Since launching in 2002, Xbox Live has really changed the way console games are played. Even now, more than seven years later, Live remains arguably the best online service of the generation, with many gamers more than willing to pay $50 a year for all of its benefits. While you might think almost everyone using Xbox Live is doing so to play Xbox 360 games, there are still plenty of gamers using the service to play last-generation Xbox games online. However, that is all going to change this spring, when Xbox Live is finally discontinued for all original Xbox systems and games.

Major Nelson posted the news on his blog early this morning, stating:

"I wanted to let you know that on April 15, 2010 Microsoft will discontinue Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox 1 games playable on Xbox 360. Our first step in this process will be to turn off auto-renewals for those members who only use Xbox LIVE on a v1 Xbox. While I can’t comment on the specifics, this change will allow us to continue evolving the LIVE service with new features and experiences that fully harness the power of Xbox 360 and the Xbox LIVE community. We did not make this decision lightly, but after careful consideration and review we realize that this decision will allow us unprecedented flexibility for future features."

This won't affect me personally, but I know there are some people out there still playing games like Halo 2 online regularly, and I'm sure there will be more than a few sad gamers. However, if this is something that the Xbox Live team feels is necessary to better the service for current generation gamers, then it needs to be done. It is really amazing that people are still playing Halo 2 online five years after it launched, and Microsoft should be commended for that, but it's time to let it go.

As Major Nelson said, you can still get some Xbox online play in until April 15, so enjoy it while it lasts. Is anyone genuinely upset by this, or are you excited for what the future holds for Xbox Live?