[11] Microsoft's former mobile operating system, Windows Phone, included full Xbox Live functionality until it was discontinued.

[18] On May 18, 2011, Microsoft announced that it planned to launch Xbox network in the Middle East within the next twelve months,[19] but it never occurred during that time period.

However, on October 20, 2012, Microsoft officially announced the service will be launching in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in three days time.

The company determined that intense online gaming required the throughput of a broadband connection and the storage space of a hard disk drive, and thus these features would be vital to the new platform.

Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates both had a vision of making premium download content and add-ons that would attract many new customers.

Leading up to the launch, Microsoft enlisted several waves of beta testers to improve the service and receive feature feedback.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and Brute Force sported a Live "bubble" design, as they only featured downloadable content.

[38] In August 2010, Microsoft announced an increase to the cost of Xbox Live Gold in several countries by 20%, for the first time since its inception.

[44] In February 2013, Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, shared that Xbox Live members now number 46 million, up 15 percent from a year ago, during the Dive into Media conference in Southern California.

[45] In June 2014, Microsoft retracted the Xbox Live Gold requirements to access streaming media apps (including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Internet Explorer, Skype, and others), though various rental or subscription fees may still apply.

[49][50] A group called, "The Phantom Squad" has threatened to disrupt the Xbox Live network through a denial-of-service attack on December 25, 2015.

[54] However, after complaints from the Xbox community, Microsoft made an announcement on the same day that they revoked their decision, and that they would not increase the prices of any of the subscriptions, thus they would remain the same as they were.

[65] Changes announced in March 2010 permit Xbox Live members to express sexual orientation in their gamertags and profiles.

), Pro is for competitive gamers who enjoy a challenge, and Underground is for no-holds-barred gaming where anything goes (as long as it does not violate the Xbox Live Terms of Use).

It can predict the probability of each game outcome, which enhances competitive matchmaking, making it possible to assemble skill-balanced teams from a group of players with different abilities.

In order to prevent abuse of the system, the majority of ranked games have relatively limited options for matchmaking.

To provide less competitive games, the system supports unranked Player Matches, which allow individuals of any skill level to be paired (often including "guests" on an account).

The scheme also promotes the ability to synchronize save data, achievements, and downloadable content between Windows 10 and Xbox One versions of a game.

Signing up for the Xbox network is free, but a recurring subscription fee is required to access online multiplayer for non-free games.

[82][83] Similarly, ordinary Xbox network members can download and access the Twitch live streaming application, but in order to broadcast gameplay of one's own, a Game Pass core subscription is necessary.

[85] Subscribers are allocated storage space on Xbox servers for storing files, and are granted early or exclusive access to betas, and special offers.

The service was discontinued on September 14, 2023 as part of the Xbox network rebranding and focusing on a base-level Game Pass tier.

[94] Notable participants of "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[95] and Insane Clown Posse.

"Xbox Live Labs" was a program found in the community section and was available from March 10 to 27, 2011 for members in the United States.

According to Microsoft, consoles with firmware of unknown origin, quality or intent were banned permanently from the Xbox network.

[99] In early November 2009 Microsoft banned approximately 1 million consoles with modified firmware from Xbox Live.

[104] As an alternative to Insignia, LAN tunnelling software exists, allowing original Xbox users to play system link games such as Halo 2 with other people from around the world.

The Noble 14 were a band of users who continued to play Halo 2 until May 11, 2010, 26 days after the service was officially discontinued by Microsoft.

An Xbox spokesperson made a statement regarding the Noble 14, "A small band of a committed few, engaged in a battle against insurmountable odds.

The last 12 users were offered Halo: Reach Beta Codes by GamesRadar.com, as well as having their Xbox Live memberships extended by Microsoft.