Courses/Computer Science/CPSC 203/CPSC 203 2007Fall L04/CPSC 203 2007Fall L04 TermProjects/Online Console Gaming

Group Members
Robert Kennard, Jonathan Lee, Ryan Lee, and Gabrial Li

Project Title
Online Console Gaming

Topic
Online console gaming service provided by Microsoft's Xbox Live.

Project Statement


We intend to present Xbox Live as the best online console gaming system. Supporting our argument will be comparisons of features and statistics between Xbox Live and its rival online console gaming networks.

Argument
Online console gaming provides a whole new dimension to the next generation video gaming systems. The ability to play with friends in the comfort of each individual's home, as well as playing with people from around the world, provides a dynamic medium of which passionate gamers can compete against one another. With the now outdated pioneer of online gaming, the Sega Dreamcast, providing the foundation upon which online console gaming was built, gamers now have a wide variety of ways to game online. With the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 all having their own ways of allowing their consoles to allow users to play online with one another, there is one system that is clearly superior. Despite the efforts of Nintendo's Wi-Fi, and Sony's PlayStation Network, the Xbox 360's and Microsoft's Xbox Live is truly the epitome of online console gaming.

History


Even though the Xbox was the first system to bring online console gaming to popularity, it was not the first to introduce such a system to the market. The Sega Dreamcast released in 1999 was the first console to feature internet support for online gaming. Its first multiplayer game was Chu Chu Rocket, released March, 2000. The Dreamcast was not a success, so its online multiplayer option was relatively unknown.

Microsoft launched Xbox Live on November 15, 2002 for its Xbox console. It received about a quarter million subscribers in the first two months. By July, 2004, Xbox Live had reached a million subscribers. This number reached six million by March of 2007 and seven million in August of the same year.

Microsoft was not the only company to release online console gaming for its systems. Nintendo followed suit with the Nintendo DS’ Wi-Fi Connection, which was online on November 14, 2005. This online network was made available for the Nintendo Wii that was released in November 2006.

Sony also made an online network available for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3. The network was launched simultaneously with the PS3 in Japan on November 11, 2006. Gamers in other countries were able to pre-register for their accounts to the PlayStation 3 via PC before the console was released on March 23, 2007 to other parts of the world.

The Sega Dreamcast failed to bring online console gaming to the market. Nintendo's Gamecube online network was almost nonexistent and Sony's PlayStation 2 online option enjoyed only mild success. This makes Xbox the first sixth generation gaming console to take full advantage of the online gaming option.

Multimedia
The Xbox 360 isn’t just a powerful gaming system it also boasts a very in-depth multimedia system. The Xbox 360 supports audio playback that can be played right off your Xbox after ripping your CDs onto your Xbox or transferring them from your computer using local-area network. This audio can be played alone or in the background while you play your favorite game using the audio controls available through the Xbox 360 guide button.

The Xbox 360 can also store and display photos with the ability to configure slideshows with multiple transitional effects, all of which can be played back to one or many of the songs you put on your Xbox.

One of the greatest achievements from Microsoft is the ability to link your Xbox 360 to a computer using a LAN connection and stream music, photos and videos straight from your computer to your television. However; video can only be streamed from a computer if it’s a multimedia computer running with Windows Media Center Edition.

Dashboard
The Dashboard is the graphical user interface also known as a GUI of the Xbox 360 created by AKQA. It is a tabbed interface consisting of five tabs labelled market place, Xbox Live, games, media and system, each with their own specific uses. The Dashboard is displayed automatically whenever the Xbox is booted up without a disc in the disc tray or when the tray is ejected. The Dashboard can also be accessed through the guide button on the Xbox controller. Using the dashboard allows you to navigate the Xbox live marketplace and your Xbox Live account information. You can also use it to access whatever multimedia you put on your Xbox or to connect to a PC. Since the release of the Xbox Dashboard multiple updates have been released to update features and fix bugs enhancing the functionality and multimedia playback abilities.

Matchmaking
The Xbox 360 matchmaking process has been enhanced since the last generation on the Xbox. This new matchmaking system runs based on an application called Trueskill. This system uses two numbers to measure a player’s skill and match that player with other players of the same skill level to make for fun and fair game play. The first being his of her mean skill derived from their win/loss record and the second is an estimate of uncertainty number that estimates the potential of the player. As the player plays more games the uncertainty estimate plays a smaller and smaller part in the mix.

Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a service provided by Microsoft to Xbox Live users giving them access to downloadable content over the Xbox Live network. The service first launched in November 2004 and has since grown to include over dozens downloadable titles. The games offered over Live Arcade generally are aimed to appeal to the more casual gaming crowed offering more simplistic and broad appeal games, such as Pac-Man and UNO, but still include come of the more classic action games, such as Mortal Kombat and Doom. All games offered on Live Arcade support the fullest of features offered by Xbox, including things such as high-definition output, achievements, gamerscores and custom soundtracks.


 * All Xbox Live Arcade games can be tried free before purchase.
 * Xbox Live Arcade games can fit onto your hard drive or memory unit.
 * Xbox Live Arcade games support high-definition output, achievements, gamerscores, and leaderboards.
 * Most Xbox Live Arcade games support multiplayer over Xbox Live.

Xbox Live Marketplace
Xbox Live Marketplace is essentially an online store created by Microsoft supplying a one stop multimedia shop for downloadable content such as trailers, games, demos and movies to Xbox users. An interesting feature of Live Marketplace is that all transactions are done using Microsoft Points, a unique currency that must be purchased in advance either by credit card or gift card sold in relation to each country’s currency value. This system allows content to be sold globally for one price without having to worry about exchange rates. Live Marketplace is available to all Xbox Live users, with Gold Account users gaining access to new content slightly earlier then Silver. Note: Xbox Live Arcade is essentially part of Xbox Live Marketplace as it is integrated as part of its Dashboard.

Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360
Xbox Live provides users with a way of chatting online in the form of Windows Live Messenger. With the launch of the 360 the Xbox Live chatting system has since been improved from its original format expanding on its existing features such as text and video chatting as well as allowing users to listen to music, watch videos, and talk to up to 6 players while in game. Users do not need to all be in the same game to chat, some might be listening to music, some watching videos, while others play all the while still able to chat online in one conversation. In order to type gamers can either use a virtual keyboard or plug in a USB keyboard into the console.

Live Anywhere
A new Technology announced by Microsoft allowing users to take Xbox Live from the gaming system and use its features on other devices such as PCs and cell phones. With this feature you will be able to track your gamer tag, message friends, purchase or download various content, and compare rankings with others on various games. This feature will provide gamers with a great amount of versatility enabling them to easily switch between their computers and game consoles. Some of the features that are to be included for Live Anywhere are the following:


 * Single identity across all platforms (tied to Windows Live ID)
 * Cross-platform chat
 * Unified friends list and message system
 * Single, worldwide currency for purchasing content
 * Cross-platform multiplayer online gaming

How it Works


Xbox 360s are fairly simple to set up and connect to the Xbox live network and come “Live ready” out of the box. Depending on whether you are using your internet connection exclusively for Xbox Live or not, you can connect your Xbox to the internet either by attaching it to your modem using the supplied Ethernet cable, or by connecting through your router if you plan to use your internet for something other than Xbox Live. Xbox 360s now come Wi-Fi enabled allowing them to connect wirelessly to the internet through an adapter.

Xboxes are connected to the Xbox live network via a broadband connection through built-in Ethernet ports. Microsoft does not supported Xbox Live over slower connections such as Dial-Up stating that it will seriously hurt the quality of the games even going as far as comparing gaming over Dial-Up to sucking pizza through a straw “Technically, it might be possible, but it's decidedly unsatisfactory." Most Xbox Live content is routed through Microsoft’s Xbox Live servers which they built in 2002 in preparation for Xbox Lives original launch. Microsoft is very conscious of the security of their network, refusing to release specific information on their servers, such as type and numbers used. The Servers are physically secured with numerous precautions put in place to protect them.

Pricing
Before one can begin gaming online one must first register for an Xbox Live account. Originally Xbox Live subscriptions were sold out of “Starter Kits” priced at $49.95 which supplied the buyer with everything needed to connect to the Xbox Live network. Microsoft has since redesigned how one can connect to the Xbox Live community and now offers two levels of Membership: The Premium Gold service and the Free Silver status.

The Silver Membership provides a free Live account available to all 360 owners, all that is needed is for the user to plug in an register for the account. Registering for a Xbox Live silver account allows Gamers to experience the wide variety of features offered by Xbox Live.

Xbox Live Silver Membership
Go online free of charge. Register a unique gamertag and set up your individual gamer card to keep track of your gaming accomplishments. Engage in one-on-one Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and chat with your friends via the Xbox 360 Headset. Access Xbox Live Marketplace, download and view demos, trailers, and purchase classic and casual games over Xbox Live Arcade using Microsoft® Points.

Preview Xbox Live Gold during free weekend trials. Download auto updates and free downloads for your Xbox 360 games. Access Xbox Live Message Center where you can send and receive voice and text messages from other members. Compare gaming stats and achievements against other Xbox Live members. Use your friends list to see who's online.

For the cost of $50 per year gamers can upgrade their free Silver accounts to premium Gold accounts allowing gamers to enable all the features Xbox Live has to offer.

Xbox Live Gold Membership
Play your Xbox 360 multiplayer games online with the premiere online gaming service. Use the brand new TrueSkill™ Matchmaking system to play against opponents with similar skills, personalities, and gaming tastes. Give player feedback to rate your teammates and opponents on their sportsmanship, abilities, and conduct to influence matchmaking. Play select original Xbox® games online (the Xbox 360 Hard Drive is required). Get access to exclusive Gold Member content. Engage in video chat. Enjoy all the Xbox Live Silver features (above).

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection


The Nintendo Wii uses the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to allow players to play video games online, against people from around the world. This network is also used by the Nintendo DS handheld system as well. Another feature of Nintendo Wi-Fi, is WiiConnect 24, which allows the Wii to stay connected to the internet at all times in standby mode and receive messages and updates. The Wii has a built in wireless card, which is how it gains access to the internet, and allow users to play against one another. This allows the Wii to connect to either a wireless router or wireless card on a computer with a broadband internet connection. Those without a wireless router or card, would have to purchase a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB adapter that connects to the customers’ computer and creates a wireless signal for the Wii to pick up. It comes at the additional cost of roughly $40, but with the majority of people already having internet connections and routers, most people will not have to incur the additional cost. The Wii is compatible with WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption codes if the user enables security settings on their wireless router. Recently, Nintendo also released an internet browser that is compatible with the system, and can be purchased for 500 Wii Points (roughly $5).

On the Wii, in order to play with your friends, you must exchange something called “friend codes.” These codes are unique to each individual copy of a game, as well as each and every Wii console. In order to become “friends” with another person, one must trade friend codes with each other via knowing the person in real life, or through chatrooms, or through internet message boards. These friend codes were implemented as a security measure by Nintendo, in order to protect its customers’ privacy and to ensure that only mutual exchanges of codes will allow people to add friends to their friends list.

It is a great advantage to have a wireless card built into the system, as it keeps things simple for the customer and doesn’t come at any addition cost to play online against people, as the majority of people already have the internet and a wireless router. The friend codes on the other hand are essentially a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is nice to allow only those who you know or mutually wish to accept, add you as a friend or contact you. On the other hand, it severely hinders playing with other players, as all games currently released on the system allow you only to play against players on your friends list, and it can be tedious to enter the 12 digit codes to approve a friend and then wait for the approval to go through. No random matches, and no voice chat also lessen the players’ online gaming experience. Another disadvantage for Nintendo is the fact that there is still little support for its online ventures, as they were the last ones to enter the online gaming foray, as the attempt they made with the Gamecube was essentially non-existent. Also, with only a handful of games that take advantage of the Wii’s online capabilities, the low number of users playing online also deters many from taking advantage of the feature.

PlayStation Network


The PlayStation 3 uses the PlayStation Network as its method to allow players from around the world to compete and play against one another. It has a sub network called PlayStation Home, of which users can create their own avatars and houses, and can view and meet other gamers’ houses and avatars throughout the online community. All of the numerous versions of the PlayStation 3, come with a built-in wireless card. The PlayStation 3 also has a standby mode, of which the system can remain connected to the internet even though it is not in use, and can receive messages from other users, updates, and downloads. Sony has developed a compatible web browser for the PlayStation 3, and it comes absolutely free with the system. The wireless card allows the system to connect to wireless routers or cards that are connected to a broadband internet modem. It also has an Ethernet port for owners of the system who do not own a wireless router or wireless card, so that one can connect the system directly to a modem via Ethernet cable. Using the wireless method, the PlayStation 3 is compatible with WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption keys using the security settings of one’s router.

The advantage of having a built-in wireless card is a great advantage for the PlayStation 3. Also having the additional option of an Ethernet port incase someone who buys the system and wishes to play online does not own a wireless router is a great backup and welcome addition. There are also the options of video chat and voice chat through some games, which is a very welcome addition in certain games where communication and coordination are essential. The additional cost of $30 for a headset and $40 for the video enabling PlayStation Eye are some unfortunate costs that the customer most absorb if they want to experience online play at its best, but with no additional cost for the online service, it is a cost that most will accept. Having had some success with the PlayStation 2’s online capabilities, the PlayStation 3 has a fairly good matching system and servers that are capable of handling large multiplayer games. The PlayStation 3 has a fairly good number of users utilizing the PlayStation Network, and is ahead of the Wii in users, but is still lacking by a fair amount against the Xbox 360.

Xbox Live


The Xbox 360 utilizes Xbox Live to allow gamers from around the world to compete in multiplayer matches of some of the world’s most popular games. Some features of Xbox Live include the customization of one’s “gamertag” that allows for an online alias and profile of which other users can view, as well as achievements the user has obtained in various games that can be compared with others. It also has a reputation rating system, of which players can rate other players they play with and suggest whether or not the player is good to play with or should be avoided. It also provides a customizable matchmaking system that allows the user to set preferences such as: location, language, skill level, etc. In order for the Xbox 360 to connect to the internet, it must be connected to a modem with the supplied Ethernet cable. Of the 3 current generation consoles, a wireless card is not built into the system and therefore if the gamer does not have a cable long enough or the modem is in an inaccessible area to the Xbox 360, players must buy the Wireless Network Adapter at the added cost of $100 if they wish to play online. The wireless adapter is compatible with WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption codes, which are amongst the most common.

Whenever a player with a subscription to Xbox Live powers on their Xbox 360, a message is sent to all of the players’ friends that are online on their friends list, allowing others to see what game the user is playing and allowing the ability to voice chat with one another. The 360 supports online voice chat and private chat via a headset. Some of the numerous bundles of the system already include a headset, but otherwise a wired one can be bought for around $20 and a wireless one can be purchased for about $60. Video chat is also enabled if the owner has the added accessory of Live Vision, which is essentially a webcam that can be connected to the Xbox 360 and runs for about $40. Also, since Microsoft is the company that created the Xbox 360, they are trying to increase the system’s functionality with computers, so there is the added option of paying $30 for the Messenger Kit, which comes with a miniature keyboard and wired headset that can be used to communicate with others via Windows Live Messenger. Any or all of these accessories are available to enhance a gamers’ online experience.

The disadvantages against the other consoles are that there are a lot of extra costs in order to play online. There are the membership fees listed in the “Prices, Reception and other Statistics” section, the extra costs for a headset, webcam, and wireless adapter, and the fact that you must renew your membership yearly as well. Whereas the other systems come with built-in wireless cards, and have no membership fees. While costing the most in order to have an online experience, the advantages of Xbox Live far outweigh the disadvantages. It has the largest number of games that can be played online, and due to this, has the most number of online subscribers out of the three systems. It is also developed by Microsoft, which already has a vast amount of experience with online technology, so the functionality and servers are always in tiptop shape. It also has the most sophisticated matching system that allows players of the same level to play each other, so there are no imbalances and has the best user interface amongst it and its competitors. Despite all the extra costs, the gameplay, number of games with online play, and functionality make Xbox Live the choice of gamers for playing multiplayer matches of their favorite games.

Conclusion
Although competition among console gaming systems is fierce, when it comes to taking the gaming experience online there is only one system worth considering. By significantly improving technology first introduced by Sega, with the Dreamcast, Microsoft, with the Xbox, has managed to create an online gaming network radically superior to all others, allowing gamers to interact in a completely new way. With the plethora of features Xbox Live provides to it’s users, such as Live Arcade and Live Marketplace Xbox Live has become the Xbox systems' killer app allowing them to thrive in the ever expanding gaming market. There is no doubt Xbox Live is clearly most refined online system available to console gamers.