Xbox Live Beta Flashback
Birthdays are days to look back. They are days to reflect on previous years to see exactly what has gone on year after year after year. I know some of you are new to Xbox Live so I thought it would be fun to look back to the year it all began. I took a few pictures of the Xbox Live Beta Kit that I still have. It’s amazing that I’ve kept it this long but I figured it was the start of something beautiful. Five years later it seems I was right.
In October 2002, it began for me. I was selected to be amongst the few to beta an exciting idea from Microsoft. Xbox Live. It was a bold step to bring gamers from different cities, states and countries together. I didn’t know what to expect but I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to be among the few to experience it first. My gamertag then was Racivius Dawn. (had to think quick and I was deep into Morrowind at the time)
It started with an Xbox Live starter kit. It had demos of Revolt, Whacked, NFL Fever and Moto GP. I can still remember how amazed I was at speaking to people in other states as they all drove backwards on the track of Moto GP. It was insane but so much fun. I remember the lag during NFL Fever that caused so many losses for me. Ok, maybe my lack of skills had something to do with it but I’m sticking to the lag story. The experience was amazing though. The headsets hung over your ears and were actually quite ugly. But there was no denying that being connected to people on the Xbox was a defining moment.
If you have any stories or pictures to share from 2002, let me hear it. I know I wasn’t the only one in the beta. Things sure have changed haven’t they? I’m looking forward to 5 more years!
Screenshots: Xbox Live Beta Kit
November 15th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
lol I can’t comment on the early days - I came in about 3 yrs ago, but i too want to hear the great gamer stories. Sometimes it sux coming late to the party - lol
November 15th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
you’re always late Danger lol. being early is always better…usually the cover is free if you’re early enough haha
November 15th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
I remember when i bought the first xbox when it came with moto gp demo online. I since love everything from Live the only thing I missed is the group chat. they need to bring that back…feels like yesterday when i just chat and play for more than 4 hours a day. XBOX LIVE is the best!!!!!!!!!!
November 15th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
group chat was nice
November 15th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
I didnt start playing online until I got my 360, I didn’t even have a internet connection, well I had dial up but that doesn’t count lol
November 16th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Morrowind, the game that had a significant impact on my studies and social life…
The good days..
i’m level 89, and haven’t even started the main quest yet.
thanks for the screenies btw, i really liked to know how it looked when xbl first started
November 16th, 2007 at 7:38 am
I wasnt a beta tester, but I got my LIVE starter kit NOV 02 and remember playing Wacked demo ( best selection of voice masks ever!) and Moto GP…and yes, I was the guy who Loved to race backwards, crashing into people and ruining their day LOL! Fun times.
November 16th, 2007 at 7:45 am
lol who could forget the voice masks…and damn you for racing backwards Goon! haha
November 16th, 2007 at 8:14 am
lol wow keep em coming! Tho i was late, i was hooked & it was love at first play!
November 16th, 2007 at 8:22 am
LOL that was cool , the voice mask would drive me insane I never knew who was a girl and who wasnt LMAO.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Cool stuff… That’s really cool that your able to give us Flashback Moments like that. Keep it up.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I got my [first] Xbox Live Starter Kit about over 4 years ago. And I won my original Xbox [in a GS giveaway], which I still have and wanted for the original Splinter Cell; during my tender college days.
Geez, time DOES really fly…lol
Oh, I played alot of Outlaw Volleyball and Capcom vs. SNK 2: EO online.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:52 am
geez Fizzy..you’re a winning machine dude! i need your luck apparently.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:53 am
@TX, no sweat dude…i’m glad to share a cool moment in gaming history for us all.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Great post man, great post!
November 16th, 2007 at 11:40 am
To be honest, I never got my Xbox until holiday ‘03 and signed up for Live in early ‘04.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
bad bad Green lol
November 16th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
::Fizzy “sprinkles” his luck on DB:: There ya go, Deacon!
Alright, Ryhme…where’s DB’s Heroes HD-DVD player? XD lol
November 21st, 2007 at 11:07 am
[...] was pretty cool. I know I gave you all a bit of a look back at the beginning of Xbox Live with my Beta Flashback but here you can enjoy all the years in between then and [...]
November 21st, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I still have my carrier for the headset and memory card from the beta testing… i’ll see if I can get a picture..