Microsoft Corp, which today starts an online service in Europe for its Xbox game consoles, is struggling to win over makers of the top titles.
Microsoft, whose Xbox has sold about a sixth as many as Sony Corp's PlayStation 2, will launch the Internet service in eight countries without the backing of Electronic Arts Inc, the biggest US computer-game maker, or Tomb Raider-creator Eidos Plc.
"Microsoft should be concerned that a game maker of the size of Electronic Arts doesn't support its initiative," said Jason Armitage, an analyst at IDC. "It's critical to maintain relations with the publishers."
The world's largest software maker entered the game-equipment market in 2001. It's hoping the service, which lets users play against each other over high-speed links, will give the Xbox an edge over the PlayStation 2, where Internet gaming for European users won't be available until later this year.
Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft will start selling a kit that includes a one-year subscription and three games, such as Microsoft's Whacked, for 59.99 euros (US$65) in France and Germany, and ?39.99 (US$64) in the UK The service started in the US last year.
Sony's European unit plans to start testing its online gaming in the UK at the end of the month and begin offering the service "by the autumn" in Europe, said spokesman David Wilson, who declined to be more specific.
Eidos, maker of Tomb Raider and Championship Manager soccer games, said it doesn't plan to make games for Xbox Live because Microsoft controls the system and manages subscriptions itself, leaving no incentive for a publisher to collaborate. Sony's approach is to sell just the equipment needed to connect to other's services, such as those run by game makers.
"We're not supporting Xbox Live for the time being because we don't feel comfortable with Microsoft's business model -- they own the consumer," said Eidos Chief Executive Mike McGarvey in an interview on March 6.
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