Microsoft does not typically provide a breakdown of its paying vs. non-paying Xbox Live members, but an internal document recently obtained by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reveals that over half of the global Xbox Live base does indeed pay for the online service. The figures date back to February 2008 and only cover Microsoft's internal projections through June, meaning they do not include the positive impact the launch of the New Xbox Experience may have had.
The document shows that last February 56 percent of worldwide Xbox Live members paid an annual, three-month or monthly fee to use the service, which was actually down slightly from 60 percent a year earlier. In the U.S. specifically, however, that figure remained at around 60 percent.
A Microsoft spokesperson refused to comment specifically on the leaked document, but noted, "We've said before that Xbox Live is experiencing incredible growth; in January we had more new Live members join than any other month in the history of Xbox Live. With more than 17 million active members, a majority of whom are paying members, Live is a rich social entertainment and gaming experience that is unmatched in the industry."
Microsoft recently said that Xbox Live has brought in more than US$1 million in revenues since the Xbox 360 made its debut. The company has sold 28 million Xbox 360s so far.
