Xbox Live to get Price Increase in November

In a world of a tough economic recession, people are cutting back in whatever way they can. From plundering movie and music sales to even the game industry, there's no denying that people are looking to save in any way they can. That is precisely why Microsoft's announcement today (via Major Nelson's blog) that they would be upping the price of Xbox Live in the US, UK, Canada and Mexico is a real headscratcher.

Sure the service is far and away the most reliable and fully-featured of the three online gaming consoles, but the price-increase doesn't quite seem justified in the eyes of the many commenters around the web. Of course, the rage will eventually die down and the people threatening to cancel their accounts will more than likely enter their credit card information with their tails between their legs as their Gold account expires.

Microsoft has suggested the numerous features of Xbox Live, such as Twitter, Facebook, Netflix and the newly implemented ESPN as the support for the price increase. The one question we're wondering though: does this mean 1 v. 100 will be coming back?

Check out the changes that take place on November 1st, 2010 and plan your renewal accordingly!

For US Customers:
1 Month:
Current: $7.99 New: $9.99
3 Months:
Current: $19.99 New: $24.99
12 Months:
Current: $49.99 New: $59.99

For UK Customers:
1 Month:
Current: 4.99 GBP New: 5.99 GBP

For Canada Customers:
1 Month:
Current: $8.99 CAD New: $9.99 CAD

For Mexico Customers:
1 Month:
Current: 499 Pesos New: 599 Pesos

Halo Reach also gets the leak treatment

It looks like the old adage "the more things change, the more things stay the same" has come true once again. Halo is no stranger to people turning into ravage dogs over wanting to play a game before anyone else, but when it comes to anything Halo things are ratcheted up to 11. So what's this leaky business that's going on have to do with Halo Reach? Well, it turns out the reverent wings of Reach have fallen to terrible plumbing in what can be called an avalanche of poor patch work.

Originally posted on a forum called GameTut's (you have to register on the forum to view the bragging post), you'll be greeted with yet another gamer waving his/her flag of coolness as they too have gotten their hands on a game before release in a not so legitimate way. The folks at HBO are no stranger to Halo spoilers floating around the net and neither should you as you try your darnedest to avoid material robbing you of your Halo innocence. Nevertheless, videogame grave robbers have done their dirty deed to get the game. Good luck avoiding the douche bags who want to ruin everything for the honest folk out there.

[Via Joystiq]

XBLA Today: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Xbox Live Arcade's last entry into its Summer of Arcade this year, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, has landed on Xbox LIVE albeit without what has turned out to be a crucial function like 'Online' Co-op. The twin-stick action puzzler this game still is, you'll have to return to the old school couch Co-op as you take to the role of Lara Croft or Mayan 'Totec' in the second seat while exploring lush lands and combating enemies all in "Geomerty Wars/Robotron" style. 1200 Microsoft Points is what you'll need to unlock the full game.

*Click here to add Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light to your download queue.

Purchase Through RockBandRelief.org, Help Donate Money to Nashville Flooding

Helping victims of the Nashville flooding has never been easier - or beneficial to you as well.

RockBandRelief.org, a website created for the purpose of releasing songs for download through Rock Band's Rock Band Network, has partnered with Amazon.com to donate 100% of the money you spend if you shop for certain Xbox 360 accessories through the site. A lot of good stuff is available, such as Rock Band games, microsoft points, and even the sleek new 250GB Xbox 360, in case you were considering a brand new 360 model. Again, all money you spend by shopping through RockBandRelief.org will be donated to the Red Cross for Nashville flooding, so it's an extra opportunity to reach out and help somebody.

I don't know about you, but I know for sure where I'll be getting my points cards for the next few weeks! I encourage you to shop through the site if you're in the market for any of these items.