Xbox's community lightning-rod Major Nelson has revealed today Microsoft's intention to increase prices for access to the Xbox Live Gold service, the online subscription required for multiplayer gaming and premium content on the Xbox 360 console.

Presently, the announcement only includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and the U.S.A where as of November 1st 2010, the price will climb around US$2 for the 1 month purchase or US$10 for the 12 month sub.

No clarified reason was given for the increases only that they seem to feel the current price-points undervalued the service:

"Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same. We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry."

Australia/New Zealand has so far been spared and considering some territories haven't seen increases across the entire spread of products indicates that our already regionally-inflated prices for the service might not be moving any time soon.

AusGamers has contacted local Xbox representatives for comment but is yet to receive a response on the matter.

Kotaku confirmed earlier on that there wasn't going to be a price hike in Australia:

An Xbox spokesperson told us: “There are no plans for a price rise in Australia or New Zealand.”.

Yay, I think.

There isn't going to be a price hike for aussies because they know we already pay through the roof.

Ok probably not, because normally we just take it and say hit meh!

theyre wont be a price hike of $10 in australia. it will be $20.

"Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same. We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry."

So you have to subscribe for what $60 a year? (I forget) and then you've gotta buy MS points or earn them in games so how the hell does raising the price get justified? All the subscription s*** does is let you in to stuff, you've still gotta buy game content using points bought separately. Unless I'm off the mark, I've only ever used the free gold that came with my xbox.

^^ $80 a year. If they hiked the price in Aus I'd just turn to PSN for my console multiplayer kicks. Which basically means my xbox would get next to no use anymore,as all my single player gaming is done on the PS3 anyways (apart from exclusives obviously)

Ya mum is an exclusive, but she still doesn't get much play time.

She got lots of play time at my place last night.

^^ $80 a year. If they hiked the price in Aus I'd just turn to PSN for my console multiplayer kicks. Which basically means my xbox would get next to no use anymore,as all my single player gaming is done on the PS3 anyways (apart from exclusives obviously)

Gamecard has 12 month subs for less then $60 (when in stock that is) http://gamecard.com.au/my/shopexd.asp?id=3

awesome, cheers Mordecai