Xbox Live not ready for Primetime

Microsoft Corp. has shelved plans to unveil portions of its new Xbox Live service, which it is relaunching in November, including a feature that would allow players to compete in online game shows for real prizes.

The company has decided to delay Xbox Live Primetime until the spring in order to ensure a smooth launch, Forbes reported on Tuesday.

Primetime, which was announced at the E3 video game convention in July, was to include virtual game shows that could only be played on the Xbox 360 at scheduled times. The first show that was to debut was an online version of the NBC game show 1 vs. 100. Players were to compete against each other for physical prizes rather than just video-game-style points.

Xbox Live corporate vice-president John Schappert said Primetime would be "the best of television and the best of games" when it was unveiled at E3.

The Redmond, Wash.-based company is still planning to launch a revamped Xbox Live online service on Nov. 14. The service, which the company is calling the New Xbox Experience, will feature an improved user interface that is aimed at making it easier for players to socialize and buy games and video over Xbox Live.

Forbes reported that delaying the launch of Primetime until the spring could be costly for Microsoft, since the endeavour will compete with television networks for viewers.

Network television offerings are weaker now than they will be in the new year, when heavyweights such as 24, Lost and American Idol return, the magazine said.