One of the driving forces behind Microsoft's Xbox 360 gaming console’s success was the introduction of the Xbox LIVE platform that allows gamers from all over the world to compete against each other from the comfort of their own homes. As you would expect, Microsoft offers a free of charge LIVE package, but serious gamers who want to get the most out of their connected video game world, the Gold subscription is usually the way to go.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 console is the most popular on the market by quite a distance now, which is rather surprising, given how the full experience with Xbox LIVE Gold Membership relies on continual payments from consumers. Sony's PlayStation Network, for example, is absolutely free of charge, rendering the 360's continued dominance as all the more commendable.