Michael Pachter, Industry Analyst, is on a roll following his (correct) prediction of a $10 price hike on Xbox Live Gold in the US, and is now talking of an Xbox Live Platinum option.
In an interview with IndustryGamers, Mr. Pachter said:
“The extra $10 translates to around $100 – 150 million per year in additional revenue for Microsoft. I think that they will reinvest at least this much in developing other new applications, and will roll out a premium service with $100 – 200 million worth of enhancements.”
“If they can get 2 million users to switch from the $60 plan to the $100 plan, they’ll make an extra $80 million a year, and can keep investing to try to grow that business.”
“…for all I know, the Platinum plan might include virtual goods credits for various Microsoft games. If members could get specialized Halo armor or weapons worth the extra $40, they might be more willing to sign up, and it doesn’t really cost Microsoft anything to offer things like that.”
Please let the man be wrong this time.
