Microsoft launched Xbox Live on November 2nd, 2002, for their first console, the Xbox. With this service, they became the first service to offer this type of service to console gamers. Sure, there were plenty of other options over the years, dating as far back as the Atari 2600, but none offered services like Microsoft did. Xbox Live was groundbreaking in many ways. Microsoft eventually ended the service on April 15th, 2010, ending an era of gaming.
While there have been programs and hardware options to allow playing Xbox Live multiplayer games directly with other players, Insignia is different. The goal of Insignia seems to be bringing back the style, ease of use, and functionality of Xbox Live itself.
This is interesting because, well, at its core, the Xbox is just a modified personal computer with off the shelf parts (similar to how Sega designed their Sega Genesis console in the 80’s). Microsoft, and their hardware partners, did do some modifying to make hacking the Xbox not so easy (they didn’t want an Accolade or Electronic Arts coming along blackmailing them).
When Xbox Live for the original Xbox shut down, it seemed a sign of the times. Time to move onto the Xbox 360 and that version of Xbox Live.
Until the modding community got involved.
Insignia currently offers their service to about 3,500 registered users. That is a far cry from the millions of users of Microsoft’s version.
This is understandable as setting up Insignia will require more than simply putting in a credit card number and plugging in an ethernet cable to your Xbox console.
You will need to soft mod your Xbox console and do some other things to access this free service. One thing is signing up on the Insignia website (don’t worry, the service is completely free).
Stats on the Insignia website currently state 3,600+ registered users on the service, 42 games supported, and even how many people are playing right now (16 as of this writing).
This is an interesting option, are you going to take advantage of it? Let me know in the comments below.
