Xbox Live Diamond Not Going to be Free Much Longer
By Chris on Monday, January 7th, 2008 at 5:40 PM PST In Computer, Game Companies, Game Consoles, Game Platforms, Gamer Life, Microsoft, Microsoft
No, Xbox Live Diamond isn’t another tier level of Xbox Live like Gold and Silver; the Diamond program was basically a card you got for being an Xbox Live Gold member that entitled you to use coupons to various places. Most people would argue it was worthless due to the number of options that were available – with the exception of Quiznos, I don’t know any retailer that anyone has ever used the card at.
Well, that particular perk of Xbox Live Gold is going to be disappearing. 2008 will see the Diamond program opened up to anyone, albeit with a subscription fee of $6.95 per year attached to it.
You won’t be able to register a new account between January 1, 2008 and February 28, 2008 as the registration system is migrated to Passport Unlimited, which will be in charge of running the program. Registration should be open again starting on March 1, 2008. Current members will remain on the program for free until their membership expires.
Hopefully this means changes are abound, because the existing Diamond program was practically worthless. If more deals – and a more convenient way to use them – don’t come along, I really don’t see anyone forking over seven bucks for the service. Not unless you eat a lot of Quiznos.
If this actually gives you access to all of the Passport Unlimited promotions, then $7 / year is a pretty good deal. One of the coupons you can print is a 2-for-1 at Hollywood Video. That saves my wife and I $4 each time we use it, so if we rent two movies a year we’re ahead of the game.