Xbox Gaming in South Africa

Mark it down on your calendar, Microsoft SA has announced that Xbox LIVE will officially launch in South Africa on 10 November.

Along with confirming the release date, Microsoft announced that current Xbox LIVE users will be able to migrate their accounts to the new service, keeping their Gamertag details such as Gamerscore, MS Points balance, subscription balance, and downloaded content.

Pricing will be slightly higher than international pricing, with a 12 Months Gold subscription going for R599 and a 2100 MS Points card going at R299. Hopefully we'll see retailers offering these items at a lower price.

Below is the full Frequently Asked Questions from Xbox.com, which answers pretty much all the common question:

Q: What will be available on Xbox LIVE in South Africa?

A: For launch we’ve focused first on delivering the core gaming and community features that have made Xbox LIVE the world’s premier online gaming destination. Those with a free Xbox LIVE subscription (broadband internet required) get to earn Achievements, and receive access to free game demos as well as Xbox LIVE Games Marketplace including Xbox LIVE Arcade games and Game add-ons like new songs, characters and map packs [Games and add-ons sold separately]. Upgrade to Xbox LIVE Gold and play multiplayer games online, video chat with friends in the living room with Video Kinect and watch for exclusive discounts and offers for our new market members

Q: If I don’t migrate will my Xbox LIVE account be disconnected

A: No, but if you connect to LIVE today through a different region you are doing so via an unsupported method. In November you will be able to join the official LIVE network in South Africa which will offer tailored content and local support.

Q: If I migrate to the local service will I be able to migrate back to my original account?

A: At this point in time, you will not be able to migrate back to your original account.

Q: If I migrate to the official local Xbox LIVE network, will my account details change?

A: You get to keep the same profile details, including Gamertag, Gamer Score, Achievements, Tenure and Friends Lists.

Q: Will I keep my Game Saves?

A: Yes. You will get to keep your Game Saves.

Q: Will I keep my Microsoft Points?

A: Yes. You will get to keep your Microsoft Points.

Q: Will I keep any remaining subscription time on my Xbox LIVE account?

A: Yes. Any time remaining on your existing LIVE account will be transferred to your new account (and rounded up to the nearest month).

Q: Will I keep my download content e.g. games, videos, music and apps?

A: Yes. You will get to keep all the downloaded content stored on your hard-drive.

Q: Will I be able to re-download purchased content prior to migration e.g. games, videos, music and apps?

A: Yes, you will be able to re-download purchased content prior to migration and you should store the content on a hard drive or USB flash drive.

Q: Will I be able to re-download purchased content after migration e.g. games, videos, music and apps?

A: Our goal is to allow members to re-download all of their purchased content after migrating accounts, and we’re actively working to address this. However, at this point in time, once you migrate you will no longer be able to re-download content. Members should re-download purchased content to their hard drive or USB flash drive prior to migrating.

Q: What about Zune movies?

A: Movies purchased from Zune will not be accessible in South Africa

Q: Can I use an Xbox LIVE card purchased overseas country, or for another country in south Africa?

A: Microsoft Points cards purchased outside of the country are not guaranteed to work. We recommend that you purchase Microsoft Points cards in the country of your account from trusted local retailers or online at xbox.com.

Q: Will an Xbox LIVE subscription and Microsoft Points cost the same in South Africa as in other markets?

A: We aim to offer consistent pricing for Xbox LIVE around the world. For the retail price of a 12-month subscription will be ZAR 599.00 and a 2100 Microsoft Points card will cost ZAR 299.00.

Q: When will features like Netflix, Zune, Facebook, Twitter etc. be available?

A: We realize that Xbox 360 customers around the world want enjoy to the full breadth of features Xbox LIVE has to offer. We don’t have any announcements right now, but we are actively working to scale the service internationally.

Q: Will LIVE be available in my local language?

A: This year Xbox LIVE will be available in 11 language options including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. We are committed to delivering a great LIVE service to Xbox LIVE members around the world, but do not have any additional languages to announce right now.

Q: Will Games for Windows – LIVE be available in South Africa?

A: Yes. Games for Windows – LIVE is the same service as Xbox LIVE, just accessible through PC. That means your same friends list, achievements, Gamerscore, and reputation are exactly the same on both services – you log in with the same user information. Games for Windows – LIVE is available wherever Xbox LIVE is, and in addition, we will be introducing Games on Demand for full game downloads in the new LIVE regions.

Q: Will Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 be available in South Africa?

A: We don’t have any specific details to share right now regarding market availability of Windows Phone 7.

Q: How do I migrate my account?

1. Sign in to Xbox LIVE and go to My Account page
2. Click on Account Region
3. Select your country
4. Follow the steps outlined. Remember to re-download your content to a USB flash drive or your hard drive before continuing
5. Read and accept the Terms of Use
6. Your account will now be migrated to the LIVE offering in your chosen country
7. Select membership level: Silver or Gold
8. For Gold membership you will required to enter your billing information
9. You are now a member of the official LIVE in South Africa. Congratulations!

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What do you think of the new pricing? Will you be migrating to the South African LIVE service? Let us know in the comments. Either way, it's exciting times for South African Xbox gamers!