Before responding, I urge the troll's to not start a PC vs Console war, this is not the aim of this post. Please stay focussed on the fact that Microsoft SA marketed an online feature to the XBox, which is not available at present. Tnx.Dear Microsoft South Africa,
PETITION FOR LOCAL XBOX LIVE SUPPORT
Since the launch of the Xbox 360 in 2006, the South African Xbox 360 community has developed a strong presence on the Xbox Live service. We estimate that there are already several thousand local Xbox Live users, including many people who imported their Xbox 360s before the local launch.
Sadly, the fact that Xbox Live is not officially supported for local users means that most of us have needed to resort to workarounds such as registering as Xbox Live users in countries such as the US and UK with the apparent approval of Microsoft South Africa.
Many users are forced to import memberships and gamerpoint cards via local e-retailers such as Take2.co.za or international sites, usually paying a premium price for these product keys. Now, with the introduction of tighter regional control for Xbox marketplace content, we fear that we will be left out in the cold.
By contrast, the Playstation Network gives South African users full local support including Rand pricing in the store as well as local billing and payments. We, as dedicated Xbox 360 fans, would like to see Microsoft give us the same level of service and support as Sony does.
We, the undersigned, therefore appeal to Microsoft to:
*Issue a statement that clarifies the status of the Xbox Live launch for South Africa and puts all the rumours currently circulating to rest;
*Set up local billing facilities and pricing models as soon as possible to encourage the growth of the local Xbox 360 community; and
*Make provision for existing users to easily migrate their profiles from other countries to the local Xbox Live service (for free or as close to free as possible).
We believe that Microsoft’s Xbox 360 brand will benefit as much as the Xbox 360 community if these steps are taken. The Xbox Live service is a major competitive differentiator for the Xbox 360 and one of the console’s most important features- we’d love to see more South Africans fragging each other online in Gears of War.
Xbox Live could play a vital role in cementing Xbox 360’s position as the top next generation console in South Africa. It’s an important opportunity for Microsoft South Africa and we urge you to grab it with both hands. Your customers in South Africa deserve the same level of service and support as gamers in the rest of the world.
Sincerely,
THE SOUTH AFRICAN XBOX 360 COMMUNITY
http://www.prophecy.co.za/
s
. Im sorry its just what I think is going to happen.
