[Munkey Boy]

It's worth knowing you won't be able to go online on an Xbox from April 15th to make way for features on the 360.

I wanted to let you know that on April 15, 2010 Microsoft will discontinue Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox 1 games playable on Xbox 360. Our first step in this process will be to turn off auto-renewals for those members who only use Xbox LIVE on a v1 Xbox. While I can’t comment on the specifics, this change will allow us to continue evolving the LIVE service with new features and experiences that fully harness the power of Xbox 360 and the Xbox LIVE community. We did not make this decision lightly, but after careful consideration and review we realize that this decision will allow us unprecedented flexibility for future features.

Xbox LIVE being discontinued for Original Xbox consoles and games - Xbox Live's Major Nelson

[bonzobanana]

Don't use xbox live on either my xbox or 360, I use ps3, pc and occasionally wii for online gaming so doesn't effect me. Shame to see the service is finishing though.

For xbox 1 owners now there is no excuse not to turn them into xbmc media centres.

[MarkyPancake]

Halo 2 is where Live began for me, so this is sad news.

If not the full game, then perhaps Bungie could release Halo 2's multiplayer component as a standalone Arcade title sometime in the future. Battlefield 1943 shows this type of Arcade game can work and they managed to produce Halo 3's multiplayer component on its own disc with ODST. Come on Bungie, do it!

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by mjpartyboy

If not the full game, then perhaps Bungie could release Halo 2's multiplayer component as a standalone Arcade title sometime in the future.

For those that still really want to play Halo 2 then the PC version continues - plus you get Xbox achievements - but, IMHO, the game has long been superseded.

[MarkyPancake]

Originally Posted by Rasczak

For those that still really want to play Halo 2 then the PC version continues - plus you get Xbox achievements - but, IMHO, the game has long been superseded.

It's just sad to see the end of an era.

[sam214]

Hmm... just like what can be expected from all businesses like micro... make ppl addicted to something than pull that away to make them buy more stuff from them.. Plain cruel business tactics!!
Well... lets look on the bright side like me who really loves his xbox, i.e. we won't have to worry so much about our xboxs getting blocked on XBOX Live...

[MarkyPancake]

If you didn't know already, Microsoft have put Halo 2's map packs back up so get them while you can (you can't copy or move Xbox content).

[MarkyPancake]

I'm sad to see Halo 2 online come to an end, but 400 MS Points and three months of Gold Live for free are a nice surprise from MS:

Originally Posted by e-Mail

On April 15, 2010, we will discontinue the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox games playable on Xbox v1 and Xbox 360. In our continuing efforts to evolve the service, we need to make changes to the LIVE service that are not compatible with original Xbox v1 games.

What does this change mean for you?

• It does not affect your ability to play original Xbox v1 games offline, but does remove LIVE connectivity and support for online multiplayer, leader boards, and other online features of these games.
• We realize that you are an avid Halo 2 fan. Unfortunately, with this change, you will not be able to play Halo 2 on Xbox LIVE going forward.
• Although it is difficult to say goodbye to Halo 2, the Halo franchise continues as the benchmark for multiplayer gaming in this generation with Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and soon Halo: Reach. On the Xbox 360, you will continue to have access to the LIVE service where you can enjoy hundreds of other LIVE-enabled games.

When will this change take effect?

• April 15, 2010.

What is Xbox LIVE doing for me?

• To thank you for being a loyal Xbox LIVE customer, we are giving you a free, three-month LIVE Gold membership and 400 Microsoft Points for you to use as you choose on Xbox LIVE.
• In addition, because you've been so loyal to Halo, we are inviting you to participate in the exclusive Halo: Reach Beta.
• How do I get these offers?
• You will receive a token for 400 MS points. Check your Xbox LIVE account messages on the console. These points can be used for 365 days after you activate your token.
• We are extending your Gold membership by three months automatically. The extension will be directly reflected in your LIVE account.
• Finally, as the beta gets closer, you will receive an e-mail containing the code granting you access to the exclusive Halo: Reach Beta.

Thank you for being a loyal Xbox LIVE member. Please visit xbox.com/support if you have any questions or for more information.

The Xbox LIVE Team

Edit:

There's talk that this offer is targeted at Halo 2 players, but even if this is the case then the criteria isn't known, as in is it because you've played it recently or played it at all.

According to my Halo 2 Service Record my last frequent online activity was in 2007, then one game in 2008, none in 2009, and one this year. I recently downloaded the map packs onto my second console when MS put them back up and played a Big Team Battle (18/02/2010), because you can't copy or move Xbox content. My total Halo 2 games is 3,149.

[MarkyPancake]

I've just checked my membership end date and they've already added the three months onto it, but I haven't had the message with the MS Points code it yet.

[MarkyPancake]

I received my Live message with the code for my 400 MS Points today.

[MarkyPancake]

Don't forget today's the last day for Live on the Xbox.

I'm going to say goodbye to Halo 2 at some point tonight. That's where Live began for me, thanks to the three month Gold trial card in the LE and my sister's room being decorated, so I could wire the Xbox to the modem.

[Mr Noble]

I did not realise people still played on the orignal xbox ... anyway welcome to 2010

[MarkyPancake]

How rubbish am I at Halo 2 now! Not a good send off.

[MarkyPancake]

My last Halo 2 game was a Big Team Battle Gulch Wars. Awesome.

[adrian29459]

I spent most of last night downloading content for loads of games: splinter cell, halo 2, rallisport challenge 2 to name a few. I advice others todo the same. I also played halo 2 multiplayer and can confirm that I do indeed suck majorly. Still lots of fun though.