MS to discontinue LIVE for original Xbox games

Multiplayer to end on April 15.

Microsoft has announced that on April 15 it will discontinue the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox games playable on Xbox 360 and Xbox Originals.

"I want to start by saying this isn't a decision we made lightly, but after careful consideration, it is clear this will provide the greatest benefit to the Xbox LIVE community," said Marc Whitten, General Manager, Xbox LIVE.

"There’s no greater example of the power of the Xbox LIVE community than the Halo franchise. Halo 2 has had an amazing run on LIVE, with a dedicated community more than five years after launch and well into the next generation of consoles. It has fundamentally changed the way we play video games," said Whitten. "And while it’s difficult to see that run come to an end, the Halo franchise continues to act as the benchmark for multiplayer gaming in this generation, with Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and soon Halo: Reach on Xbox 360."

Whitten continued: "To reach our aspiration, we need to make changes to the service that are incompatible with our original Xbox v1 games. We will contact the Xbox LIVE members directly impacted by this change and if this includes you, I encourage you to check your LIVE messages and associated e-mail account over the coming weeks for more details and opportunities. We view you as a partner in this process."

Whitten concluded by promising that "the best is yet to come for Xbox LIVE" and gamers will "look back on 2010 as a landmark year in gaming and home entertainment".