard is a summary of a player’s profile on Xbox. It includes:
– Gamertag
– Gamer picture (avatar)
– Reputation (shown only on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S if the player breaks rules)
– Tenure (how long the player has been subscribed to Xbox Game Pass)
– Gamerscore
– Gamer Zone (Xbox 360 only)
– Recent games played
Gamercards can be viewed using the Xbox app, the guide, or online at Xbox.com. Mac OS X users could download widgets to display their Gamercard on the Dashboard.
On Xbox 360, there were four Gamer Zones: Recreation (for casual players), Family (for family-friendly players), Pro (for competitive players), and Underground (for all types of play). However, these zones only appeared on Gamercards and did not affect gameplay.
TrueSkill is a ranking system used to match players based on skill. It was first used on Xbox 360 and later in other games. It uses math to improve fairness in rankings, helping new players join large leagues quickly. The system matches players with similar skill levels, giving each a roughly 50% chance of winning. To prevent cheating, ranked games have limited options for playing with friends. However, some players found ways around these rules. Unranked matches allow players of any skill level to play together, but these do not affect TrueSkill ratings.
Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store is the online shopping place for the Xbox ecosystem, starting in 2017 for the Xbox One. It can be used on Xbox consoles and on Xbox's website (as well as the Microsoft Store's website). It provides games from all Xbox generations, along with movies, television shows, and apps for streaming music or television.
The Xbox Games Store (previously called Xbox Live Marketplace) was a single place to buy content for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. It offered both free and paid downloads, including games from Xbox Live Arcade, indie games, original Xbox games, Xbox 360 game demos, game expansions (such as extra maps or songs), trailers, gamer images, themes, television shows, music videos, movie rentals, apps, and more.
On November 6, 2006, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Movies & TV (called Microsoft Films & TV in other countries) (previously known as Xbox Video Marketplace, Xbox Video, and Zune Video). This service was available only on the Xbox 360. It launched in the United States on November 22, 2006, one year after the Xbox 360 was released. The service lets users in the United States download high-definition and standard-definition TV shows for purchase and movies for rental onto an Xbox 360 console. Most content must be downloaded rather than streamed, except for short clips. Rented movies expire 14 days after download or 24 hours after playback begins, whichever happens first. TV episodes can be purchased and transferred to any number of consoles. Downloaded files use 5.1 surround audio and are encoded with VC-1 video at 720p resolution and a bitrate of 6.8 Mbit/s. TV content comes from MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Turner Broadcasting, and CBS. Movie content is available from Warner Bros., Paramount, Disney, and other publishers.
Xbox Play Anywhere
Play Anywhere, originally named Live Anywhere, is a service that allows users who own Xbox and Windows games to use those games on both platforms. Through this service, games bought digitally on the Microsoft Store for Xbox One can also be downloaded on a Windows 10 PC, provided the PC runs the Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later. The same Microsoft account used to purchase the game on Xbox One can be used to access it on the PC without extra cost. This also works the other way, allowing games bought on a PC to be used on an Xbox One. The service also lets users sync game saves, achievements, and downloadable content between the Xbox One and Windows 10 versions of a game.
In March 2019, Microsoft announced that it would provide Xbox Live software development kits (SDKs) for iOS and Android devices. These tools let app and game developers on those platforms include most Xbox network features in their applications. Microsoft also planned to add this functionality to the Nintendo Switch, though this was expected to be a feature added later for the Switch version of the game Cuphead.
Play Anywhere was first introduced as Live Anywhere in 2006 as a way to connect the Xbox network to various Microsoft devices, including Xbox, Xbox 360, Windows Vista and 7, Windows Phone, and Zune. Microsoft’s Chris Early described Live Anywhere in 2006 as a long-term project that would take several years to fully develop. A mobile version of the service was shown at E3 2006 and CES 2006 on a Motorola Q phone, but it was never released.
On February 15, 2010, Microsoft introduced its new mobile operating system, Windows Phone. With Windows Phone 7 and Windows Mobile 10, Microsoft added full Xbox Live features. However, Windows Phone is no longer in use.
At E3 2016 on June 14, 2016, Microsoft announced the rebranding of Live Anywhere to Play Anywhere. The service officially launched on September 13, 2016.
Xbox Game Pass
Signing up for the Xbox network is free, but a subscription to Xbox Game Pass is needed to use features like online multiplayer for paid games, game recording, and media sharing. The service gives access to a library of games that can be downloaded and played without extra cost. However, these games become unavailable if the subscription ends or if the game is no longer part of Game Pass. Starting in April 2021, online multiplayer for free-to-play games and party chat on Xbox consoles no longer require a subscription to use.
The service has different levels:
- Game Pass Essential, which was launched on September 14, 2023, and previously called Game Pass Core, replaced the old Xbox Live Gold service. It provides a basic version of Xbox Game Pass, similar to Xbox Live Gold, but instead of giving free games each month, it offers a selection of Game Pass titles on Xbox consoles. This feature started with 36 games and may add more over time. On October 1, 2025, the plan was renamed to Game Pass Standard with major updates, and it now also affects gaming on Windows PCs.
- Game Pass Premium, previously called Game Pass Standard, gives access to the full Game Pass library on Xbox consoles. It does not include immediate access to new games from Microsoft. It was launched in 2025 to replace an earlier version of the base Game Pass service that did not include Xbox Live Gold features. On October 1, 2025, the plan was renamed alongside Game Pass Core with major updates, and it now also affects gaming on Windows PCs.
- Game Pass Ultimate provides access to the full Game Pass library on Xbox consoles, Microsoft Windows PCs, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Programs
The "Game with Fame" program was created by Microsoft to help Xbox Live members interact with celebrities and game creators. Notable people who participated in "Game with Fame" include Shia LaBeouf, Jack Black, Rihanna, Velvet Revolver, Victoria Justice, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Scissor Sisters, Paramore, Korn, OK Go, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Dream Theater, Linkin Park, Green Day, and Insane Clown Posse.
"Xbox Rewards" was a program designed to encourage gamers to play on the Xbox network by helping to pay for achievement points earned through rewards. Gamers had to register for specific challenges. If they completed these challenges successfully, they received rewards that were specific to each challenge.
"Xbox Live Labs" was a program found in the community section of Xbox Live. It was available from March 10 to 27, 2011, for members in the United States. If a player chose to take part, they received avatar items and three achievements that did not require any points to earn.
Metamessage was a show that answered questions sent in by viewers about anything related to Xbox. The show had four series and was released every other Saturday. All questions came from viewers. To keep the number of questions high, fans could send questions to the Metamessage Gamertag through Xbox LIVE, email, or social network websites.
"Games with Gold" was a program that gave free digital downloads of games to Xbox Live Gold subscribers. The program started with Xbox 360 games in July 2013, and Xbox One games were added in June 2014. After October 2022, the program no longer offered Xbox 360 games, and only Xbox One games were available. Games downloaded through the program on Xbox 360 were free to own with no restrictions. Xbox One games required an active Gold subscription to play and became unplayable if the subscription ended. As of November 2015, all Xbox 360 Games with Gold titles could be played on Xbox One. The service ended on September 14, 2023, as part of a rebranding effort to focus on a basic Game Pass tier.
Microsoft Rewards is a current program that gives Xbox network members Reward Points when they complete Game Pass goals, buy items on the Marketplace, or perform other activities. These points should not be confused with the old Microsoft Points system.
"Xbox Ambassadors" are Xbox network members chosen by Microsoft because they have shown they are helpful to others and are willing to assist new Xbox users with questions. As of March 2009, there were ambassadors in 18 countries speaking more than 30 languages.
Security
Microsoft uses several security steps to protect its Xbox network service. One step involves checking devices to ensure only unaltered machines can connect. On May 17, 2007, Microsoft stopped consoles with changed firmware from using Xbox Live. A Microsoft representative explained the action was to "keep the service safe and protect users and partners." Microsoft stated that consoles with firmware from unknown sources were permanently blocked from the Xbox network.
It was found that some people used a method called pretexting to pretend to be Xbox users for harmful purposes. Microsoft then added more security steps to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks.
In early November 2009, Microsoft blocked about 1 million consoles with modified firmware from Xbox Live.
In October 2011, Xbox Live users reported unauthorized access to their accounts, with Microsoft points being used to buy in-game items for FIFA 12. Microsoft limited account access for 25 days while investigating. Both EA and Microsoft said there was no larger security issue.
On December 25, 2014, both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live faced service problems due to a denial-of-service attack. Service was restored on December 28, though some users had issues afterward.
First-generation Xbox Live shutdown
Xbox Live for the original Xbox was shut down by Microsoft on April 15, 2010, prompting gamers to switch to the Xbox 360. Despite this, some users found ways to continue playing online past the announced shutdown date. These users could still use online features, but new users could not join the system. Notably, 14 users played Halo 2 until May 11, 2010. Although official Xbox Live service for the original Xbox ended, a new service called Insignia later provided online multiplayer, scoreboards, content downloads, and other features for supported games.
As an alternative to Insignia, LAN tunnelling software allowed original Xbox users to play system link games like Halo 2 with others worldwide.
The Noble 14 were a group of users who played Halo 2 until May 11, 2010, 26 days after Microsoft officially ended the service. They played custom games together, aiming to stay online as long as possible. An Xbox spokesperson said, "A small group of dedicated players fought against impossible odds. It’s not the Noble team from Halo: Reach, but the final, passionate few still playing Halo 2. We wish them the best in their battle against time." The last 12 users received Halo: Reach Beta Codes from GamesRadar.com and had their Xbox Live memberships extended by Microsoft. Eventually, "Agent Windex" and "Apache N4SIR" were the final two users on the service. Two days after the third user, "Lord Odysseus11," was disconnected due to an internet issue, "Agent Windex" was removed from the service on May 10, saying, "Good job Apache, you’re the last one." The next day, May 11, "Apache N4SIR" was disconnected after many hours. He stated he wanted to play for 15 hours—14 for each member and one final hour for the community.
Revenue
Bloomberg estimated that the Xbox network probably made more than $1 billion in revenue during the 2010 fiscal year, which ended on June 30, 2010.